Birmingham's happiest places: We live in Sutton Coldfield, here’s the truth about Birmingham’s happiest suburb

While the majority are champions of the sought after suburb, not everyone there agrees.

In the latest Happy at Home study survey conducted by Rightmove, Sutton Coldfield has emerged as the happiest place to live in Birmingham.

The survey, now in its 13th year, asked 35,000 respondents nationwide to rate their local area based on factors such as community spirit, green spaces, and overall quality of life.

Read more: Rightmove's happiest places to live: The 18 happiest West Midlands towns and cities to live in 2024 revealed

Here’s what the people of Sutton Coldfield think

Many residents credit Sutton Coldfield’s happiness ranking to its family-friendly environment, particularly its excellent schools. One resident shared, “The main thing for us is the brilliant schools. We live near our little boy’s school, and the staff are lovely. There are lots of schools nearby, which is a huge plus.”

Education, coupled with a strong sense of community, keeps long-term residents rooted in the area. A local who has lived in Sutton Coldfield for over 40 years said, “My son and daughter have stayed here too. It’s a relatively prosperous area, with not too much trouble, even late at night.”

Sutton Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, is a standout feature of the town, offering residents a tranquil escape into nature. The festive season also brings the community together with its popular Christmas market, which one resident described as “really lovely.”

While Sutton Coldfield boasts clean streets and a welcoming atmosphere, some residents feel the high street is struggling. “It’s not what it used to be - everything is closing,” said one respondent. However, they also acknowledged the town's charm, noting that “there are lots of nice people, and everyone brings a happy mood.”

Despite some challenges, Sutton Coldfield remains a beacon of contentment in the Midlands. Its combination of natural beauty, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community has earned it the top spot in Birmingham for happiness.

The Rightmove study underscores a simple truth: happiness isn’t just about the place but the people and experiences that define it. For Sutton Coldfield residents, their Royal town continues to live up to its cherished reputation.

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