Living in Solihull

Community and local life in Solihull is centred around inclusive neighbourhoods, local events, and shared green spaces. Residents are often engaged with local groups, charity initiatives, and volunteer-led schemes. Annual highlights include the Solihull Summer Fest, Christmas markets, and regular events at Brueton Park and the centre of Knowle.

The town’s parks and open spaces encourage outdoor living – Malvern and Brueton Parks offer lakes, walking trails, and sports facilities, while the Grand Union Canal provides a scenic route for walkers and cyclists. Local leisure centres, community halls, and libraries serve as social hubs for all ages, ensuring residents benefit from an active local lifestyle.

Solihull has a reputation for being one of the safer towns in the West Midlands. Crime rates in Solihull are generally lower than those in nearby Birmingham and Coventry, particularly in established residential neighbourhoods such as Knowle, Dorridge, and Shirley. The town centre and public transport hubs are regularly patrolled by West Midlands Police, contributing to a sense of safety for residents and visitors.

While incidents of anti-social behaviour and property crime can occur (as is typical in urban areas), community safety initiatives and neighbourhood watch schemes are active across the borough. Investment in local CCTV and regeneration projects has also contributed to improved perceptions of safety in the town centre and surrounding areas.

Parking in Solihull is generally convenient, with a mix of on-street parking, public car parks, and residential permit systems depending on the location. The town centre offers several multi-storey and surface car parks, providing pay-and-display options for shoppers and visitors. Street parking in residential neighbourhoods is mostly unrestricted, though certain roads close to the centre or railway stations operate permit schemes.

Road access is a key advantage of living in Solihull: the town is ideally positioned next to the M42, ensuring smooth journeys to neighbouring cities and local business parks. Congestion is moderate, with peak times affecting main routes like the A41 and A34. The M42, M6, and M40 all provide major route options for regional and national travel.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Birmingham – approx. 20 minutes via A41 or M42 (8 miles)
• Coventry – approx. 20 minutes via M42 or A45 (17 miles)
• Warwick – approx. 30 minutes via M40 (20 miles)
• Stratford-upon-Avon – approx. 40 minutes via M42/A46 (25 miles)

Solihull is known for its diverse and high-quality food scene, with a blend of independent cafés, stylish gastropubs, and upmarket restaurants. Mell Square and Touchwood Shopping Centre provide popular local and chain dining spots, offering a wide range of cuisines from Italian to Asian fusion. Well-regarded venues include The Beech House, The Delhi, and The Forest Hotel in Dorridge, while Shirley and Knowle are home to several traditional pubs and lively bars.

When it comes to nightlife, Solihull has a more relaxed social scene compared to larger cities. Cocktail bars, live music venues, and local theatres such as The Core Theatre offer cultural and evening entertainment. The town caters to a cosmopolitan crowd, balancing modern dining experiences with classic West Midlands hospitality.

School Quality: Solihull has a wide selection of high-performing schools, both state and independent, making it ideal for families prioritising education. The presence of multiple “Outstanding”-rated schools underpins its reputation for academic excellence.

Parks and Green Space: Families are drawn to Solihull for its abundance of well-maintained parks like Malvern and Brueton, which offer playgrounds, open fields, and nature reserves perfect for children to explore.

Childcare: A range of nurseries, childminders, and out-of-school clubs cater for younger children, with extended hours and flexible options for working parents.

Safety: Solihull’s lower-than-average crime rates and active community watch schemes provide peace of mind for families regarding personal and property safety.

Family Activities: The area has plenty of family-friendly activities and venues, such as local swimming pools, libraries, leisure centres, and cultural events, all adding to the appeal for those raising children.

Solihull is well suited to pet owners, with an abundance of parks, open spaces, and countryside walks in and around the town. Brueton Park, Malvern Park, and the wildlife-rich Nature Reserve are all popular for dog walking, as are the Grand Union Canal towpaths and wider Warwickshire countryside.

The area supports a pet-friendly ethos, with numerous local vets, grooming parlours, and specialist pet shops. Many cafés in Solihull and Knowle are dog-welcoming, and housing stock often includes properties with gardens or spacious outdoor access. The general attitude towards pets is positive, especially in suburban and village settings.

Solihull enjoys excellent transport connectivity, making it a practical base for commuters and travellers. The town is served by Solihull railway station, which offers regular direct trains to Birmingham Moor Street (typically 10-15 minutes) and London Marylebone (from around 1 hour 40 minutes). The nearby Birmingham International railway station connects to the wider UK rail network and is adjacent to Birmingham Airport.

Extensive local and regional bus networks provide links within Solihull and into Birmingham, Coventry, and surrounding villages. Key road links include the M42 motorway, which runs to the east of the town and connects to the M40, M6, and M5, offering fast road access regionally and nationally. Birmingham Airport is less than 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Solihull, making domestic and international travel straightforward.

Approximate commute times:

• Birmingham city centre – 20 minutes by train or car (8 miles)
• Coventry – 25 minutes by train or 20 minutes by car (17 miles)
• London Marylebone – around 1 hour 40 minutes by train
• Birmingham Airport – under 15 minutes by road (5 miles)

Solihull has a strong reputation for education, with a high concentration of well-regarded primary and secondary schools, both in the state and independent sector.

Primary Schools in Solihull:

Widney Junior School is a popular choice among families, last rated “Good” by Ofsted in 2019. Tudor Grange Primary Academy St James is known for its high standards and strong results, last rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted in 2016. Greswold Primary School consistently receives positive feedback, and St Alphege CE Junior School is praised for its nurturing environment.

Secondary Schools in Solihull:

Arden Academy stands out as one of the top secondary schools, with an Ofsted “Outstanding” rating as of 2013. Tudor Grange Academy Solihull is another highly rated secondary, judged “Outstanding” by Ofsted in 2014, noted for its student achievement and extra-curricular opportunities. St Peter's Catholic School is recognised for its academic results, while Langley School is also sought after in the area.

Independent Schools, Sixth Forms, and Colleges:

Solihull School is a leading independent co-educational day school for ages 3 to 18, respected for academic and sporting excellence. St Martin's School, an independent day school for girls, is another well-known institution. Solihull College & University Centre provides a range of vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning, serving learners from across the region.

Universities:

Solihull is close to several higher education institutions, including the University of Birmingham (located in nearby Edgbaston) and Birmingham City University. Solihull College & University Centre also offers selected degree-level programs in partnership with external universities.