Birmingham is known as the UK’s second city, and there are many compelling reasons as to why so many people want to live there. So, what is it about the culture and history that make it so attractive to so many people? If you have never been to Birmingham, your ideas about it may be stereotyped, but this incredible city has a great deal to offer to a wide variety of people. This may explain why so many Londoners, in particular, are making their way there.
Location
Located in the Midlands, Birmingham’s central location is ideal for travelling from or to other parts of the UK. It is neither north, nor south, but you can access London, Manchester and Bristol in under two hours thanks to the excellent rail and road links. Birmingham New Street is the UK’s busiest railway station outside of London and connects to just about every other major city. There is also an international airport if you need to travel abroad.
Prices
One area in which Birmingham definitely wins over London is the cost of living. For such a bustling and important city, prices are relatively low. Even flats that would cost millions in the Capital can be found for perhaps a tenth of that, and you can use a floating deed of trust to help secure a shared property. A floating deed of trust adds flexibility to your deed by allowing your beneficial interest to change depending on the financial contributions of each co-owner. That means that if one person moves out or stops paying, you will receive more of any profits to reflect that you have made more of an investment.
It is not only house prices that are attractive in Birmingham. If you want to eat in a restaurant, to go and watch live music or sports, or if you simply want to go shopping, you can experience all the benefits of a big city with a lot of amenities, but without the big city price tags that you might see somewhere like London.
Food and drink
As you may expect from a city with such a diverse population, Birmingham has an impressive food scene with cuisines from all around the world. Immigration from South Asia, in particular, allowed for unique fusions. You can find everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants in Birmingham, then wash it down with anything from beer to exotic cocktails in a range of pubs and other establishments. Keep an eye out for new popup restaurants whilst enjoying historical offerings including those from the birthplace of Cadbury’s chocolate.
History and culture
Cadbury’s chocolate is just one part of the history of Birmingham . This city was one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, the place where James Watt invented his steam engine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the city is full of museums and galleries to help you learn all about it. Fans of art, literature and music can find plenty to entertain them here, with an internationally renowned orchestra, ballet, theatre and other world-class institutions.
This is just a small taste of what Birmingham has to offer, but if you want culture and excitement at affordable prices and in a practical location, it really does have everything you could need. Few other cities can live up to Birmingham’s unique features and reputation.
Leave a Reply