We visit Birmingham's fastest changing neighbourhood: The best and worst things about living in Selly Oak

Once known mostly for its student housing and sprawling retail park, Selly Oak is fast becoming one of Birmingham’s most dynamic and talked-about neighbourhoods.

Major developments, improved transport links, and an influx of new residents are transforming the area. But for people who live there, the change brings both excitement and concern.

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Still home to thousands of students from the University of Birmingham, Selly Oak is now attracting families, first-time buyers and working professionals too.

From luxury flats at Florence Place to major new social housing projects and a new GP surgery, investment is visible across the neighbourhood. On the high street, chain stores now rub shoulders with indie cafés and shops, giving the area a buzz it didn’t always have.

“The high street is busy, the university is just up the road and transport links into the city are some of the best around,” says one resident. “Add to that decent broadband speeds, access to green space and a growing food scene, and it’s easy to see the draw.”

The feel of the place is shifting too. While students still give the area much of its energy, long-time locals are noticing a more diverse mix.

“It’s very lively,” said a student. “There’s always stuff going on, there’s loads of good food places, good spots to grab coffee or eat out.” “I think it’s very cosmopolitan,” another added. “A real mix of cultures and a nice vibrancy.”

Others enjoy simply being out and about: “I love people watching. That’s why we come out more than anything. You're guaranteed to always see something—or just see characters.”

But not everyone’s convinced the changes are all for the better.

“It’s very traffic-y around here,” one person said. “All these temporary lights, all these improvements going on—it’s making the area very congested. And all the fumes... that’s not good.”

“It could do with a bit of a tidy-up,” another added. “Especially the chewing gum on the pavements.”

As the neighbourhood grows, some locals worry about the strain on infrastructure—parking, public services, and green space are all under pressure.

“More family places would be good. There’s pubs and stuff, but nothing really big for families.”

Still, most agree that Selly Oak has momentum.

And what happens next depends not just on money and development—but on how well the area supports both the people who’ve lived here for years and the ones still arriving.

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