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Situated in the centre of England, Birmingham is a lively, cosmopolitan city which has undergone impressive regeneration over recent years. A city of rich industrial heritage and fluctuating fortunes, it is today a vibrant cultural centre and offers many attractions for those thinking of buying a house in the area. Often referred to as Britain's "second city", Birmingham is the principal city of the metropolitan county of the West Midlands, formed in 1974. It is bordered by the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcester, and has an extensive road network encircling it, including the motorways of the M5, M6 and M42, and many other major trunk routes. Although the city itself has a population of just under one million, the population of the wider metropolitan county of the West Midlands stands at over 2.5 million. This area includes the neighbouring towns of Coventry, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall, which together with Birmingham form the second largest conurbation in England after London. Birmingham is an ethnically diverse city, with a significant Asian and Afro-Caribbean population, as well as a large Irish community.

Birmingham grew into a major industrial centre during the 18th century, thanks to its local sources of coal and iron ore and its skilled workforce. During the Industrial Revolution, the city developed its extensive network of canals and railways and grew in size and prosperity. Many fine buildings were built during the Victorian era and can still be appreciated, including public buildings such as the Museum and Art Gallery, the Law Courts and the Council House. Like most industrial cities, however, Birmingham suffered from post-industrial slump, and the twentieth century brought with it classic inner city problems, including slum living and inappropriate planning. Heavily bombed during World War Two, Birmingham lost a number of its fine buildings, although many Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings remain and are among its many interesting visitor attractions. Attempted redevelopments during the 1950s and 1960s were subsequently criticised and the post-war reputation of Birmingham was low. Recent renovations and restorations have, however, enabled it to shed this negative image and the city is now recognised as an exciting place to live, with good shopping and leisure facilities, interesting architecture, and stimulating cultural amenities.

Birmingham is well­known for its excellent shopping facilities. The newly restored Bullring shopping centre is an enormous development containing good shops and restaurants. There is also an extensive shopping area in the centre of town around the High Street, New Street and Corporation Street, with shops ranging from department stores, high street names, designer outlets and independent retailers, while the Jewellery Quarter has a worldwide reputation for its numerous jewellery outlets. The city has many good cinemas and theatres, including the Birmingham Hippodrome and the Alexandria, and other cultural attractions include the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the recently opened Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art. Millennium Point, opened in 2001, was one of Britain's largest millennium projects and is home to Thinktank, the museum of science and discovery. Throughout the city can be found attractive pubs, cafes and restaurants - indeed, its large number of high quality Indian restaurants has earned it the title "Capital of the Balti".

Birmingham is the centre of Britain's largest area of manufacturing, home to engineering businesses, electrical and car companies. It is also a major centre for service industries and retail businesses, and the tourist industry has now become a major source of employment in the area too. The city has three universities: the University of Birmingham, Aston University, and the University of Eastern England, and as such is home to a large student population.

Over recent years, Birmingham has experienced a booming housing market. Billions of pounds have been invested in the city, and the results of this investment programme and associated regeneration projects has led to rising prices in most areas of the city. The restoration of numerous buildings, streets and canals has resulted in a city which is attractive to residents and visitors alike, and which boasts a number of sought-after areas to live. The city contains many fine period properties, particularly Victorian housing stock, as well as more modern houses which tend to be more affordable. It contains a number of Conservation Areas, reflecting the high number of buildings of important historical or architectural value. For estate agents in Birmingham go to Estate agents Birmingham for listings of all the local property agents. Many of these, such as the fine Victorian and early 20th century buildings of the Jewellery Quarter, have undergone extensive rennovation over recent years, which has greatly enhanced the character of the city.

New developments have also grown up in the city, and many more new residential properties are being planned over the next five years. For new property estate agents in Birmingham visit New property estate agents in Birmingham. The Jewellery Quarter has a particularly admirable plan to become a thriving residential and commercial community with a range of housing and other facilities. Birmingham's canal network has also experienced impressive regeneration, and many luxury apartments and new developments have been built around Gas Street Basin, Brindley Place and Aston Science Park.

Being a large urban connurbation, the area around Birmingham contains many towns which all offer a variety of family homes, smaller properties for individuals, or flats and maisonettes. Halesowen, Dudley, West Bromwich and Walsall are all located on major routes into the centre. The suburb of Sutton Coldfield, to the north-east, is a popular place to live, particularly for families as it has a number of well-respected schools, good shopping and leisure facilities, and plenty of open green spaces. Its popularity is reflected in higher than average property prices for this area, but a range of houses are available to buy, from substantial detached period houses to an increasing number of new builds. Solihull, to the south-east, is a similarly sought-after area, with good schools and a well-established town centre. Numerous 1930s semi-detached houses can be found on its quiet residential streets, some purpose built apartment blocks, as well as many large detached houses.

Birmingham and its suburbs offer a good range of residential areas in which to look for houses to buy. One of the most popular areas is Edgbaston, to the south of the city, and perhaps best known for its test cricket ground. Despite being with easy access of the city centre and major roads, this is a surprisingly leafy, secluded area with some very desirable properties. Slightly closer to the centre, the district of Harbonne is an attractive part of Birmingham with much traditional housing: period terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, as well as more modern properties are available to buy or rent. Further south lies the area of Selly Oak, a popular residential area, while the area round King's Heath is an up-and-coming area which attracts first-time buyers. Victorian terraced houses with attractive period details can be found here ­ some of these are in need of renovation, which can keep prices low and allow buyers their own design input. Adjacent Moseley is a popular area, but prices are higher here. Bournville, the garden village set up by George Cadbury in the late 19th century and now home to Cadbury's World, is a fascinating place to visit and also has many attractive Victorian houses for sale.

For those looking for a more rural location, houses are for sale in surrounding villages and the extensive road network makes it quite feasible to commute into the city from the countryside. To the east of the M42, the sought-after villages of Knowle, Dorridge, Hampton-in-Arden, and Balsall Common are within commuting distance of Birmingham yet close to the Warwickshire countryside and the amenities of Solihull. To the south, villages around Redditch, and the town of Redditch itself, are popular residential areas, while to the north can be found attractive villages in Staffordshire.

Like many large cities, property prices in Birmingham vary greatly depending on area. While some sought-after districts have experienced soaring prices in recent years, cheaper property can be found in other areas and may prove a profitable investment. It is often worth looking for property in areas close to prime locations, as these may soon follow neighbouring trends and rise in price. Estate agents in Birmingham and adjacent suburbs can give details of property for sale or rent. Many new homes are being built in the area, and a property search on the internet can bring up details of property developments and new builds. Letting agents can also advise on student accommodation; townhouses divided into flats, apartment conversions of period properties, or modern flats in purpose-built blocks are all available to rent in and around the city. For more info on letting visit Property for rent in Birmingham and find local letting agents.

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