Finding the perfect place to call home in Birmingham has never been more exciting. The city continues to transform, bringing together culture, convenience and a thriving rental market that is attracting professionals from across the United Kingdom and beyond. Whether you want a city centre lifestyle surrounded by restaurants and entertainment or somewhere quieter with green spaces and a community feel, Birmingham has a neighbourhood that fits.
At Paragon Living, we design and manage apartments created for modern renters. Our developments across the Midlands offer luxury living with community at their heart. In this guide, I will share how to choose the right Birmingham neighbourhood in 2025, the local changes shaping the city, and what to expect when renting here.
A city on the rise
Birmingham is one of the fastest growing cities in the United Kingdom, home to more than one million residents and an expanding economy. Its central location, excellent transport links, and continued investment make it a natural hub for professionals. With the Birmingham Smithfield regeneration now underway, the next decade promises even more opportunity for residents and investors alike.
The Smithfield development will deliver new homes, restaurants, offices and public space on a seventeen-hectare site close to New Street Station. It is a sign of how Birmingham is reinventing itself once again, combining heritage and innovation in a way that defines the city’s personality.
As the city evolves, so does its rental market. Modern renters are now seeking more than just a postcode. They want a place that supports balance, offering proximity to work, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
Living in Birmingham city centre
If you love the energy of city life, Birmingham city centre is the obvious choice. Here, everything is on your doorstep, from the Bullring and Grand Central for shopping, to the Jewellery Quarter for unique finds, and some of the region’s best dining and nightlife.
City centre apartments are ideal for professionals working nearby, offering luxury and convenience. Transport links are excellent, with New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street stations providing direct routes to London, Manchester and other major cities.
For those who enjoy culture, you will find world-class venues such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Symphony Hall and the Hippodrome Theatre within walking distance. Renting here means embracing the rhythm of the city, with morning coffee in the Colmore Business District, dinner in the Mailbox, and sunset walks along the canals.
Visit Birmingham’s official guide for events, attractions and neighbourhood highlights.
Digbeth, the creative heart
Digbeth has grown from an industrial district into one of the most talked-about creative areas in the country. Known for its colourful street art, independent cafés and studios, it is now a magnet for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
The area is evolving quickly, with the upcoming arrival of the new HS2 station at Curzon Street set to make travel even more efficient. Average rents remain slightly lower than the city centre, making it an excellent choice for renters seeking both value and character.
If you enjoy live music, festivals and late-night energy, Digbeth is a neighbourhood that feels alive every day of the week. The Custard Factory remains the area’s beating heart, filled with independent shops, creative agencies and event spaces that capture Birmingham’s personality perfectly.
Brindleyplace, waterside calm
If your idea of luxury involves peaceful canal views and refined dining, Brindleyplace is a standout choice. Set along the city’s canals, it blends modern apartments with tree-lined walkways, restaurants and offices.
It is a popular location for professionals working in the nearby business district, and for good reason, the quality of life here is excellent. Residents can walk to work, relax at waterfront restaurants, and enjoy parks such as Centenary Square and Gas Street Basin.
With its combination of style, location and community feel, Brindleyplace remains one of Birmingham’s most desirable rental areas.
Bournville and Edgbaston, village charm within the city
For those who prefer greenery and calm, Bournville and Edgbaston offer a completely different pace. Bournville’s origins as a garden village still shape its design today, with leafy streets, local shops and a strong sense of community. It is particularly attractive to renters who want a peaceful base with quick access to the city centre via regular trains.
Edgbaston, by contrast, brings prestige and heritage. Known for its elegant period homes, top schools and sporting landmarks such as Edgbaston Cricket Ground, it is one of Birmingham’s most established neighbourhoods. Apartments here often feature generous layouts and tranquil surroundings, perfect for professionals who value space and sophistication.
Explore Edgbaston’s community to learn more about local shops, restaurants and amenities.
Harborne, Moseley and Kings Heath, neighbourhood living
Birmingham’s outer neighbourhoods offer a sense of belonging that many renters crave. Harborne combines independent cafés, boutiques and excellent schools, creating a balanced environment for professionals and families alike.
Moseley, once known as a haven for artists and musicians, continues to deliver creative energy and a welcoming community feel. Regular markets, live music nights and local festivals make it one of Birmingham’s most characterful areas.
Kings Heath, meanwhile, has emerged as a lively, down-to-earth alternative. It offers strong transport links, parks, and a busy high street filled with local businesses. Renters love its accessibility and sense of togetherness, ideal for those seeking an authentic local lifestyle without sacrificing convenience.
What renters are looking for in 2025
Modern renters are increasingly looking for homes that combine comfort, design and community. Build-to-rent developments, such as those managed by Paragon Living, are created with these priorities in mind.
Our apartments are built for people who value quality and service. From on-site management and secure parking to fitness amenities and resident lounges, everything is designed to make life simpler. We also understand that community matters, which is why our spaces are designed to bring people together, whether through social events, shared workspaces or welcoming communal areas.
If you are comparing areas, think about what your week looks like. Do you need quick transport to the city centre. Do you prefer vibrant nightlife or quiet parks. Do you want modern amenities within walking distance.
Birmingham caters to every preference; the key is matching your priorities with the right neighbourhood.
Looking ahead, why Birmingham’s rental market continues to grow
With the Commonwealth Games legacy still visible and major projects such as Smithfield and HS2 shaping the city, Birmingham’s future looks bright. Demand for rental housing continues to rise, driven by new job opportunities, a growing graduate population and inward investment from major employers.
This growth means renters have more choice than ever, but also more competition for high-quality apartments. Build-to-rent developments like ours are designed to meet that demand, offering long-term comfort, flexibility and consistency in service that traditional rentals often cannot.
For professionals seeking an elevated rental experience, Birmingham offers everything, from skyline views to leafy retreats, and Paragon Living provides the homes to match.
