Moving to Redditch/Worcestershire/Birmingham

[NotSure1542]

So I live in Essex and looking to move. My DH is eyeing up Worcestershire particularly Redditch and Birmingham, somewhere like Northfield or Longbridge. I’ve been to Birmingham quite a lot and enjoyed it however never been to Redditch. What is Redditch like? Our budget is £350k at the absolute most. We have one child so decent schools are a must.

Glad to see you've settled in Worcester OP.

Feel free to ask for advice on area as there's a couple I'd avoid but mostly it's all good 😊

I’m looking at Warndon and St. John’s. Are these nice areas or should I avoid? Where should I avoid?

I live close by (Stratford upon Avon). I’m not a fan of redditch myself BUT you can get quite a lot of house for your money there compared to surrounding areas.

One thing to be wary of in Worcs is the River floods if you are in the wrong place. Have a look on Environment agency maps before you start your search.
It is a lovely City though.

I've lived in Birmingham all my life,

With your budget I would suggest, Sutton Coldfield, Harborne, Moseley, Bournville...

Parts of Edgebaston are nice and you are close to the city center.

However if it was my choice I would pick Sutton Coldfield, the town is nice and the people there are lovely. Probably the best place in Birmingham to raise a family and feel safe.

Your money will go further in St John's area but that's partially due to the flooding in that it's the 'wrong' side of the river from the city centre so it gets cut off. Nothing wrong with the area though, its the quieter side and to get anywhere you may need to drive through the city centre which can get busy! Warndon is mixed - old Warndon is mostly council estates where your money would go further and known as a rough area but would recommend Warndon villages as the nicer area. They are a big development built around 70s/80s and on the side of the motorway so good for commuting to Birmingham or Cheltenham. Near to the hospital and even more houses being built there at the moment. They just need to build more schools now!

Should add, places to avoid - Warndon itself unless you mean Warndon villages (the nicer area) and rainbow hill/tolladine Road area.
Nice places - outskirts really, Warndon villages, St Peters, lower wick (that one is frequently flooded), North Worcester, Fernhill heath

If St John’s go for something in the Pitmaston/OLQP catchments - avoid Dines Green it’s a school that’s had a lot of problems. St John’s is nice though we almost moved there.