Birmingham has once again been included in The Sunday Times’ annual ‘Best Places to Live’ guide. For 2022, it has been named as one of the best places to reside in the Midlands, with the judges singling out the Jewellery Quarter and King’s Heath.
The Jewelery Quarter is highlighted by its downtown location, attractive and historic buildings, and a variety of smart shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The prospect of suburban new stations, independent shops and top-notch parks has earned Kings Heath recognition.
The judges explained they were drawn to Birmingham after Peaky Blinders and the Commonwealth Games placed the city in the spotlight this year. Perhaps this is partly responsible for the 12 per cent growth since 2020 with the average house price reaching £234,000.
For residents of the Jewelery Quarter and Kings Heath communities, the special mention comes as no surprise. The Jewel District is one of Birmingham’s oldest neighborhoods just a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Fondly known as the “JQ” to locals, it is the home to more than 700 independent businesses which all provide a thriving food and drink scene, as well as, of course, the Jewellery scene it is so well known for. You can almost guarantee finding a new bakery, brunch spot or cocktail bar at every turn.
As for King’s Heath, the colourful suburb a 25-minute drive from Birmingham is not a world apart, with a focus on independent businesses. Historically, the area was owned by Worcestershire, but Brum claimed the area as its own in 1911.
King’s Heath is the home of monthly street food festivals, renowned bakery Mason Mayci and even the ex-smallest bar in the EU. But it is the expanse of parks which sets King’s Heath above the rest, with King’s Heath Park, Cannon Hill and Highbury Park in its remit.
It looks like people on Twitter agree with the decision, with one calling the JQ “one of Birmingham’s oldest and coolest areas.” Another said: “There really is just something special about the Jewellery Quarter.”
“The parks here are gorgeous, and the Midlands Arts Centre is just down the road for cinema, art and comedy.”
For more information about our property investment opportunities, please get in touch.
Source: Birmingham Mail, Exbulletin
