These are my ideas so far:
Best thing about the area
Birmingham has first-class theatres, live music, ballet, art, science museum, sports facilities etc but the countryside is just 20 minutes out of town.
Child-friendly café
Rowheath Pavillion? Nice play area for toddlers and very good cake.
Child-free night out
For a posh meal, Purnells. Or catch a show at the Hippodrome and then head for China Town.
Outside space
The Lickeys.
Hidden gem
Moseley Bog. Botanical Gardens
Community venues
Rowheath Pavilion
Free visitor attractions
The new Library of Birmingham
Day out
Town centre by train, walk up to Millennium Point to find Thinktank, the science museum. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, Planetarium, and at lunchtime, head outside to the Eastside Park garden with a packed lunch and let the children play on the stepping stones, the weighted swings, water-jets and other sciencey games. Head back into town for the National Trust's Back-to-Back houses or check out what's on at BMAG (Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery). Supper at Nandos before boarding the train for home. (I'm looking forward to having older children who could manage this much excitement in one day!)
Place to live
Sutton Coldfield, Harborne, Bournville, Moseley and Kings Heath.
Place to shop
For high-end shopping go to Harvey Nicks at the MailBox. The Bullring is easy for high street shops. I love the Bullring Market for the fabulous fruit and veg deals (a bucket of mangos for a £1), the good-quality meat, game and fish.