The 2024 Muddy Stilettos guide is out - revealing the best places to live in the West Midlands this year.
As part of its annual Top 260 Places to Live guide, Muddy Stilettos set up a regional vote across 29 English counties.
Covering more places than ever before - this insider guide shares local knowledge and insight intothe most sought-after counties in England. The guide is a go-to for potential buyers and residents and visitors looking for local hot spots and up-and-coming areas.
Birmingham and Solihull neighbourhoods feature heavily in the top 10 list for the West Midlands. Let’s take a look to see the 2024 ranking to see the best places to live in the region.

1. Balsall Common
The Solihull village features in the 2025 guide. The guide read: "rural village has a close-knit community with just around 6,000 residents, but the best things come in small packages. It’s got fantastic links to London and Birmingham, some gorgeous parks and walks and plenty of great eateries. There’s a real family vibe and some impressive state schools while independent offerings aren’t too far either." | Google Maps
2. Hampton-in-Arden
This beautiful village near Solihull is on the list again. Muddy Stilettos wrote about the quaint countryside village: "You can’t go far wrong with Hampton, packed full of rural character despite being a hop, skip and a jump to the city via train, making it a popular option for commuters who crave a little pastoral idyll. The 12th century church, imposing Hampton Manor (once home to Sir Robert Peel, now a primo foodie destination) and medieval packhorse bridge all give Hampton a historical air." | Muddy Stilettos
3. Earlsdon
The Coventry suburb is included. The guide said: "Earlsdon with its top central location and vibrant nightlife is more popular than ever thanks to Cov’s title as City of Culture." | CC-BY-SA-2.5 Snowmanradio

4. Harborne, Birmingham
The home of Birmingham's independent food scene came in fourth as the region best place to live. Harborne high street. Muddy Stilettos said: "Next to green Bournville with its Quaker roots and prim and proper Edgbaston sits Harborne. It’s a bit more of the cool sister, and while it might not be as pretty as its gentrified neighbours, its up and coming and there’s no shortage of things to do here – particularly if you’re a foodie." | BW