Living in Solihull Area Guide

Looking for a new place to stay can stir up a mix of emotions, especially when it comes to needing to find the perfect place to settle down in. It’s exciting, but it can also be daunting, which is why we have put together this Solihull area guide, covering everything you need to know about living in Solihull. 

Well known for its mix of prestigious schools, thriving town centre and leafy green suburbs, Solihull often shows up at the top of national quality-of-life polls, and this is clear in the council’s Outcomes Framework 2025/26. Here, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about moving to and living in Solihull. 

What Is Living in Solihull Like? Lifestyle and Local Perks

One of the best things to note about living in Solihull is the perfect balance it strikes between urban energy and all the open green space it offers. The B91 postcode is popular for the Touchwood shopping centre, providing residents and visitors with a premium shopping experience, including exquisite restaurants and charming independent cafes, making Sunday brunch an absolute must.  

If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy option, it won’t take you very long to stumble across Brueton Park – a popular destination for avid dog walkers, tennis players and jungle-gym climbers. And the best thing about this park is that it is within walking distance from the town centre. 

Using a Solihull area guide to check on daily logistics, it would be worth mentioning the efficient transport links. With direct rail services to London Marylebone and Birmingham, plus easy  access to the M42, living in Solihull is a fantastic choice for professional commuters. 

The next important thing to highlight is that the local property market in Solihull is incredibly strong across all neighbourhoods. So, with the beautiful outdoor spaces, the convenient shopping experiences, efficient transport links and the strong property market, why wouldn’t you consider living in Solihull? 

What is the cost-of-living like in Solihull?

There are many benefits  to the type of lifestyle Solihull brings, yes, but it’s important to understand what the cost-of-living in Solihull looks like so that you can make an informed decision. Solihull is known as one of the most affluent areas in the West Midlands, resulting in overall expenses being between 15-20% higher compared to the regional average. It is clear that you pay for quality living, though. 

Property value

Property values vary depending on what your target postcode is, however, the average borough-wide property price sits at around £390,000. This value will change depending on where you’re looking to settle. 

• Entry-level apartments and terraced homes in B90 (Shirley and Dickens Heath) typically range from £184,000 to £267,000, 
• Semi-detached family homes average around £349,000. 
• Detached family properties in the B91 and B93 areas (central Solihull, Knowle, and Dorridge) range between  £595,000 and £750,000+.
• For renters, monthly rates average £850 for a one-bedroom flat up to £1,800+ for a spacious four-bedroom house.

When looking at council tax when living in Solihull, you can expect to pay approximately £2,173 annually (£181 per month) for a standard Band D property. Larger family homes in bands F-H range from £3,138 to over £4,345 per year. 

Commuting

If you’re commuting for work into Birmingham City Centre, you can expect to pay between £90-£110. If you’re travelling into London Marylebone, you can expect to add on variable expenses to this. 

How to Choose Your Neighbourhood in Solihull

There is a certain type of uniqueness that can be found while living in Solihull, especially within its surrounding villages. For example: 

• Knowle & Dorridge: If historic high streets, traditional pubs and substantial family homes are your thing, this is the village to nest in. 
• Dickens Heath: If you’re looking for a more contemporary way of living, this village is for you. With a modern, purpose-built village featuring a gorgeous canal and stylish apartments, you can’t go wrong. 
• Shirley: This town is renowned for its diverse property options and retail parks and is a brilliant family-oriented hub.  

If you’re thinking of living in Solihull, you’ll likely need to look at your options for self storage to be able to declutter your current living space. We have self storage units in Solihull that will allow you to move to Solihull stress-free.  Get in touch with our friendly team today for more information! Using a secure, local storage unit can help you declutter larger items, making your current house feel more spacious to potential buyers.

Education and School Catchment Areas

A lot of families will make their decision on moving to Solihull due to the area’s highly regarded schools. Educational institutions like Arden Academy in Knowle and Tudor Grange Academy are consistently at the top of league tables, making these specific catchment areas highly competitive. 

As this Solihull area guide points out, families need to act quickly when homes become available for rent or sale in these areas. You may be in between contracts, resulting in your need for self-storage solutions. Short-term self storage or long-term self storage offers you a secure way of being able to store your belongings, giving you the flexibility you need during this time. 

So, now that we’ve gone through everything you need to know about living in Solihull, you can see that everyday lifestyle choices in the area lean more towards the higher end of the market. With a property market that has historically delivered superior resilience when compared with neighbouring towns, low local crime rate, pristine civic amenities and top-performing state and independent schools, living in Solihull delivers a valuable return on investment. 

Simplified Moving Logistics

Ultimately, living in Solihull allows you to enjoy a high standard of living from the moment you arrive. To ensure your move is as stress-free as possible, get in touch with our friendly team at Extra Space Self Storage.