There is a lot to love about the UK’s second biggest city. In fact, some might say that the second biggest is better than the first. London might have all the money and influence and fame, but it also has the unfriendly reputation. Birmingham, on the other hand has been feeling the runoff effects of the money transforming its city, but also has a reputation for some of the friendliest people in the country.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Read on for more reasons why you should move to Birmingham.
The youth
Birmingham has over 400 schools and five universities that is just emblematic of the fact that Birmingham is the youngest city in Europe. Birmingham has the youngest population in the continent with 40% of the population coming to under 25 years old.
This has resulted in a city that’s very happy to accommodate its youthful appearance. The nightlife is thriving, lining the canals with bars and restaurants and start-ups frequently look to Birmingham as a place to set up camp. Aiding this is the fact that Birmingham has the second-largest economy in the country. So, it’s a great moving option for a lot of different people. If you’re thinking of moving into Birmingham, you can put your things in a Birmingham storage unit until you get set up.
The culture
Have you ever been to Digbeth? Known as Birmingham’s Creative Quarter, it’s home to some of the most prolific creative endeavours in Birmingham. Littered with colourful street art and independent shops, including a zero-waste supermarket, Digbeth is hailed as one of the coolest places to stay in the UK.
The canals
The Birmingham landscape could rival that of Amsterdam or Venice. In fact, it beats Venice by sheer numbers. The lifeblood of the city, the canals hold a special place in the city’s history and can still be enjoyed as a cultural excursion the same way you would in Amsterdam or Venice. Climb abord a riverboat and explore the 313 miles of canal routes, including the spooky caverns complete with tour guide and spooky stories.
The Peaky Blinders
It had to be mentioned. No doubt Brummies roll their eyes at the mention of Peaky Blinders the way Derry locals roll their eyes at Derry Girls or Scots roll their eyes at Shrek. Yeah, we get it, that’s your main point of reference. But there’s no doubt the Cillian Murphy led historical drama of gangster life has endeared the city to foreigners. It’s endeared an entire generation to a haircut, after all. We’re not about to believe the University of Birmingham is devoid of at least one student who got the idea from turning on BBC One at the right moment.
But culture vultures don’t need to be satisfied with BBC One’s input. Fans of JRR Tolkien might be interested to know that the famed Lord of the Rings writer was born and raised in Birmingham through his childhood.
The transformation
It might shock fans of the show to find out that Birmingham has greatly changed since those days, but the show does at least put front and centre the UK’s second largest city and the history that put it there. The gangs are a by-product of the industrial transformation the country was going through, which is reflected in the transformation the city is still going through.
Business is booming in Birmingham. Nothing should show that more than the fact that the world’s biggest (by a lot) Primark is in Birmingham, complete with 5 floors, beauty studio, indoor barbers, and Disney café.
Birmingham skyline has changed dramatically over the past decade as new developments are going up every year. It’s turned Birmingham into the place to be as a young entrepreneur or graduate.
