Birmingham's happiest place to live: 5 reasons why Sutton Coldfield takes the lead, according to long-time local

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Published 1st Jan 2025, 01:25 GMT

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Discover the five personal reasons why Sutton Coldfield is rated the happiest area in Birmingham, as shared by longtime resident Elaine Coulthard.

Sutton Coldfield has long been regarded as one of the most desirable areas in the Birmingham region, and one of its oldest residents, Elaine Coulthard, has shared her personal insights into what makes the town such a happy place to live.

Elaine, aged 91 and a resident at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, reflected on her life in Sutton Coldfield and the aspects she treasures most about the area. Born and raised in Four Oaks, Elaine lived a fulfilling life with her husband, Dr. Leslie Coulthard, with whom she shared many happy memories. They built a life rich in friendships, community, and shared experiences.

Elaine shared five key reasons why she loves living in Sutton Coldfield:

Good neighbours

“Good neighbours make all the difference,” Elaine said. “My best friend of 60 years still comes to visit me at Mercia Grange, and she lived just two doors down.” Elaine’s enduring friendship reflects the strong sense of community in Sutton Coldfield, where neighbourly bonds often last a lifetime.

Mere Green

Elaine spoke fondly of Mere Green, the bustling hub close to her former home. “Mere Green is just down the road with nice shops. My favourite shop is the St Giles bookshop, and I also liked to go to Café Nero,” she said. The area’s blend of independent shops and popular chains has made it a beloved destination for locals.

Friendly people

“The people are friendly – there are lots of nice people in the area,” Elaine remarked. Sutton Coldfield’s residents are often noted for their warmth and approachability, fostering a happy and inclusive atmosphere.

Sutton Park

One of Sutton Coldfield’s most iconic features is the sprawling Sutton Park, a haven for nature lovers. “Sutton Park is a lovely park,” Elaine shared. “I used to enjoy going for lots of walks around it as well as riding my horse in it. I love nature and enjoy feeding squirrels dried mealworms. Fresh air and nature are so important to keep the brain active.”

Sutton Park is the biggest park in Birmingham and one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and its massive size offers heathland, woodland, and wetland, as well as both marshes and seven separate lakes. It is a 2,400 acres National Nature Reserve located 6 miles north of the city centre. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It usually has wild ponies and cattle grazing as well. From sailing to fishing to watching model aircrafts - there is much to do here. It's perfect for an early morning winter stroll — Sutton Park is the biggest park in Birmingham and one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and its massive size offers heathland, woodland, and wetland, as well as both marshes and seven separate lakes. It is a 2,400 acres National Nature Reserve located 6 miles north of the city centre. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It usually has wild ponies and cattle grazing as well. From sailing to fishing to watching model aircrafts - there is much to do here. It's perfect for an early morning winter stroll | BW

Sutton Park is the biggest park in Birmingham and one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and its massive size offers heathland, woodland, and wetland, as well as both marshes and seven separate lakes. It is a 2,400 acres National Nature Reserve located 6 miles north of the city centre. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It usually has wild ponies and cattle grazing as well. From sailing to fishing to watching model aircrafts - there is much to do here. It's perfect for an early morning winter stroll — Sutton Park is the biggest park in Birmingham and one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and its massive size offers heathland, woodland, and wetland, as well as both marshes and seven separate lakes. It is a 2,400 acres National Nature Reserve located 6 miles north of the city centre. It is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It usually has wild ponies and cattle grazing as well. From sailing to fishing to watching model aircrafts - there is much to do here. It's perfect for an early morning winter stroll | BW

Railway station

Elaine also highlighted the convenience of Sutton Coldfield’s train station. “I used to go to Birmingham with my husband lots on the weekend, as he did not like parking in the city centre, so we preferred the train.” This ease of travel has made it simple for residents to enjoy the vibrancy of Birmingham while avoiding the challenges of city driving.

Elaine’s reflections are a poignant reminder of what makes Sutton Coldfield a special place to live. From its tight-knit community to its natural beauty and convenient amenities, the area offers an enviable quality of life.

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Now at 91, Elaine, who worked as a locum pharmacist for 53 years, continues to enjoy her connections to the town, welcoming visits from her dear friends and cherishing the memories she created with her husband, Leslie.

Her perspective offers a heartfelt testament to the unique character and charm of Sutton Coldfield, cementing its reputation as one of Birmingham’s happiest places.

Sutton Coldfield Birmingham Residents Community Travel

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