The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for 2026 has officially revealed Bournville as the premier location to reside in Birmingham, highlighting its unique charm and community-focused environment. This prestigious recognition comes from the guide's expert judges, who meticulously evaluate a wide range of factors to determine the most desirable living spots across the United Kingdom.
Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
Judges assess numerous elements, including house prices, school quality, air quality, transport links, broadband speeds, cultural offerings, green spaces, and the vitality of high streets. They seek out areas that demonstrate improvement, feature attractive and well-designed homes, and are rich in community spirit. A detailed analysis of house prices is provided by the guide's sponsor, Halifax, adding financial insight to the rankings.
National and Regional Winners
The guide covers all regions of Britain, with ten winners announced for areas such as the North and Northeast, Midlands, Northern Ireland, Southeast, Wales, Southwest, East, London, Scotland, and the Northwest. In 2026, Norwich was crowned the best place to live in the UK, celebrated for its blend of historic character and modern lifestyle.
Bournville's Distinctive Appeal
In Birmingham, Bournville stands out as the city's top choice. This chocolate-box neighbourhood is one of the UK's few model villages, originating from the iconic Cadbury brand. Founded in 1876 by the Quaker Cadbury family as a self-contained community for factory employees, it is often regarded as the world's first planned and balanced community.
The picturesque south Birmingham village remains cherished by its approximately 25,000 residents, who continue to adhere to the rules set by the Village Trust. Today, Bournville is highly sought-after, boasting independent shops, cafes, and the popular attraction Cadbury World, which adds to its desirability and cultural richness.
Overall, Bournville's recognition underscores its enduring appeal as a harmonious and well-maintained community within Birmingham, making it a standout example of ideal urban living in the region.
