Moving to Birmingham: What to Know

Here are 8 top tips from AnyVan to help if you’re moving to Birmingham. If you’re looking for a quote for Birmingham removals, our prices start from just £59.

How to plan a move to Birmingham

Thinking of moving to Birmingham? You’re not alone! There are dozens of reasons why people are rushing to the UK’s second city: not only is there a booming economy, but there is also so much to see and do that you’ll never have a boring day.

While Birmingham does not have a port, it is an excellent transport hub for both road and rail. Movers will have no trouble making the trip to Birmingham, though traffic can often be a hassle in certain parts of the city.

Organising a moving day can be a huge undertaking, with plenty of time and effort to put into planning every detail. If you are moving particularly far away, or if you have a great number of belongings to pack, it can often be a good idea to compare quotes from local removal companies. Remember, they will have the manpower, vehicles and insurance to handle your move safely, along with the experience required to tie everything together.

When looking for a local removal company, it is important to collect as many quotes as possible. This should give you a good idea of the average cost you can expect from your area (though it can be a good idea to speak to companies in Birmingham as well). Try not to rely too much on average costs found online, as these are often based on countrywide prices and will not take local rates too far into account.

Which area to live in

Readers who have been living further south will find Birmingham’s property prices far more reasonable than what they are used to. In certain parts of the city centre, you would only need to pay around £550 for a one-bedroom flat, or around £350 for one further outside. Even a three bedroom flat in the city centre only costs around £900, so moving with friends can be a great way to save money.

If you are looking for less expensive properties, you should avoid areas like Sutton Coldfield and Solihull. However, price isn’t everything; Mosely, for example, won the award for best place to live in the UK for city living in 2015, despite being a cheaper option.

Remember to have a good idea of what you can afford to pay before choosing an area. Websites like Zoopla and Gumtree, as well as local estate agents, will be able to offer plenty of choices for what you can afford in terms of location, size, local amenities and transport links.

Transport/ getting around

Birmingham is essentially the centre of the country’s railway network. In other words, you can expect excellent train links going into, out of and around the city.

Of course, it isn’t all about the trains. The Midland Metro also offers an impressive bus service, and a monthly pass for buses, trams and trains only costs £85.

If you want to save money, you could even opt for a bike! You will find no shortage of cycle lanes here, so you could treat your Birmingham move as a chance to get some daily exercise.

Employment

While the prices in Birmingham may seem attractive, keep in mind that you also will not be earning as much as you might elsewhere. According to Payscale, the average salary in Birmingham is around £25,716, compared to £34,991 in London.

Even so, a large proportion of people who move to Birmingham every year do so for work. You may even be able to arrange interviews via Skype or phone before your big move, though it will usually help to already have a local address first.

Remember, as the UK’s second city, Birmingham hosts offices for some of the world’s largest and most profitable companies. The biggest local industries include manufacturing and engineering, though the finance, trade, government and research sectors have also flourished here.

Having fun/things to do

Birmingham has something for everyone! As an old city, it has no shortage of historic sites, but you’ll also find a number of luscious green areas. Shropshire is also a short train ride away if you ever fancy a walk in the countryside. Here you can also enjoy beautiful local towns and villages, packed with historic sites, comfortable pubs and charming walks.

Culture fanatics will also find plenty to do, including stunning art galleries, incredible music venues and several beautiful churches and cathedrals. Birmingham also has a thriving nightlife, thanks in part to the ever-growing crowd of students and young professionals.

Eating/restaurants

Birmingham, like London, is a highly international city. As such, you will find a variety of delightful delicacies to try out, whether you enjoy high-class restaurants or unique street food. The key to taking it all in will be opening yourself up to the idea of trying something new every time - you won’t be disappointed!

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the cost of international imports has risen recently, due to the declining exchange rate for sterling. In other words, it will be a good idea to compare the prices for local restaurants, along with the reviews, before choosing where to eat.

Shopping

You will find no shortage of shops in Birmingham. New Street station, for example, is connected to the famous Bullring shopping centre, which offers several storeys of shopping delights and restaurants. You could easily spend a day here, especially if you take the time to venture out to the independent stores nearby.

For a more traditional experience, you can also visit the Bull Market. You can find a stall for everything here, whether you are looking for furniture, fresh food or anything in between.

In other words, shopaholics will get plenty of exercise!

Tip for moving to Birmingham on your own

While prices for single bedroom properties in Birmingham are already fairly reasonable, there are always more ways to save cash. For example, the city has a number of large Victorian houses. If you are willing to opt for a house share, you could save money and make new friends at the same time. That being said, you can usually enjoy more space for less if you can find friends to move in with.