Moving to Birmingham discussion
Neutral reviews
anonymous
Birmingham doesn’t seem to attract many Americans, as they generally prefer to go to London. However, there still some some who make the move. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:
Size: Birmingham’s population is roughly the same as San Jose, California, although the metro area has roughly the same number of people as the greater Seattle metropolitan region.
Expat groups: The North American Connection organization helps Americans and Canadians living in the West Midlands to integrate into British society along with hosting a range of social activities. InterNations and Expats Blog also both have resources for Americans moving to and living in Birmingham.
Not Alabama: Your American friends may be slightly confused about exactly which Birmingham you’ve moved to, so be prepared to explain that there’s a Birmingham in the UK along with one in Alabama.
anonymous
Birmingham is located in an area known in the UK as the West Midlands. It is the biggest city outside of London with a population of just over a million people. It’s about two and a half hours drive from London.
Many expats love Birmingham for its ethnic and cultural diversity. It has a young population by comparison to the rest of the UK. Around 70% of its population is white, but there is also a significant Asian population of around 20% and vibrant black community (around 6%).
As an expatriate moving to Birmingham you’ll find good accommodation at competitive prices, in areas you’d actually like to live in. The average price of a house in London is a 400,000 GBP, but in Birmingham it’s just 133,000 GBP. If you want to rent, the average rent for a three-bedroom house is around 710 GBP per month.
anonymous
The Climate in Birmingham
Birmingham has a marine west coast climate that is mainly mild, with no dry season, and temperate summers. Winters are often rainy, but rarely harsh. You will see a dusting of snow in the colder times of year, but it will soon disappear as milder weather arrives
Joshua Allerton
https://www.quora.com/Is-moving-to-Birmingham-UK-a-good-idea
I recommend Selly Oak for young professionals, but Bournville, Harborne, and Edgbaston are good too.
Wages in Birmingham are average. As a graduate, you'll be looking around £25K as a starting point. Depending on the area you choose to live in, you can spend a lot of that on rent. Like every city, knowing the cheapest places will make your life easier.
For job sites, one search. all jobs. Indeed has been my favourite. Searching for management trainee roles would be your best bet.
If you have any further questions about living in Birmingham, feel free to give me a shout! :D
anonymous
This city is well-known for its diversity, which is easy to spot on the street food scene.
On top of this, it has one of the largest parks in Europe and more canal waterways than Venice. You simply can’t get bored in Birmingham, especially if you add to the mix the many pubs, bars, and the famous Cadburys chocolate.
Also, if you feel like you’re missing your previous home, Birmingham is in the heart of England, making it the perfect place to live if you plan to visit your relatives or go for a vacation. You’re only 2-3 hours away from other major cities.
anonymous
Birmingham is an expansive place, full of contradictions, you might feel like you have to work hard to get to know it. This city and its people have been through many changes over the years, now it’s blossoming and feels more welcoming to new arrivals than ever.
anonymous
https://burkebros.co.uk/moving-in-the-uk-reasons-to-move-to-birmingham/
Birmingham is famous for having “more canals than Venice”, which is actually true as Birmingham has 35 miles compared with just 26 miles in Venice, this of course is a massive attraction for those who like to use canal boats! Birmingham also has one of the most famous parts of the motorway in the UK, the Gravelly Hill interchange, more commonly known as the Spaghetti Junction. The city is very much interconnected with excellent public transport facilities with train, tram and bus. For Example, the Number 11 outer circle bus routes are said to be the longest urban bus routes in Europe, reaching a length of 26 miles. Birmingham’s New Street station is the busiest in the UK outside of London and national hub for CrossCounty; the biggest long-distance rail network in Britain. Also given the Midland locality many chose to relocate here simply because the commute to work is easier, this will especially be true as HS2 the new high speed rail link from Birmingham to London is rolled out.
gordyslovesheep
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
Birmingham is great - very lively with good shopping
you could move to Liverpool though - where you would be able to buy a palace for the price of a 4 bed in Moseley and still have a vibrant city life
*lived in Birmingham - from Liverpool - misses home!
msrisotto
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
I've moved from Birmingham to London and back again. I was/am happy in both places. I don't really miss anything about London apart from the friends I made there.
It's not just the house prices but the travel costs as well. Getting around is much cheaper going by car and doesn't take forever.
whatever5
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
People who have lived in Birmingham all their lives (apart from when they were students) think it is great.
I have lived in a lot of places including Birmingham, and Birmingham is definitely my least favourite. People are reasonably friendly but you always feel like an outsider if you're not from there.
rantoe
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I have lived north of Birmingham for a large portion of my life. Most people when they say they are from Birmingham they mean they are from a surrounding area. I live in Gardendale and I am selling my home to move a little further north to morris, Kimberly, or warrior. If you are wanting land you might want to look in that area. Good schools and pretty quiet area and more affordable than some other areas. 65 takes you to Birmingham pretty fast depending on how far off you are from the interstate. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to Birmingham if traffic is no problem. Here is a Zillow link to the House I have for sale if you are interested. Birmingham is a great city that is on the rise and has some of the best food and interesting people you will find.
JennJayBee
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
Birmingham isn't all downtown, and even downtown, the crime limited to certain areas. I work downtown and love it.
Even if you don't live within city limits, there are plenty of suburbs around Birmingham with affordable housing and within a reasonable driving distance from the downtown area. Morning rush hour seems to be the only time when I have any real issues, and that's pretty much expected anywhere and can be planned for.
Positive reviews
Karthika Ramkumar
https://www.quora.com/Is-moving-to-Birmingham-UK-a-good-idea
I was enrolled in to a training program in birmingham and I stayed there for three months. I was 23 and from a very conservative background of South India. Trust me it was a really nice place to cope up.. I have been to London and couple other places as well but Birmingham was the best among them.. Not very crowded as London and not so cold as north. A calm city I would call.. And yes, very beautiful.. The water was amazing.. People were lovely and the rent and other amenities are perfect...
JemimaMuddledUp
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
Birmingham is quite nice these days, most of the stereotypes are about 30 years out of date. Good shopping, fab museums, it is one of my favourite cities.
FrauMoose
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
I meant that Birmingham has been a good place to bring up children.
AutomatedIntegration
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I moved here from Memphis two years ago, and I am so grateful that I did. Birmingham crime is highly concentrated in certain areas that are easy to avoid, while Memphis crime is everywhere. I feel much safer in Birmingham, and there is so much more to do here.
fishywa
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I'm a former birmingham native living in Texas. If you are into the kind of nightlife and fun you can find in Austin you're going to find it more in Memphis. But Birmingham is a fine town and can be good for a family if you are going farther out from the city. Job wise I highly recommend trying to land a job before you move and dictate your move choice then.
Neutral reviews
anonymous
Birmingham doesn’t seem to attract many Americans, as they generally prefer to go to London. However, there still some some who make the move. If you’re considering it, here are a few bonus tips:
Size: Birmingham’s population is roughly the same as San Jose, California, although the metro area has roughly the same number of people as the greater Seattle metropolitan region.
Expat groups: The North American Connection organization helps Americans and Canadians living in the West Midlands to integrate into British society along with hosting a range of social activities. InterNations and Expats Blog also both have resources for Americans moving to and living in Birmingham.
Not Alabama: Your American friends may be slightly confused about exactly which Birmingham you’ve moved to, so be prepared to explain that there’s a Birmingham in the UK along with one in Alabama.
anonymous
Birmingham is located in an area known in the UK as the West Midlands. It is the biggest city outside of London with a population of just over a million people. It’s about two and a half hours drive from London.
Many expats love Birmingham for its ethnic and cultural diversity. It has a young population by comparison to the rest of the UK. Around 70% of its population is white, but there is also a significant Asian population of around 20% and vibrant black community (around 6%).
As an expatriate moving to Birmingham you’ll find good accommodation at competitive prices, in areas you’d actually like to live in. The average price of a house in London is a 400,000 GBP, but in Birmingham it’s just 133,000 GBP. If you want to rent, the average rent for a three-bedroom house is around 710 GBP per month.
anonymous
The Climate in Birmingham
Birmingham has a marine west coast climate that is mainly mild, with no dry season, and temperate summers. Winters are often rainy, but rarely harsh. You will see a dusting of snow in the colder times of year, but it will soon disappear as milder weather arrives
Joshua Allerton
https://www.quora.com/Is-moving-to-Birmingham-UK-a-good-idea
I recommend Selly Oak for young professionals, but Bournville, Harborne, and Edgbaston are good too.
Wages in Birmingham are average. As a graduate, you'll be looking around £25K as a starting point. Depending on the area you choose to live in, you can spend a lot of that on rent. Like every city, knowing the cheapest places will make your life easier.
For job sites, one search. all jobs. Indeed has been my favourite. Searching for management trainee roles would be your best bet.
If you have any further questions about living in Birmingham, feel free to give me a shout! :D
anonymous
This city is well-known for its diversity, which is easy to spot on the street food scene.
On top of this, it has one of the largest parks in Europe and more canal waterways than Venice. You simply can’t get bored in Birmingham, especially if you add to the mix the many pubs, bars, and the famous Cadburys chocolate.
Also, if you feel like you’re missing your previous home, Birmingham is in the heart of England, making it the perfect place to live if you plan to visit your relatives or go for a vacation. You’re only 2-3 hours away from other major cities.
anonymous
Birmingham is an expansive place, full of contradictions, you might feel like you have to work hard to get to know it. This city and its people have been through many changes over the years, now it’s blossoming and feels more welcoming to new arrivals than ever.
anonymous
https://burkebros.co.uk/moving-in-the-uk-reasons-to-move-to-birmingham/
Birmingham is famous for having “more canals than Venice”, which is actually true as Birmingham has 35 miles compared with just 26 miles in Venice, this of course is a massive attraction for those who like to use canal boats! Birmingham also has one of the most famous parts of the motorway in the UK, the Gravelly Hill interchange, more commonly known as the Spaghetti Junction. The city is very much interconnected with excellent public transport facilities with train, tram and bus. For Example, the Number 11 outer circle bus routes are said to be the longest urban bus routes in Europe, reaching a length of 26 miles. Birmingham’s New Street station is the busiest in the UK outside of London and national hub for CrossCounty; the biggest long-distance rail network in Britain. Also given the Midland locality many chose to relocate here simply because the commute to work is easier, this will especially be true as HS2 the new high speed rail link from Birmingham to London is rolled out.
gordyslovesheep
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
Birmingham is great - very lively with good shopping
you could move to Liverpool though - where you would be able to buy a palace for the price of a 4 bed in Moseley and still have a vibrant city life
*lived in Birmingham - from Liverpool - misses home!
msrisotto
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
I've moved from Birmingham to London and back again. I was/am happy in both places. I don't really miss anything about London apart from the friends I made there.
It's not just the house prices but the travel costs as well. Getting around is much cheaper going by car and doesn't take forever.
whatever5
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
People who have lived in Birmingham all their lives (apart from when they were students) think it is great.
I have lived in a lot of places including Birmingham, and Birmingham is definitely my least favourite. People are reasonably friendly but you always feel like an outsider if you're not from there.
rantoe
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I have lived north of Birmingham for a large portion of my life. Most people when they say they are from Birmingham they mean they are from a surrounding area. I live in Gardendale and I am selling my home to move a little further north to morris, Kimberly, or warrior. If you are wanting land you might want to look in that area. Good schools and pretty quiet area and more affordable than some other areas. 65 takes you to Birmingham pretty fast depending on how far off you are from the interstate. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to get to Birmingham if traffic is no problem. Here is a Zillow link to the House I have for sale if you are interested. Birmingham is a great city that is on the rise and has some of the best food and interesting people you will find.
JennJayBee
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
Birmingham isn't all downtown, and even downtown, the crime limited to certain areas. I work downtown and love it.
Even if you don't live within city limits, there are plenty of suburbs around Birmingham with affordable housing and within a reasonable driving distance from the downtown area. Morning rush hour seems to be the only time when I have any real issues, and that's pretty much expected anywhere and can be planned for.
Positive reviews
Karthika Ramkumar
https://www.quora.com/Is-moving-to-Birmingham-UK-a-good-idea
I was enrolled in to a training program in birmingham and I stayed there for three months. I was 23 and from a very conservative background of South India. Trust me it was a really nice place to cope up.. I have been to London and couple other places as well but Birmingham was the best among them.. Not very crowded as London and not so cold as north. A calm city I would call.. And yes, very beautiful.. The water was amazing.. People were lovely and the rent and other amenities are perfect...
JemimaMuddledUp
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
Birmingham is quite nice these days, most of the stereotypes are about 30 years out of date. Good shopping, fab museums, it is one of my favourite cities.
FrauMoose
https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/1957610-to-consider-moving-to-Birmingham
I meant that Birmingham has been a good place to bring up children.
AutomatedIntegration
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I moved here from Memphis two years ago, and I am so grateful that I did. Birmingham crime is highly concentrated in certain areas that are easy to avoid, while Memphis crime is everywhere. I feel much safer in Birmingham, and there is so much more to do here.
fishywa
https://www.reddit.com/r/Birmingham/comments/8vs9yt/moving_to_birmingham/
I'm a former birmingham native living in Texas. If you are into the kind of nightlife and fun you can find in Austin you're going to find it more in Memphis. But Birmingham is a fine town and can be good for a family if you are going farther out from the city. Job wise I highly recommend trying to land a job before you move and dictate your move choice then.