A comprehensive new study has unveiled the most sought-after residential areas in Birmingham over the past year, providing a fascinating insight into the city's shifting demographic patterns. The research, which forecasts likely trends for 2026, highlights the evolving preferences of those choosing to make Birmingham their home.
Longbridge Claims Top Spot Despite Overall Decline
Longbridge has emerged as Birmingham's most popular destination for new residents, based on detailed data from 2025. An impressive 6.3% of all individuals who relocated to the city selected Longbridge as their chosen area, allowing it to secure the number one position.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Longbridge, along with the majority of other top areas, experienced a year-on-year reduction in the total number of movers. The findings stem from a robust Compare My Move survey, which gathered information from more than 3,300 people who either moved to or from Birmingham during 2025.
A Standout Performer: Stirchley's Remarkable Growth
While nine out of the ten most popular relocation areas in Birmingham witnessed a net decline in movers compared to the previous year, one district bucked this trend decisively. Stirchley recorded a substantial 6.5% increase in people moving to the area in 2025, propelling it firmly into the coveted top ten rankings.
This significant growth suggests Stirchley is becoming an increasingly attractive option for new residents, potentially due to its amenities, transport links, or community vibe.
The Full Top 10 Rankings for Birmingham Movers
The study provides a clear hierarchy of Birmingham's most popular areas for those moving to the city. Below is the complete list based on the 2025 data:
- Longbridge: Although it recorded a net loss of movers over the year, Longbridge overtook the city centre to claim the top spot. It remains the most popular choice, with 6.3% of movers selecting it.
- City Centre: Birmingham's core area saw a much sharper decline in demand, with mover interest falling by 17%. Despite this, it still attracted 6.1% of all people moving to the city in 2025.
- Selly Oak: This area proved popular, with 5.2% of all city movers choosing Selly Oak as their new home.
- Edgbaston: A well-established and desirable area, Edgbaston was selected by 5% of those relocating to Birmingham.
The remaining positions in the top ten, while not detailed in the initial report, contribute to a broader picture of where people are choosing to live within the UK's second city. The data indicates a competitive landscape where even areas experiencing a decline in total movers can remain highly popular relative to others.
Analysing the Trends and Implications
The report underscores a broader trend of reduced mobility into Birmingham's most popular districts, with the notable exception of Stirchley. This could reflect various factors, including housing market pressures, changing work patterns, or the appeal of emerging neighbourhoods.
For prospective movers and city planners alike, this study offers valuable intelligence. It highlights which areas are currently in highest demand and identifies neighbourhoods like Stirchley that are gaining momentum, potentially signalling future growth hotspots for 2026 and beyond.
