As 2024 draws to a close, many of us will already be thinking about what the future could hold in 2025.
As part of its annual Top 300 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.
Birmingham and Solihull neighbourhoods feature heavily in the top 10 list for the West Midlands. Let’s take a look to see the 2025 ranking to see the best places to live in the region.
1. Hampton-in-Arden
This beautiful village near Solihull is top of 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
2. Tettenhall
The guide says: "This quaint village outside Wolverhampton is home to some pretty coloured Victorian villas and terraced houses along with a historic clock tower. There’s a thriving, bustling high street, community outdoor pool and plenty of great school options nearby." | Google Streetview
3. Sutton Coldfield
The guide said: "If you’re hankering for leafy surrounds, but don’t want to give up cosmopolitan living, this affluent area of town – with one of the largest parks in Europe – should be on your radar." | google
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