A West Midlands town has been officially ranked as the most peaceful and ideal location for family life in England, according to a new expert analysis.
Solihull Tops National Rankings for Tranquillity
Research conducted by property experts Sell House Fast has placed Solihull at the very top of its list of the country's calmest places to reside. The study, which aimed to identify areas offering a quiet and pollution-free alternative to major cities, analysed a comprehensive range of environmental and social factors.
These included the rate of noise complaints, levels of artificial light pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the proximity to sewage works. Solihull achieved an impressively low overall score of just 2.28 out of 10, securing its position ahead of other contenders like Wiltshire, Peterborough, and South Gloucestershire.
The Data Behind the Designation
The figures reveal a compelling case for Solihull's top ranking. In the past year, the area recorded only 2.7 noise complaints per 1,000 residents, one of the lowest rates nationwide. Its greenhouse gas emissions also sit comfortably below the national average, contributing to cleaner air.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that a mere 9.3% of land in Solihull is affected by artificial light at night. This allows residents to enjoy significantly darker skies than in most parts of England, a key marker of an undisturbed environment.
A Green Belt Secures a Quiet Future
This cherished tranquillity is not under immediate threat. According to Solihull Council, a significant over two-thirds of the borough is designated as protected green belt land. This policy actively limits large-scale development, helping to preserve the area's quiet, rural character for the foreseeable future.
The study's authors concluded: "Compared with major cities, residents here experience very little environmental disruption." They explicitly recommended Solihull for families dreaming of a quieter life away from urban crime, traffic, and pollution.
Another Midlands location, the rural county of Shropshire, also featured prominently in the findings, securing eighth place on the list of England's most peaceful places to live.
