The Solihull Lifestyle

A spotlight is being shone upon the West Midlands recently, with the Commonwealth Games putting the focus on Birmingham, Coventry, Cannock and Solihull. It’s the latter location that we’ll be exploring in this piece, with Solihull being one of the most promising up-and-coming regions in the UK. It’s bursting with culture, community, diversity and opportunity which makes it a truly exceptional place to live, work, learn and raise a family – let’s explore the Solihull lifestyle!

The Working Day

Solihull is a popular choice for working professionals, especially as HS2 reaches completion, bringing an abundance of career opportunities to the region. It places Solihull within forty minutes of London, with the new Interchange Station being dubbed “the heart of the new high-speed rail network” and placing Solihull at the centre of a project that is set to create 127,000 jobs. This is in addition to the plethora of existing opportunities across the wider West Midlands, including those in Birmingham’s business, finance and professional services district, home to KPMG, PWC, HSBC’s brand new UK Headquarters, and many other global businesses. With the journey from Birmingham’s Moor Street Train Station to Solihull Station taking a mere ten minutes, your daily commute has never been quicker!

For families with children, Solihull is home to some of the most acclaimed educational institutions in the West Midlands, offering fantastic options for private, comprehensive, and grammar school education. Solihull School, Ruckleigh School and Eversfield Prep School offer high-quality independent educational options, whilst Arden, Alderbrook, St. Peters and Tudor Grange Academy also come highly rated. Beyond this, for those not looking to stray too far from home for higher education, Solihull is easily commutable from Birmingham’s five reputable universities, including the red brick University of Birmingham, and is just a 25-minute drive from the University of Warwick.

The Social Life

After the stresses of the working day, what better way to relax and unwind than with some good food and your drink of choice? Thankfully, the Solihull lifestyle doesn’t disappoint with its range of pubs, eateries and nightlife. For those celebrating a special occasion, Solihull is home to Michelin Star restaurant Peels at Hampton Manor, offering the best in premium dining. If you’re looking for a new local pub to frequent at the end of the day, you’ll also find an abundance of independent bars and pubs. Well-known establishments such as Yates, PopWorld and O’Neill’s also provide fantastic options for a classic Midland’s night-out.

The Weekends

Solihull certainly isn’t lacking in activities and local attractions for the whole family – from the Bear Grylls Adventure catering for the adrenaline junkies, to the new skills you’ll hone at Planet Ice, there’s something for everyone.

Additionally, there’s no shortage of events happening at the National Exhibition Centre. From Crufts, to the National Wedding Show, and MCM Comic Con, Solihull locals are spoiled for choice by some of the most prestigious events in the country arriving on their doorstep. A stone’s throw from the NEC lies the Resorts World Arena, home to some of the most impressive large-scale musical events in the country: the venue will be hosting Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne and Elton John next year. Before you head into your concert, the Resorts World shopping centre offers an experience that rivals the Bullring, with its own casino, cinema, hotel and spa offering a luxury day out.

Besides the NEC and Resorts World Arena offering an abundance of exciting events, Solihull proudly celebrates its heritage with local events such as Solihull Summer Fest, Ibiza Proms in the Park, and the annual Solihull Carnival. Some more low-key events, such as the Solihull Food and Drink Festival, also offer locals the opportunity to mingle, try new experiences, and support local businesses.

For those looking to spend their down-time in a more peaceful setting, Solihull benefits from some of the most beautiful green spaces in the country: Tudor Grange Park – home of Solihull Summer Fest – sits within walking distance of the town centre and provides a haven of greenery, peace and quiet a few yards away from the hustle and bustle of the high street. In addition, the Malvern Hills, Elmdon Park and Brueton Park are fantastically located for access from the town centre, and with nature reserve status they provide Solihull’s residents with the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life.

Moving Around

Even though the Solihull lifestyle everything you could possibly want or need right on your doorstep, there will undoubtedly be times that you will need to leave the region, especially since the wider West Midlands is becoming such a hub of opportunity. Thankfully for Solihull residents, travelling through the region couldn’t be easier. Not only does the upcoming HS2 network put London within 40 minutes, but the nearby Birmingham International Airport puts the rest of the globe within immensely easy reach. Thinking of travelling more locally? Solihull offers unrivalled commuter routes, with train stations connecting the region: Shirley, Olton, Birmingham International, Solihull, Acocks Green and Widney Manor are but a few of the stations that make commuting simple for Solihull locals. The same can be said for bus routes, with the region being supremely interconnected via public transport. Lastly, the village of Catherine de Barnes sits adjacent to the M42, allowing easy motorway access for locals to reach Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and beyond.

Could you find your home in Solihull?

At Centrick, we’re not shy about our love for Solihull – it’s where many of our employees live, where we’ve grown our business, and it’s a place we’re proud to call home. If you’re thinking of moving in or around Solihull, or simply curious about the Solihull lifestyle, Centrick’s team of local experts would be delighted to help you. Fill out the form below for one of our team to get in touch: