What It’s Like to Live in Solihull: A Comprehensive Guide for Potential Home Buyers
Solihull
Solihull, a thriving town located in the heart of England’s West Midlands, is renowned for its affluent suburbs, exceptional shopping and high quality of life. This comprehensive guide will provide potential home buyers with valuable insights into what makes Solihull an attractive and desirable place to live.
A Prosperous and Well-to-Do Community
Solihull enjoys a reputation as an affluent and sought-after area, attracting executives, professionals and wealthy retirees. The town’s property market reflects this affluence, with prices often exceeding the national average. However, the investment is worthwhile, as residents benefit from a safe, well-maintained environment and a strong sense of community.
Extensive Retail and Leisure Offerings
Solihull is a shopper’s paradise, boasting the Touchwood shopping centre, one of the largest and most popular retail destinations in the West Midlands. Shoppers can indulge in a wide array of high-street brands and independent boutiques. Beyond shopping, Solihull offers an abundance of leisure activities, including high-end restaurants, art galleries, cinemas, theatres and other entertainment venues.
Strong Economy and Employment Opportunities
As a major commercial hub, Solihull has a thriving economy. Numerous national and international companies have established their headquarters in the area, providing a wealth of employment opportunities. Key industries include automotive, finance and professional services.
High Quality of Life
Solihull consistently ranks among the best places to live in the UK, thanks to its low crime rates, excellent schools, abundant green spaces and convenient access to the motorway network. Residents enjoy a comfortable, safe and fulfilling lifestyle.
Convenient Location
Situated just 8 miles southeast of Birmingham, Solihull offers the best of both worlds. Residents can easily access the amenities and transport connections of the UK’s second-largest city while enjoying the tranquility and appeal of a smaller town.
Architectural Features
Solihull has a wide range of architectural styles, from elegant Victorian and Edwardian properties to contemporary new-build developments. While there isn’t a specific local stone or architectural style unique to the area, many older properties feature red brick and timber framing, reflecting the town’s historical roots.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Solihull town centre offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. Mell Square, the heart of the town centre, hosts a weekly market and various events. Touchwood Shopping Centre provides a modern shopping experience with popular high street brands and a cinema.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Solihull has several beautiful parks and green spaces. Malvern and Brueton Parks offer vast open spaces, woodlands, lakes and a nature reserve. Tudor Grange Park features a leisure centre, swimming pool and athletics track.
Solihull is also home to several notable historical landmarks. St. Alphege Church, a Grade I listed building, dates back to the 13th century. Solihull Manor House, a 15th-century timber-framed building, offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history.
A Growing Community
Solihull is recognised as one of the most prosperous areas in the West Midlands. It boasts highly affluent areas with economic strength, alongside diverse communities with significant cultural and economic potential. The borough offers a range of location options, including attractive rural villages such as Meriden and Dorridge, recently voted among the best places to live in the UK.
Solihull is home to a growing population. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of residents from different ethnic backgrounds increased significantly, reflecting the town’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Flood Risks and Radon Risks
While Solihull is generally considered a low-risk area for flooding, certain areas are more susceptible than others. Properties located close to the River Blythe and its tributaries may be at a higher risk of flooding.
Conducting a radon survey before purchasing a property is highly recommended.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Like many towns, Solihull experiences traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly on major roads. However, the town has excellent public transport links, with regular train services to Birmingham and London and a comprehensive bus network.
Conservation Areas
Solihull has several conservation areas, including the town centre, Solihull Lodge and Elmdon Park. These areas are protected due to their special architectural or historical interest.
Future Developments and Planned Infrastructure Projects
Solihull is undergoing significant regeneration and development, with the UK Central Hub project set to transform the area around Birmingham Airport and the NEC. The project includes plans for new homes, offices, hotels and infrastructure improvements.
Safety and Crime Statistics
Solihull is widely recognised as a safe place to live, boasting the title of the safest major town in the West Midlands. In 2023, the town recorded a crime rate of 75 crimes per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the regional average of 118. This places Solihull among the top 10 safest locations in the West Midlands. On a national level, Solihull is among the top 20 safest major towns in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. While no place is entirely crime-free, residents can feel reassured by the town’s strong commitment to safety and security.
Unique, Lesser-Known Information
- Olton: A popular area for families, known for its excellent schools and tree-lined streets. Streets such as Kineton Green Road and St. Bernard’s Road are highly sought-after.
- Knowle: A picturesque village within Solihull, boasting a historic high street with independent shops and traditional pubs.
- Shirley: A suburb with a range of shops and restaurants. Parkgate, a popular shopping street, offers a unique mix of independent and high street stores.
- Blossomfield: Home to the renowned Blossomfield Campus of Solihull College and University Centre.
- Solihull Carnival: A popular annual event featuring a colourful parade, live music and various stalls and attractions.
Top 6 Places to Live in Solihull:
1. Shirley
This lively suburb is known for its diverse community and dynamic atmosphere. With a wide array of shops and restaurants lining the busy Parkgate area, Shirley attracts families and young professionals alike. Its excellent transport links make commuting to Birmingham city centre quick and convenient.
2. Knowle
A picturesque village that exudes character, Knowle is celebrated for its historic high street, featuring an array of independent shops, traditional pubs and lively community events. Offering a more relaxed pace of life, Knowle is also well-connected to the hustle and bustle of Solihull town centre.
3. Dorridge
Highly sought after for its blend of period homes and contemporary developments, Dorridge is synonymous with quality education, boasting outstanding schools like Dorridge Primary School and Arden Academy. The village provides easy access to stunning countryside and is perfect for families looking for a tranquil environment.
4. Olton
Known for its picturesque tree-lined streets, Olton is a family-friendly residential area that fosters a strong sense of community. The local landmark, Olton Mere, is not only beautiful but also a hub for leisure activities, including water sports, making it an ideal choice for active residents.
5. Bickenhill
Strategically located near Birmingham Airport and the NEC, Bickenhill is perfect for frequent travellers and professionals working in nearby business parks. The area features a mix of modern apartments and traditional family homes, providing diverse living options for residents.
6. Hampton-in-Arden
This village captures the essence of a peaceful retreat, complete with a historic church, traditional pubs and a village green. Although it offers a serene lifestyle, Hampton-in-Arden remains conveniently close to both Solihull and Birmingham, allowing residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.
