An influential lifestyle guide has unveiled its definitive list of the best places to live in the West Midlands for the coming year, highlighting neighbourhoods that combine affordability with excellent amenities, schools, and vibrant communities.
The Top Picks for 2026
According to the annual report from Muddy Stilettos, the selected areas offer outstanding value for families and professionals alike. The assessment carefully considered factors including house prices, local dining and shopping scenes, cultural attractions, and community spirit. A spokesperson for the magazine emphasised the region's diverse appeal, stating: "It may have been the beating heart of the industrial revolution but there’s more to the West Midlands than just factories and manufacturing. Think idyllic rolling countryside alongside bustling cities with some of the UK’s top bars and restaurants."
From City Centre Gems to Leafy Suburbs
The list showcases a compelling mix of locations, with property entry points beginning at an accessible £180,000. Topping the Birmingham rankings is the historic Jewellery Quarter, praised for its affordability and rising desirability. Data from Rightmove shows the average flat cost around £220,000 over the past year, with stylish conversions available from the £180,000 mark.
In second place is the creatively charged district of Digbeth, officially named one of Britain's coolest neighbourhoods in 2025. This transformed industrial area now boasts a buzzing clubbing culture, independent businesses, and striking street art, with average house prices sitting at approximately £250,199.
Coventry's Earlsdon takes the third spot, offering a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere bolstered by its proximity to two major universities. With an average house price of £266,035 and a half-hour commute to Birmingham, it presents a strong value proposition.
Family Favourites and Foodie Havens
The guide also highlights several suburbs renowned for their quality of life. Edgbaston, a leafy retreat just miles from the city centre, commands higher prices, with an average of £361,488, justified by its botanical gardens, top schools, and sporting heritage.
Harborne follows, celebrated for its thriving food scene and good schools, where property averages £323,753. Meanwhile, Kings Heath is noted for its café culture and independent shops, offering slightly better value at an average of £278,111.
Further afield, Solihull is described as one of the UK's most desirable postcodes, blending green spaces, outstanding schools, and a vibrant town centre. House prices here averaged around £326,000 in the past year.
Completing the list is Birmingham's Stirchley, a tight-knit community famed for award-winning bars, top eateries, and a booming craft beer scene. This 'small but mighty' neighbourhood saw average house prices of £252,512, predominantly for terraced homes.
This comprehensive guide provides a valuable snapshot for anyone considering a move within the dynamic West Midlands region, proving that exceptional living options exist across a wide spectrum of budgets and lifestyles.
