Moving to Sutton Coldfield

[Jassu83]

Hi Everyone,

Me and my husband are currently living in Maidenhead with our 2 dc (8 and 3 years old) and we would like to move somewhere where the rent is bit cheaper so we could afford paying for my university fee (Open Uni). My husband work remotely so location would not be an issue. Right now we pay £1350 pm for a 3 bed house.

We love being outdoor in forest, hiking/ trekking and we were thinking about Sutton Coldfield primarily for the good reputation of its schools, for being close to a big city and close enough to the peak district. I'd like also to have the opportunity to be involved with the local community (volunteering work) while studying for my psychology degree.

We are trilingual Muslim family (Finnish, Arabic and English) and we would like to know if the area is close enough to a mosque for our kids to attend Arabic lessons.

Thanks for reading and looking for your replies.

[KingsHeathen]

I cannot think of a single mosque in Sutton Coldfield I'm afraid.
Use Mosque finder site, but the closest will be over in Walsall or down in Birmingham I think.
Also- the open university are based in Harborne, so you might be better over that side of the city? If you're over in the west of Bham, you'd be close to M5, M6, M42 to get out into countryside, and also Clent and Lickey Hills or Wyre Forest.

[Tinkleybison]

I think mosque, plus hiking/hill walking as requirements dont make sutton a good bet. There is no mosque in Sutton, think Perry Barr may be the closest? Having lived in other parts of the country Birmingham is comparatively not great for hiking (Sutton park while nice is not the same!) - Manchester, Sheffield, Derby, Leeds all have better access to countryside. Schools are excellent though - it depends on your priorities.

[Jassu83]

Thanks a lot Kingsheathen and Tinkleybison for your replies and insights.
I might say that hiking for us is only a hobby and couple of times a month would be enough.
The main priority for us is being in safe environment for our kids with good schools. We'd also like our kids to emerge into British / English culture as this is what we're calling home.
Appreciate your replies

[KingsHeathen]

Presumably proximity to a mosque would be a higher priority? The mosque finder site helps with that.
What field does your partner work in? Where would they be looking for work?

[KingsHeathen]

Sorry- husband! Didn't want to make assumptions about which sex you were!

[Jassu83]

Proximity to a mosque would not be a priority (compared to a good school) as long as it can be reached by car in 15-20min.
Husband works as a consultant (IT)

[KingsHeathen]

Doh! You even said he works remotely, so sorry!
I was flitting in and out earlier, as was with children

[BillyBollyBrum]

There is a mosque in Erdington which is about 10/15 minute drive from my side of Sutton.

How old are your children and what types of school are you looking for? Is it another 3 bed you want to rent?

[Tinkleybison]

There is not a mosque in Erdington. I think you would have to keep going to Aston or Small Heath on the other side of Erdington.

[BillyBollyBrum]

There is a mosque, on Slade Road.

[Jassu83]

Hi All,
DD is 8 years old and DS is 3. We also found out that there is a crossfit box/ gym which is super cool and leisure centre/ theatre for the kids.
We are looking for a 3 bed large enough so we can have a spare study place.
I have heard small heath is something to avoid...
Thanks everyone for your replies.

[BillyBollyBrum]

There is loads and loads to do in Sutton and plenty of places to walk or places easier enough to get to for hiking.

You don't want to live in Small Heath but that's the other side of Brum anyway.

Sutton schools are over subscribed so it's worth phoning around and seeing where, if anywhere, you can get a place for your DD and take the house hunting from there.

Town Middle is undersubscribed often, but isn't a great school. Apart from that, the rest are much of a muchness, and to be fair some parents are pleased with Town - it's just not got the reputation of the others. However it is very central to Sutton.

I live in South Sutton so closest to Birmingham, and there is Maney, Boldmere, New Oscott, Wylde Green, Town and Penns by me. The other side you have Little Sutton, Moorhall, Coppice, Four Oaks, and in the middle ish Whitehouse Common and Hollyfield. Also Newhall but that's not a good school.

I know I have missed some out, but that should keep you going for a bit. If you can decide on a school then getting a house for that sort of money should be doable :)

[Wyndlry]

I think there's a building next to the police and fire station in Sutton being used as a mosque. I haven't heard good things about the slade road one.

Sutton Coldfield is a great location.

[BillyBollyBrum]

Yes I think you are right Wyndlry, don't know about Salde Rd on a personal level apart from they want to expand.