The 10 best places to live in West Midlands in 2025 include Birmingham suburb with 'village-y vibe'

The top 10 places to live in the West Midlands next year have been revealed, showing four changes to the 2024 list. Muddy Stilettos has published its new annual guide of the 300 best places to live in the UK and it includes ten West Midlands spots, chosen for their close-knit community feel, gorgeous parks, thriving high streets with great places to eat, top schools, charming pubs.

Affluent Solihull village Hampton-in-Arden topped the local list last year. This time around, the lifestyle website hasn't chosen an overall winner for each region, instead listing the winners in alphabetical order.

Read more:The day out from Birmingham with the most pubs, autumn walks and a little zoo

Prospective home-buyers might find the round-up useful when choosing the right area to start their next chapter. From a bustling Birmingham suburb that's home to more young people than any other in Europe, to a 'quaint' Black Country village with an outdoor pool on its green, find the full list of the West Midlands top spots below.

Balsall Common

The Solihull village of Balsall Common is one of the new additions to next year's list. The rural settlement was chosen for its 'close-knit community', made up of around 6,000 residents, as well as its transport links to London and Birmingham, 'gorgeous parks and walks' and top-rated eateries, from proper pub grub at Ye Olde Saracen's Head to Michelin-starred fine dining at Grace & Savour in nearby Hampton Manor.

The area was also praised for its 'real family vibe' and impressive state schools. Family-run farm shop Oakes also received a special mention, boasting its own café, deli and butchery on-site.

Earlsdon

Earlson has once again been named as one of the county's best places to live, owing to its 'vibrant nightlife' and location near to two top UK universities, Coventry and Warwick.

Pan-Asian restaurant Street and relaxed fine dining spot Earlson Supper Club were singled out as some of best places to eat locally, while Earlson's 'eclectic' high street was also highlighted as one of the area's main draws.

Judges also praised residents' efforts to keep the area clean, saying: "Residents often get together to help keep their town clean, through sweeping sessions and litter picking, which usually end in the pub."

Edgbaston

Back again for 2025, Edgbaston was chosen for its beautiful botanical gardens, top-rated schools, Michelin-recommended restaurants and easy access to the city centre, with judges saying 'there's more to this part of Brum' than its sporting heritage.

Top food options include Birmingham's first Michelin-starred restaurant Simpsons, 'indie community hangout' Chapter and Sunday roasts at The High Field, while shops like Scandi-style KIN Home, OKA, BoConcept, Neptune and Lux Gallery mean there's no shortage of places to splash the cash.

Hampton-in-Arden

Last year's winner has maintained its position on the Muddy Stilettos list, with experts hailing its award-winning eats at Hampton Manor, stunning period properties and the village's own train station, which provides locals a quick way to get into the city.

Well-connected Hampton offers a 'slice of village life' in an area 'packed full of rural character', judges said. They also praised its community offering, saying: "They make sure there's a group for pretty much everything, from conservation to gardening, community crafts and even church bell ringers, if that's your jam."

Harborne

Cool Harborne is a Muddy Stilettos regular thanks to its 'awesome foodie scene' and 'chilled' atmosphere. Described as the 'cool sister' to Edgbaston, judges added: "It might not be as pretty as its gentrified neighbours, it's up and coming and there’s no shortage of things to do here."

Their 'must-try' list for food and drink includes Michelin-rated Harborne Kitchen, 'knockout pub' The Plough, Victorian pub The Junction and Sabai Sabai. There's also a monthly market packed with local traders.

Kings Heath

This 'up-and-coming' corner of Birmingham was applauded for its 'vibrant atmosphere, independent shops and restaurant, busy high street, and diverse community', as well as its thriving café culture, independent shops and awesome markets.

Residents like to shop local and the high street is packed with interesting stores, from Harvest skincare to the Heath Bookshop, Enki and Polar Bear Records. Grab fresh produce from the popular farmers' market in the Village Square on the first Saturday of each month, and there's an artisan market on the following Sunday.

Moseley

According to Muddy Stilettos, Bohemian Moseley 'rivals the most desirable London suburbs' with its excellent food scene, independent shops and 'buzzy' social scene.

All of the new cafes and restaurants that have opened in Moseley

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The city 'village' was featured in 2024, and once again judges applauded its 'cosmopolitan community feel', parks, pubs and eateries, as well as its great connections into the city. Its award-winning monthly farmer's market and unique indies like Indigo Foods, The Jungle Club plant shop and Col8 clothing also helped to cement Moseley's position on the list.

Stirchley

Its award-winning bars, microbreweries, top eateries and 'tight-knit community' helped Stirchley to gain a place on the list for 2025. The neighbourhood is said to be home to more young people than anywhere else in Europe, so it's a great place to live for young families and professionals.

The suburb is home to one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the country, Couch, while eateries like Eat Vietnam, Yardbirds, Alicia's, Riverine Rabbit and co-operative bakery Loaf make it one of the best foodie locations in the city.

Sutton Coldfield

2024 winner Four Oaks has been traded out for wider Sutton Coldfield in the 2025 guide, combining luscious green surrounds with cosmopolitan living. Most locals know that Sutton is one of the leafiest places to live in the UK, with greenery covering more than half of the royal town.

It's also home to one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Sutton Park, while its three main shopping areas provide residents with all the local amenities they could need. Chase Farm Shop has been serving the community for over a century, while Sutton's restaurant quarter and Birmingham Road strip offer plenty of choices for places to eat out.

Tettenhall

Another new addition and the only Black Country spot to make the list, Tettenhall is summarised by judges as a 'community-minded village, teaming with independents and great local schools around'.

Judges said: "This quaint village outside Wolverhampton is home to some pretty coloured Victorian villas and terraced houses along with a historic clock tower. There's a thriving, bustling high street, community outdoor pool and plenty of great school options nearby."