Moving from Minnesota, ?? Birmingham commute, schools, rentals, Dance

[Northmole]

My husband will be taking a position with the NHS in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Seeking advice for schools, especially secondary and houses to rent out of the city. I will not be working so we are hoping to stay under 1200 month but need a safe family friendly area. we are from a very small rural town and appreciate a somewhat rural location, but train station nearby. Willing to commute by train up to 40min. Thinking maybe Warwick area, or Solihull. Not sure.....Also, my son is a dancer and would like to find a school that has a dance program or a good studio nearby. Most important are safe area, schools, and dance (not up to Elmhurst standards I'm afraid )

Warwick has a much more rural feel than Solihull. There are excellent academic independent schools, Warwick School for boys and I understand Solihull School is good. There are grammar options in Stratford-upon-Avon if you are not planning to pay fees. Obviously Stratford has the RSC but there are good restaurants and cultural options also in Leamington Spa.
Edgbaston has a pretty unique feel for a city area... fabulous foodie area, though the whole of Birmingham has many Michelin starred establishments... but does feel metropolitan. There are brilliant academic schools within the city.
I would say that Warwick, Stratford and Leamington are all safe family areas. I have not heard of Elmhurst so cannot compare...
Re. dance schools I only know the one we used and I doubt that will be a high enough standard... The boys I know who are talented dancers seem to board at The Royal Ballet School from 11.
If you want a more sleepy option, Claverdon is a small village but does have a station.
I don't know much about Minnesota but I'm guessing our winters may be a bit warmer!

Yes! -11C last night will not will not be missed. Was hoping not to train quite so far, but I want a village feel, not big city. More what we're used to. I'll check those possibilities! Thanks!!