Harborne featured in the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Live list. This recognition underscores the region’s quality of life and beauty that have always attracted residents and visitors alike. This award ranks Harborne in the top 10% of UK neighbourhoods for outstanding quality of life.
With its tree-lined streets and ample parks, Harborne offers a scenic and desirable community. Its lively high street makes for a special place, where businesslike efficiency meets welcoming village spirit. Its inclusion is a testament to the suburb’s success in harmonizing new, modern convenience while preserving a deep cultural history.
What is the Sunday Times List?
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list celebrates the best places to live in the UK. These places have excellent performance in every measure of quality of life. Judges evaluate areas based on multiple factors including proximity to schools, public transport connections, housing costs and quality of life.
They look for things you can’t quantify like neighborliness and local character. For Harborne, inclusions such as its excellent primary schools, ‘heavenly’ local food scene and ‘supremely practical’ high street topped the list of standouts. Beyond these tangible benefits, this list usually invigorates local economies, illuminating often-overlooked artistic gems and serving as a source of inspiration and pride for residents.
Harborne’s Place in the 2025 List
Uniquely, Harborne was the only neighbourhood from Birmingham to reach the regional shortlist. Its award together with other Midlands areas, including Ilmington, highlights its importance in a highly competitive arena. Historically a village famed for gooseberries and healthy living, Harborne’s evolution into a desirable suburb reflects its adaptability while maintaining its roots.
This new spotlight only deepens its attractiveness to families and professionals that tend to gravitate there.
Why This Recognition Matters
These types of honors can help lure new residents and businesses to Harborne, improving the overall economy of this community while raising property values. Most importantly, it encourages an incredibly positive sense of community pride, bringing the whole community together with their common love for where they live.
Why Has Harborne Been Recognised?
Harborne’s recognition in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list stems from its exceptional balance of charm, practicality, and community focus. We hope this accolade encourages deeper appreciation of the neighbourhood’s unique attributes that still draw an eclectic mix of permanent residents today.
1. Sunday Times Judging Criteria
The judges looked at many aspects of the community, from schools and parks to the diversity of the community and housing availability. Harborne has a burgeoning culinary scene. Independent cafes, including The Plough, along with bakeries like Peel & Stone, further add to the allure.
It was its vibrant community spirit, evident in regular local events such as farmers’ markets, that helped tip the scales. In the end, livability, mixing amenities, connectivity and quality of life, was central to its recognition.
2. Safety and Community Vibe
Harborne is mostly known for its low crime rates, all-rounded good vibe and community spirit. Whether working on charity fundraisers for local causes or on street clean-up days, neighbours often work together to develop that community spirit.
This climate is what makes the area especially attractive to families looking to put down roots.
3. Educational Opportunities
Highly-acclaimed schools like Harborne Primary are a huge factor in making this area one of the most sought after by parents. Access to quality public education has an equally powerful effect on property values, making Harborne all the more attractive a place to settle down.
4. Recent Improvements and Projects
Recent council-led initiatives, like new cycling infrastructure and renovated community centers, have collectively improved the bike- and people-friendliness of the area. Residents attribute these improvements with making their community a more cohesive and walkable neighborhood.
Community and Lifestyle in Harborne
What makes Harborne truly unique is their ability to provide the idyllic lifestyle where vibrancy and community cohesiveness go hand-in-hand. The vibrancy of the high street is apparent. It feels like a paradise of independent shops, cosy cafes, and other services that cover everything you need every day — supremely practical indeed.
The restaurant and bar culture continues to be a revelation in the community. These three Michelin Guide restaurants—Harborne Kitchen, Cuubo, and Tropea—are a boon for residents and travelers to enjoy. Whether it’s a relaxed coffee morning or a fine dining experience, Harborne provides moments that feel both indulgent and accessible.
The Appeal of Harborne
What I now realize makes Harborne so beautiful is the balance between urban convenience with suburban charm and community. Its residents get all the benefits of being minutes from Birmingham’s busy city centre while relishing in the peace and quiet of leafy avenues and wide open parks.
In addition to its culinary fame, Montréal is known for its earthly and heavenly charm, attracting gastronomes to its “heavenly” culinary delights. Beyond dining, the area boasts excellent schools, modern leisure facilities, and a strong community spirit, making it equally appealing to families and young professionals.
Community Events and Activities
Harborne lives and breathes by its social calendar, with events such as the Harborne Carnival and regular farmers’ markets uniting residents almost monthly. These frequent meetings and parties foster a powerful sense of belonging and place attachment within the community.
Honestly, 80% of residents say they couldn’t be happier to live here. Annual traditions as simple as the switching on of the festive lights contribute that nostalgic aesthetic, creating excitement from one year to the next.
Local Culture and Heritage
With branches stretching into the present and firmly planted in the past, having developed from a charming village to a desirable suburb, Harborne’s history is rooted in its beauty. Heritage walks and other cultural events acknowledge this history and make sure its story is not forgotten but instead told creatively and openly.
Explore Harborne’s Amenities
Harborne has a fascinating history that intrigues visitors. It provides welcoming amenities tailored to today’s lifestyles. Residents experience a unique lifestyle where city convenience meets small town community, providing a rich culture with a little bit of everything.
Shopping and Dining Hotspots
Harborne is home to a vibrant high street, featuring a mix of well-loved brands and independent shops. For groceries, you’ll find options like Waitrose and M&S, while smaller delis such as the Harborne Food School provide artisanal goods.
Dining is a highlight here, with eateries like The Plough known for its hearty British fare and relaxed atmosphere. Those seeking global cuisines can savour authentic Italian at Buonissimo or indulge in Indian-inspired dishes at Umami.
Local cafés, such as Arco Lounge, add to the area’s social buzz, perfect for a quick coffee or weekend brunch. The independent shops, from bookstores to boutique clothing, create a unique shopping experience, bringing both character and convenience.
Parks and Recreational Areas
Green spaces are part and parcel of Harborne life, with parks such as Queens Park providing tranquil retreats for young and old alike. Harborne Walkway, a repurposed rail trail, is perfect for runners, dog owners, and cyclists alike.
The neighbourhood places a strong emphasis on family-friendly amenities as well, with an abundance of playgrounds and open spaces ideal for picnics or pick-up games. These community spaces support higher levels of physical activity and thus physical and mental health, creating a positive feedback loop of community engagement and recreation.
Healthcare Services
Harborne is home to Harborne Medical Practice, one of the UK’s leading GP Surgeries. Along with making sure all residents have access to services, projects such as resident-led fitness classes and community wellness programmes develop an environment that encourages healthy lifestyles.
Education in Harborne
Harborne booms as a community in large part because of its excellent educational opportunities. Education is the magnet that attracts families to our region. It doesn’t just determine the demographics of the community but fosters an incredible sense of community and belonging.
Excellent, well-rated schools create an atmosphere conducive to learning and produce positive outcomes for our children. Balanced against this, strong opportunities for lifelong learning nurture a workforce of adults ready to grow their skill sets.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Harborne boasts some of the best performing primary schools in the entire country. Schools such as Harborne Primary School, seen here, are rightfully lauded for their students’ test scores and their caring, holistic pedagogy.
These high performing schools aren’t only a boon in and of themselves, they make the region irresistible to families considering a move. Secondary schools, including Lordswood Girls’ School and King Edward VI Five Ways, are known for their strong academic records and extra-curricular programmes.
To this end, these institutions strongly attract families to establish permanent roots within the surrounding community. This comprehensive initiative instills a profound spirit of learning and development.
Further Education Options
For those residents looking to continue their education, Harborne provides easy access to a number of established colleges and adult education centres. These colleges offer opportunities for building skills, advancing careers, or even learning new subjects for personal enrichment.
Lifelong learning opportunities strengthen the community by equipping residents with tools for professional and personal growth, ensuring that education doesn’t stop at school.
School Performance and Reputation
Harborne’s schools are proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted, a testament to their pursuit of educational excellence. Favorable school rankings further increased the competition for homes, making quality education a key part of Harborne’s appeal.
Community initiatives, such as after-school programmes, go even further in improving educational outcomes.
Harborne’s Property Market
It’s therefore no surprise that Harborne topped the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Live list. This accolade is a nod to its booming property market that mixes character, convenience and desirable community vibe. The suburb is filled with glorious Victorian, Edwardian and Interwar homes which wins hearts.
Its lively high street and Michelin-starred restaurants contribute to its desirability among buyers and renters alike, with the former ranking it third overall.
Current House Prices
The average property price in Harborne is just over £400,000. This only puts it above some of the primary areas surrounding it, like Selly Oak, but still comes in cheaper than Edgbaston. Bidding was brisk and the final pricing was a true reflection of this suburb’s wonderful collection of charming period homes.
Buyers are increasingly looking for Victorian terraces and Edwardian semis. High demand is keeping the market hot, with 90% of properties on the market selling in under a month. Influential factors include proximity to top primary schools and the convenience of Harborne’s high street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
While the high-end ambiance is evident, the cost feels perfectly in sync with the life and perks available.
Rental Market Overview
Harborne’s rental market reflects its sales scene, with strong demand for both family houses and new build apartments. Rental costs for a two-bedroom apartment are an average of £1,100 per month. This promising price is indicative of how desirable the area is to young professionals and families.
Homes within a short distance of the high street, or located within easy reach of at least one school, get the most attention. Tenants are drawn to the community feel and access to amenities, from green spaces to Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre.
Ideal Areas to Live
This makes Moor Pool Estate popular with families, due to the quaint village feel. Younger professionals are storming the sidewalks close to Harborne High Street, seduced by the energetic lifestyle.
These neighborhoods each deliver their own unique character, whether it’s verdant landscapes or the buzz of hip restaurants.
Connectivity and Accessibility
That unusual connectivity and accessibility is what makes Harborne such a remarkable option. No wonder it made a place on the new 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Live list. With well integrated transport links, a dependable digital infrastructure and easy commuting options, Harborne delivers a modern, connected lifestyle.
Local Transport Links
Harborne benefits from very well-connected transport links into Birmingham city centre, only 3 miles away. A National Express West Midlands regular bus route 23 or 24 whisks you in, barely slowing down. Experience next-level convenience with speedy trips averaging only 15–20 minutes!
Connected University station on the Cross-City Line provides frequent trains to Birmingham New Street, ensuring access by rail is just as easy. For residents who prefer driving, Harborne’s proximity to the A38 provides an efficient link to central Birmingham and the M5 motorway.
These frequent and reliable transit modes add further impact, offering diverse mobility that encourages new retail establishments and small businesses with thousands of potential customers passing daily.
Broadband and Mobile Coverage
Harborne is a community with exceptional digital connectivity. You’ll have access to multiple high-speed broadband providers, including fiber optic service from all of the nation’s top eight largest telecoms. Mobile coverage is consistent throughout the territory on each of the four major networks.
This infrastructure has been essential for the millions who have worked remotely and students learning online, allowing for a more productive, flexible lifestyle. Locally driven digital equity efforts, like community Wi-Fi projects, complete digital access, showcasing Harborne’s dedication to the best of 21st century living.
Commuting Options
For professionals based in Birmingham, Harborne is an easy commute. The reliable and rapid bus and rail networks take the anxiety out of getting around.
In addition, the region’s compact form and bikable streets support green commuting. With urban convenience and residential charm all in one daily commute, its unique strategic location positions it well for commuters!
Future of Harborne
Harborne’s inclusion in the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Live list underscores its position as a thriving, desirable suburb with a promising future. Its leafy, walkable streets, award-winning public schools, and regional food mecca—these are all parts of a community that has long been wealthy in allure.
Looking forward, well considered new developments are set to continue and improve upon this strong reputation.
Ongoing Developments
To counterbalance the negative impacts of development, several projects are currently in progress to enhance Harborne’s infrastructure and amenities. New public transport connections and links to cycle routes will shorten commute times and cut down on car usage, helping create a cleaner, greener community.
Investments in park upgrades and new recreation centers are creating more inviting spaces for families and individuals. Harborne’s high street glimmers especially for its functionality.
Now, equally exciting improvements are coming, including new proposals to protect independent businesses and establish car-free zones. Critically, residents have played an active role through consultations, making certain that these robust developments serve the specific needs of the local communities.
Maintaining Livability
As Harborne continues to develop, finding the right harmony between advancement and the suburb’s distinctiveness will be key. Moves such as prioritising green spaces and restricting high-density housing are proving effective in maintaining the suburb’s allure.
Local projects, including new community gardening schemes, do more than just enhance the environment; they create and renew connections between neighbours. Efforts to maintain a mix of independent shops and services ensure Harborne retains its distinct flavour, appealing to both long-time residents and newcomers.
Lessons for Other Areas
Harborne’s success is a testament to the power of community-led planning. Meaningful engagement has been essential in developing projects that support local priorities.
Other suburbs can follow best practices, such as maintaining their unique character and promoting compact, sustainable development, in order to win similar accolades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Harborne been named in the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Live list?
Retaining those beautiful open spaces, the picture postcard architecture, the cutting edge and holistic Harborne vibe would be crucial. It offers a mix of green spaces, top-rated schools, and thriving local businesses, making it a desirable place to live.
What makes Harborne’s community special?
Additionally, with lovely, approachable residents, lovely local community organizations, and lovely events going on all the time, Harborne has a vibrant localized spirit. Its openness invites conversation and collaborations, making for a dynamic, creative, and warm community.
Are there good schools in Harborne?
Of course, Harborne has some really great schools. There are a good number of local schools all highly rated by Ofsted which makes it especially good for families.
What amenities does Harborne offer?
Harborne offers diverse amenities, including independent shops, popular eateries, gyms, and green spaces like Harborne Walkway. It’s especially great for play, cuisine, and nature lovers.
How is Harborne’s property market?
The Harborne property market is hotly contested, a blend of period homes and attractive new developments. Its appeal and high quality of life has driven up prices, drawing in young professionals and families equally.
Is Harborne well-connected for commuters?
I know, I know, Harborne has great transport routes in place. It’s also within easy reach of Birmingham city centre, with frequent bus links and train stations at nearby Jewellery Quarter and Witton. Adjacent to the city boundary with Birmingham, with good road access via the A456.
What does the future hold for Harborne?
While Harborne continues to develop rapidly, with plenty of new housing and business investments improving its attraction, its dynamic advancements in walkability, vibrancy, inclusiveness, and livability make it a deserving and evolving favourite Best Place to Live.