To move to Erdington, Birmingham?

[birminghamlass]

I have been offered a job in Birmingham and viewed a property on Monday in Erdington.

Our offer was accepted.

I am originally from Birmingham but used to live in Longbridge, didn’t really go to Erdington but I know Erdington has a bad reputation

My mum dosent think I should take the house and is concerned for DC.

Anyone live in Erdington that can offer any advice?

Many thanks x

It's a mixed bag - some nicer roads with good neighbouring areas others not so much with a lot of HMO.

My advice is don’t move to Erdington. Stick to South Birmingham

Agree. Where's the job, OP?

Can you afford Sutton?

Avoid Erdington. It has gone badly downhill. There are much better options within easy commuter distance from the city centre.

The job is in the city centre.
I am in 2 minds as we have been looking for months and pretty desperate.

Hi yes can afford Sutton, the job starts end of September so have abit of time to hopefully find somewhere.

I would look at Sutton, but avoid Falcon Lodge.

however, given the option, and seeing you are commuting to the city centre, I would look at Solihull and that side and also kings heath, Moseley, kings Norton or Rubery and Rednal.

I lived in Erdington years ago,it was OK then,but it has gone downhill,the High Street I won’t even walk down,also avoid driving near there.I now live near Lichfield which is like another world.
Trains to New Street on the Cross City Line from Lichfield City and London trom Lichfield Trent Valley.I find Lichfield is better connected than when I lived in Sutton Coldfield.East Midlands and Birmingham Airports are both about 30minutes drive.

Lots of Birmingham families are moving out to Lichfield.Better schools aw well if you have children.

You might be better looking at Harborne or Moseley or there are nice parts in Quinton, King's Heath or Oldbury

Further afield, you could consider Kidderminster, Coventry, kenilworth (expensive!) as they all have good commutes into Birmingham city centre.

I personally wouldn't choose to live the other side of the Aston Distressway, from my job, but , if you can afford Sutton, why would you choose to live in Erdington ?

That isn't meaning to disrespect Erdington, just most of us would generally choose to live in the 'best' place we can afford.

Also Stirchley, Cotteridge, Bournville.

You could also look at Bromsgrove, Redditch or Droitwich. All have an easy train ride to the city centre and decent schools.

Erdington has seen better days. There is currently a great deal of poverty, lots of of HMO, and the High Street is very run down these days. If you want to be that side of Birmingham and can afford it, maybe look instead at Wylde Green, Boldmere, Sutton?

No to Erdington just no. Depends what you are looking for in an area. I have loved both sides of the city (Kings Heath, Bournville, Harbourne and DC grew up in Sutton Coldfield). South Birmingham is very congested with traffic and houses on top of one another mostly - just not my cup of tea. Sutton Coldfield fab schools with a massive green park but very Conservative and a bit boring, the town is now very run down and boarded up. Still very affluent though.

In your shoes with DC I would go with Sutton, many outstanding options and good grammar schools if you want to go down that route.

I second Boldmere - kids went to school there. Lovely period houses and the high street is still busy and vibrant.

I can't think why anyone would want to move to bankrupt Birmingham. The bins are not emptied and services are now dire. Redditch to the south, Tamworth to the North, if you can afford it Solihull. Erdington is not one of the nicer parts of Birmingham. If you really want Birmingham try Harborne, Edgbaston, Moseley Village.

I agree with PP. don’t move to Erdington. Stick to south Birmingham and commute to town on the cross city line.

Oh yes, Bournville is lovely but you pay a premium for Bournville trust houses.

I'd also say Sutton, avoiding Falcon Lodge. If you're happy to commute in then go for Lichfield and it's a direct train into New Street plus you'll get more for your money.

Otherwise I'd probably consider Harborne, Bournville or Edgbaston but again parts of those can be congested and border onto rougher areas. If you want to be south and commute in then towards Barnt Green.

I don’t like Sutton.

But if you’re working in the city centre I’d be looking at South Birmingham anyway. Cross City Line has good service, plus there’s the extension into Pineapple Rd (top end of Stirchley), Kings Heath and Moseley from the end of the year.

Bournville is pretty but it is hemmed in by congestion on all sides. It also has no amenities in it due to it being Quaker. I used to live there and it drove me nuts that I had to get in a car to go to a shop.

Thank you for all your replies.
We will call the letting agent tomorrow to confirm that we won’t be taking in the property.

We will lose the holding deposit but DC’s safety is paramount.

I literally haven’t been to Erdington in years like since 2007 but I have heard that there is alone HMO properties and poverty there.

I guess we will just keep on looking, ideally Longbridge, Bourneville, Kings Norton, Bromsgrove or Moseley.

I think it’s generally really difficult these days to find somewhere decent to rent in Birmingham.

A lot of applicants to view a property, sometimes waiting lists, and the landlords can afford to be picky these days.

I know Erdington very well. The High Street is probably the worst part- lots of crime and antisocial behaviour. You don't feel safe walking down there.
However, some of the roads are lovely and there are many genuine, kind people living there. It is one of the most deprived areas but alongside that comes many community projects. There are excellent schools to be found in the area too.