The 'foodie paradise' village near Birmingham named best place to live

If rural life appeals but you need to get in and out of Birmingham or London for work, there's a village well worth taking a look at. Balsall Common in Solihull has recently been named as one of the best places to live in the West Midlands for 2025 by lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos.

Described as a 'close-knit community', the area has around 6,000 residents but boasts plenty of lovely pubs and places to eat out, including 16th century gastropub Ye Olde Saracen's Head (pictured above) plus The White Horse and The Malt Shovel at Barston, which has a nice outdoor seating area for al fresco dining in warmer weather.

Arden Academy is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and most of the primary schools in the area have received top marks from the inspectors too, as have the nurseries. For a taste of village life, there's an annual charity firework display, picnic in the park and fun run plus a weekly country market and running and tennis clubs.

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The best part is that regular trains run from Berkswell in Balsall Common to Birmingham New Street and only take 18 minutes. It takes around 25 minutes to drive there via the M6, traffic permitting. And, if you need to get into London, it's a one hour and 12 minute train ride to Euston Station, switching at Coventry. Prices start from just £9.

"This rural village has a close-knit community with just around 6,000 residents, but the best things come in small packages," said a spokesman for Muddy Stilettos. "It’s got fantastic links to London and Birmingham, some gorgeous parks and walks and plenty of great eateries. There’s a real family vibe and some impressive state schools while independent offerings aren’t too far either.

"Pub life aplenty around these parts. For special occasion dining, book up Smoke or Michelin-starred Grace & Savour at nearby Hampton Manor. You’re also not far from The Lake at Barston, with views over the 21 acre lake, and The Barn at Berryfields, offering farm-to-table produce inside its glass-fronted Barn Restaurant. Minutes down the road is gastropub The Strawberry Bank with gorgeous views over the countryside, or a short drive away is Sky by the Water for nibbles and cocktails while looking over the Birmingham skyline. Embrace your roomiest pants, it’s foodie paradise."

It's also close to Solihull for great shopping and there's a recently-opened Lavender Hall Park which has Green Flag status and is 'lovely for walks'. The National Trust’s Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House are both less than 10 miles away. And the 100-mile Heart of England Way walking route runs right through the village, meaning you could walk all the way to the Cotswolds or Cannock Chase, if you felt so inclined.

Now for the tricky part. Average house prices are around £411,327 with most detached properties selling for an average of £591,674, according to Muddy Stilettos. Semi-detached homes have sold for an average of £373,525, with flats fetching £134,150, in recent months.