Possible relocation to Birmingham

[Dangermouse1104]

Hello all,
Totally new to MN so apologies if I get my acronyms in a twist!
My DH's job is possibly relocating to Birmingham Airport (BHX). I have a few questions I would like to ask with regards to schools and places to live.
We would need to be within 40 minutes drive from the Airport, therefore any suggestions of possible towns and villages would be fab. We will have a budget of up to £500,000. Renting prior to purchase is an option.So far have been looking south of Birmingham as I would prefer a country aspect. Also any areas to avoid due to HS2 etc?

We have 3 DS (that is 3 sons isn't it?). Not sure if three different school runs is possible; one very academic year 12 just started AS a year early ( not bragging - frankly amazed , an academically average, rugby playing Year 8 and a year 7 who is a happy dyslexic, who is not too keen on schools anyway. Any advice on good schools and catchment areas would be greatly appreciated as well.

Will be visiting the area in the next month or so any suggestions to help narrow down the search would be most welcome. Hopefully in time to go to the German Christmas fair!

Thank you all so much in advance

A bit too tired to post anything coherent, but not a local myself (came to University, graduated but was back here within four years ....) and have found it a great place to live, very accessible for people/transport and very friendly.

Welcome, Dangermouse.

I'll put a vote in for Bournville (B30), in south Birmingham. It's quite leafy, with several parks in walking distance. It's pretty, friendly and safe. Two parks (Cotteridge and Bournville) have free tennis courts, Cotteridge and Kings Norton parks have skate parks, and there are rugby and football clubs at Rowheath Park.

Kings Norton Boys' School is in easy walking/cycling distance. It used to be a grammar school and has a good reputation. King Edward VI Camp Hill in Kings Heath is a v good grammar school (Outstanding - Ofsted, selective), and your boys could cycle there too. And Birmingham Uni is just up the road too, if you're thinking that far ahead!

There's a train station, making it v easy to travel into town (and possibly the airport too). Shopping is also good in Solihull (20 mins away). I'm less sure about the journey to the airport - it could take 20 mins or 50 mins depending on the traffic.

Edgbaston and Harborne could also be worth a look. Good luck with the house-hunting!