Moving to Solihull: A guide to living and working in Solihull

In a prime position just nine miles to the east of Birmingham, Solihull is an attractive place to live and work, offering an easy commute, a host of amenities and a totally unique character.

Finding the perfect balance between city and country, the area offers great leisure, shopping and dining amenities, alongside over 1,500 acres of parks, open spaces and Green Belt land.

It’s a great choice for families and professionals alike!

Solihull High Street

Average house prices in Solihull 2024

Solihull often ranks in polls of the most desirable places to live in the UK and, as you would expect, this popularity is reflected in house prices in the area.

According to Rightmove, the average property price in Solihull in 2023 was £363,609, up from £319,160 in 2019. Most of the properties sold in the area last year were semi-detached properties (with an average price of £335,302, compared to 2019’s £285,320), followed by terraced properties (at an average of £264,683 – £226,086 in 2019) and detached properties (at an average cost of £684,750, up from £527,497 in 2019).

Property prices in the area for 2023 were similar to that of the previous year, and 5% up on 2021, when the average house price was £345,226. Properties in Solihull are, on average, more affordable than nearby Knowle (£667,634), Hampton-In-Arden (£489,262) and Dorridge (£731,274).

House rental prices in Solihull 2024

If you’re looking for a rental property in Solihull, there are plenty of options available.

According to home.co.uk, as of January 2024, there were 121 properties for rent in Solihull, with the average rent being £1,305pcm for a flat and £1,822pcm for a house. The majority of the rental properties on the market are houses, with flats coming in second, while most properties have two or three bedrooms.

 

Areas nearby

Solihull is one of Birmingham’s satellite towns, located eight miles out from Birmingham City Centre.

The Metropolitan Borough of Solihull includes towns and districts such as Dorridge, Hampton-in-Arden, Marston Green, Shirley, Knowle, Castle Bromwich and Hockley Heath.

 

Transport links in Solihull

As one of the best-connected towns in the region, Solihull boasts excellent transport links, making it a great location for commuters working in London and Birmingham.

Solihull by Car

For those seeking independence and flexibility, exploring Solihull by car is a great option. The A452 provide quick access to Birmingham and surrounds, while well-maintained local roads connect you to charming villages and scenic spots. The M42 links to the M40, M5 and M6 motorways, providing complete access across the Midlands, as well as to London and the North. The National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham International Railway Station are both within a 15-minute drive, while London is a two-hour drive away.

Solihull by bus

Solihull’s extensive bus network, operated by National Express West Midlands, offers a budget-friendly and convenient way to get around. Frequent buses connect the town centre with surrounding areas like Shirley, Olton, and Chelmsley Wood. Multi-day tickets and concession fares make it ideal for frequent travellers.

Solihull by rail

Solihull Railway Station sits on the CrossCountry line, and a variety of commuter train services run from Solihull Stations to both Birmingham Moor Street and Birmingham Snow Hill, both taking approximately 18 minutes. Direct trains also run to London Marylebone, reaching the capital in approximately 90 – 105 minutes. Additional services connect Solihull to Manchester and Bristol, opening up further adventures.

Additional ways to explore Solihull

Discover Solihull’s leafy parks, historical villages, and quaint canals on foot. The Solihull Loop Line and the Packhorse Trail are popular options for exploring the town’s natural beauty and heritage.

Cycle paths like the Birmingham-Manchester cycle path and the Stratford-upon-Avon canal towpath offer scenic routes for exploring Solihull’s surroundings. Bike rentals are available in the town centre for those who don’t have their own bikes.

Transport to London

For trips to the capital, direct trains from Solihull Railway Station whisk you to London Euston in under 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a feasible option for day trips or extended stays. Alternatively, National Express coaches offer a budget-friendly option, taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach London Victoria Coach Station.

Transport to Airports

Birmingham Airport is the closest option, located approximately 10 miles from Solihull – just one motorway junction away. Frequent trains and National Express coaches offer convenient connections, making it a hassle-free journey to your flight. For international connections, London Heathrow Airport is around 80 miles away and accessible by rail or road travel.

 

Schools in Solihull

Solihull is home to a number of excellent schools, making it a popular choice with families.

Peterbrook Primary School, Knowle CofE Primary Academy and Tudor Grange Academy are all rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Solihull School and St Martin’s School also often appear in the list of top independent schools in the region, regularly recording exceptional A-level results.

 

Working and employment in Solihull

If you’re considering moving to Solihull, you will probably be wondering what the employment market is like.

According to Uswitch, 74% of people are employed in Solihull, with 45% working full time (35-45 hours per week). Workers in Solihull have a good work/life balance, with only 21% of people working more than 45 hours per week.

 

Things to do in Solihull

If you move to Solihull, there will be no shortage of amenities on your doorstep.

The town centre itself is home to a large shopping centre, offering major high street stores including M&S, Next and John Lewis. You’ll also find a great choice of restaurants within the centre, including chains such as Zizzi and Nando’s, as well as some unique independent eateries.

Solihull is also home to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), which hosts concerts and exhibitions attracting millions of visitors each and every year. If you like to get out and about in the fresh air, there are also plenty of parks and walks in and around the area.

The National Motorbike Museum is another key attraction in Solihull, just a 15-minute drive outside the town centre. Home to one of the largest collections of British motorbikes in the world, the collection spans three centuries, including familiar makes as well as rare and unusual models.

And, if you love nothing more than getting out in the great outdoors, make sure you visit Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Clowes Wood Nature Reserve, and Earlswood Lakes.

 

Shopping in Solihull

Solihull’s historic core is not just a testament to the town’s rich heritage but also a delightful destination for shopping enthusiasts. The area is dotted with traditional shops, charming boutiques, and cosy cafes.  At the heart of Solihull lies Mell Square, a pedestrian-friendly shopping destination that hosts a collection of high-end fashion boutiques, luxury brands, and chic cafes.

For a comprehensive shopping trip, the award-winning Touchwood Shopping Centre boasts a diverse mix of over 80 stores, including renowned fashion retailers and lifestyle brands. In the nearby Village Square, tucked away from the bustling crowds, is a hidden gem for those in search of unique finds and independent boutiques.

Dovehouse Parade is a charming avenue in Solihull that invites residents to explore a variety of independent shops, cafes, and eateries. This eclectic area is perfect for those seeking artisanal treasures, including unique gifts, handcrafted jewellery, and speciality foods. Dovehouse Parade’s relaxed ambience and diverse offerings make it a favourite spot for leisurely shopping strolls.

 

Living in Solihull – additional information

Solihull is well equipped for modern living, with 99% mobile signal coverage and super high broadband speeds of 30.2mbps on average.

Life expectancy in Solihull is also higher than average, with women living to 85 on average and men living to an average of 80.

 

Solihull’s history

Solihull was first founded as a small market town during medieval times. The name is said to come from the description from the travellers who used to pass through the muddy (soily) hill – Soliy Hill later become Solihull.

The town wasn’t significantly affected by the Industrial Revolution or the Second World War, even though both of these periods had significant repercussions in nearby Birmingham.

Although the population of Solihull was just 7,500 in 1901, by the 1960s, the town had become home to over 100,000 people.

The town’s motto is “Urbs in the Rure’, meaning Town in the Country.

 

What is Solihull famous for?

Celebrities born in Solihull include BBC newsreader Michael Buerk, former England rugby captain Martin Johnson, Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, entrepreneur and Apprentice star Karren Brady and comedian Jasper Carrott.

The iconic car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is also based in the town.

Is Solihull a nice area?

Solihull is a great area. In fact, it’s often voted one of the top places to live in the UK.

There are a whole host of things to do and see in the area, plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes, and almost 70% of the borough is designated as Green Belt land, so there’s lots of lovely, green space.

Is Solihull a posh area?

Solihull is often seen as a ‘posh’ area amongst those living and working in the surrounding areas. This is due to the relatively high house prices, plentiful amenities, excellent schools, and the generally nice atmosphere of the leafy suburbs.

What is the average age in Solihull?

The average age of Solihull residents is 43, which is 3 years older than the average age of the West Midlands and England as a whole, both 40.

Moving to Solihull

Solihull is a great place to settle down, live and work. And, if you’re moving to the area, we can help. Here at Titan Storage, we can take care of storing your furniture or moving boxes that have arrived too soon. Get in touch to see how we can help.