‘It soothes the soul’: The 35 best places to live in the West Midlands according to you

We asked our readers where the best places to live in the West Midlands are.

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Stunning countryside, quaint villages, friendly towns - there are a lot of different aspects that make it desirable to live in the West Midlands. But, which areas are the best?

We asked our readers where they think the best places to live in the West Midlands are. One user admitted it is "tough" to say as there are "a few nice places".

Another user said that "anywhere rural" in the region is the best place to live. From Lichfield to Cannock Chase, to Worcester and Stratford upon Avon, there is far from a shortage of wonderful places to call home.

Bridgnorth. (Photo: Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Bridgnorth. (Photo: Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Listed below are the best places to live according to our readers.

1. Lichfield

Wayne said: "Where our family have been born and bred over many generations. Our wonderful small three spired Cathedral City of Lichfield."

Lichfield. (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Lichfield. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

2. Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth is a historic market town with charm, attractions, and shops. It is classed as one of the most picturesque and fascinating towns in the West Midlands.

Bridgnorth. (Photo: Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Bridgnorth. (Photo: Mat Fascione, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

3. Cannock Chase

Karl said Cannock Chase "soothes the soul walking among the trees". It is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including woodlands and pine forests, offering top-tier walking.

Cannock. (Photo: Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Cannock. (Photo: Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

4. Abbots Bromley

Abbots Bromley is an attractive village, combining a rich history with scenic countryside.

Abbots Bromley. (Photo: Malcolm Neal, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Abbots Bromley. (Photo: Malcolm Neal, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

5. Wheaton Ashton

Stanley said it is a "lovely village" with "lovely people surrounded by lovely countryside". He added: "Two good pubs as well".

Wheaton Ashton. (Photo: Oosoom, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Wheaton Ashton. (Photo: Oosoom, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

6. Wombourne

The local council names it an attractive village, steeped in history and a great destination for nature lovers and walkers.

Wombourne. (Photo: Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Wombourne. (Photo: Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

7. Stone

Stone is famous as a historic canal town, and known for its picturesque Trent & Mersey Canal, as well as its vibrant food and drink scene.

Stone. (Photo: Roger D Kidd, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Stone. (Photo: Roger D Kidd, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

8. Stafford

George said: "I've travelled all over UK, most of the Europe, America and Canada. In my opinion I think Stafford is the safest place not just in West Midlands, in the world to live in and bring the family up."

Stafford. (Photo: Val Vannet / Town centre, Stafford)
Stafford. (Photo: Val Vannet / Town centre, Stafford)

9. Leek

Roy said Leek is a "lovely town" with "great people". He added "very friendly, visit there at least 10 times a year".

Leek. (Photo: Charlesdrakew, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Leek. (Photo: Charlesdrakew, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

10. Wordsley

Wordsley is a suburban village offering scenic canal-side walks, historic buildings, and the beautiful Worsley Woods.

Wordsley. (Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Wordsley. (Photo: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

11. Stourbridge

Stourbridge is a market town known for having beautiful walks in the Black Country.

Stourbridge. (Photo: Stephen McKay / Foster Street, Stourbridge)
Stourbridge. (Photo: Stephen McKay / Foster Street, Stourbridge)

12. Streetly

Streetly is an affluent residential suburb and village with a bustline center near the Sutton Park gate.

Streetly. (Photo: Geoff Pick, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Streetly. (Photo: Geoff Pick, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

13. Bloxwich

The bustling industrial town has a long history and great transport links.

Bloxwich. (Photo: Steve Fareham, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Bloxwich. (Photo: Steve Fareham, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

14. Sedgley

Alison said: "I always thought it was a nice little town with amazing views".

Sedgley. (Photo: David Bowen / Field on edge of Sedgley Beacon)
Sedgley. (Photo: David Bowen / Field on edge of Sedgley Beacon)

15. Penkridge

Peter said simply that it is a "beautiful place".

Penkridge. (Photo: Jurek and Trish  Sienkiewicz, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Penkridge. (Photo: Jurek and Trish Sienkiewicz, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

16. Wednesfield

Robert said the town and historic village has "great people" and he has made "great friends".

Wednesfield. (Photo: Row17 / Wednesfield Town Centre)
Wednesfield. (Photo: Row17 / Wednesfield Town Centre)

17. Cradley

Cradley is a charming neighbourhood known for its beautiful, well-maintained houses and peaceful atmosphere.

Cradley. (Photo: Whatlep, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Cradley. (Photo: Whatlep, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

18. Worcester

The historic cathedral city offers a high quality of life with a blend of city and rural living. It is frequently ranked among the happiest and safest places in the UK.

Worcester. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
Worcester. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)

19. Swynnerton

The village is characterised by its green spaces, historic charm, and close-knit community.

Swynnerton. (Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Swynnerton. (Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

20. Alveley

The peaceful and rural neighbourhood is known for its beautiful scenery.

Alveley. (Photo: Alveley Welcome by Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Alveley. (Photo: Alveley Welcome by Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

21. Stratford upon Avon

The desirable, historic Warwickshire market town is renowned for its Shakespearean heritage and vibrant riverside culture.

Stratford upon Avon. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Stratford upon Avon. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

22. Mow Cop

Gareth said there are "great views from Mow Cop". It is a scenic village known for its iconic 18th-century "Mow Cop Castle".

Mow Cop. (Photo: Galatas / Mow Cop viewed from Congleton Road)
Mow Cop. (Photo: Galatas / Mow Cop viewed from Congleton Road)

23. Netherton

Netherton is a town in Dudley known for having a welcoming atmosphere and being peaceful. Linda said: "Netherton has such olde World charm."

Netherton. (Photo: Andrew Smith / Road at Netherton)
Netherton. (Photo: Andrew Smith / Road at Netherton)

24. Chaddesley Corbett

A picturesque and friendly village offering a peaceful rural lifestyle.

Chaddesley Corbett. (Photo: Stephen McKay, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Chaddesley Corbett. (Photo: Stephen McKay, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

25. Pensnett

A friendly neighbourhood in Dudley known for its historic charm.

Pensnett. (Photo: Brian Clift / Belmont Road, Pensnett)
Pensnett. (Photo: Brian Clift / Belmont Road, Pensnett)

26. Great Wyrley

The town is noted as being friendly and family-oriented as well as having a clean environment and welcoming community.

Great Wyrley. (Photo: Geoff Pick / The Star, A34, Great Wyrley)
Great Wyrley. (Photo: Geoff Pick / The Star, A34, Great Wyrley)

27. Pelsall

A friendly neighbourhood known for its strong sense of community and boasts a beautiful park.

Pelsall. (Photo: Adrian Rothery / Pelsall Village Common)
Pelsall. (Photo: Adrian Rothery / Pelsall Village Common)

28. Kinver

Kinver was highlighted as the best place to live in Staffordshire around May 2022, praised for its "charming" high street and historic Kinver Edge.

Kinver. (Photo: Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Kinver. (Photo: Gordon Griffiths, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

29. Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is continuously voted as one of the best places in the UK to live.

Shrewsbury. (Photo: Gnesener1900, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Shrewsbury. (Photo: Gnesener1900, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

30. Bewdley

An attractive Georgian town on the River Severn - it is widely considered a fantastic place to live.

Bewdley. (Photo: Philip Pankhurst, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Bewdley. (Photo: Philip Pankhurst, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

31. Oswestry

A charming market town often considered a hidden gem.

Oswestry. (Photo: Edward Williams / Oswestry Marketplace.)
Oswestry. (Photo: Edward Williams / Oswestry Marketplace.)

32. Claverley

A picturesque village known for its delightful cottages.

Claverley. (Photo: Geoff Pick / Claverley)
Claverley. (Photo: Geoff Pick / Claverley)

33. Trysull

It is considered a beautiful place to live offering a rustic charm.

Trysull. (Photo: Geoff Pick / Farmhouse, Manor Farm, Trysull)
Trysull. (Photo: Geoff Pick / Farmhouse, Manor Farm, Trysull)

34. Brewood

A highly regarded village in South Staffordshire, consistently rated as a lovely and safe place to live. 

Brewood. (Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Brewood. (Photo: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

35. Codsall

A peaceful, family-friendly neighbourhood with a bustling village centre.

Codsall. (Photo: Richard Vince, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
Codsall. (Photo: Richard Vince, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)