In terms of pure city population, Birmingham is the second most populous city in the UK with just over one million inhabitants. It is also the second most populous urban area in Britain with more than 2.2 million people living within Birmingham’s urban boundaries. Enter the metropolitan population of almost 3.7 million people into the mix and you have an economic powerhouse. Birmingham was a major player during the Industrial Revolution and was even dubbed the world’s first manufacturing town in 1791. The city also has three universities and two university colleges but is best known for its Big City Plan which is designed to drastically improve the standard of living in the city within the next 20 years.

Prices

Despite the fact that Birmingham is the second biggest city in the UK, its prices are well below that of London with reasonable quality meals available for less than £7. Even high-end 3 course meals for two rarely go above the £50 mark. This is considerably cheaper than in London where £50 would be considered below average. Even the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city centre is not excessive at £590 with a number of flats available that are closer to the £500 mark per month. Three bedroom flats have a massive disparity in price range with the cheapest at around £750 a month but the most exclusive flats of this nature will cost over £2,000 a month. Unsurprisingly, rent prices drop by more than £100 a month the moment you leave the city centre.

Transport

As Birmingham has an area of around 80 square miles, it’s unlikely that you’ll be walking to work unless you are extremely fortunate and live close to your office. Birmingham’s main ring-road is known as Spaghetti Junction and is one of the most famous in Europe. As you can probably guess, this fame comes from the crazy levels of traffic that pass through it. However, once you make it into the city, there are 70 car parks and some 24,000 parking spaces.

Nonetheless, you may prefer to choose public transport with National Express West Midlands the main provider of the bus service. There is no main city centre depot which is unusual in a city of this size with services departing from a number of places in the city. There is also a 24 hour bus service available which is extremely convenient for night workers and those who are having some weekend fun.

Amenities

The Bullring shopping centre is the biggest in the city. It is home to an enormous array of designers but of special note is the fact that Selfridges' shops dominate the Bullring. There is also a specific Jeweler Quarter which is host to some 500 different stores. In terms of restaurants, the well known 'Balti Triangle' has more than 50 eateries in a single small area with a Chinese Quarter also located close to the city centre.

Aside from the usual pubs and nightclubs, Birmingham is also a great city if you enjoy a bit of culture. The Hippodrome hosts the Birmingham Royal Ballet while you can listen to the majestic performances of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in Symphony Hall. The Waterhall Gallery of Modern Art is a must see for lovers of brilliant paintings and sculptures while Star City is a 30 screen cinema complex which contains all the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Sport

Birmingham City and Aston Villa are the two biggest football clubs in the city. City are currently playing in the second tier of English football but they are playing European football and were surprise winners of the League Cup in 2011. Villa are a Premier League stalwart and won the European Cup in 1982. Birmingham is also host to Edgbaston, one of the few cricket grounds in the country that regularly hosts Test Match Cricket.

It is hoped that the Big City Plan will really put Birmingham on the map. As things stand, it is a growing city with an economy that is hugely important in the Midlands and in the whole of England. Hopefully, the foresight shown by the city council will result in a bright future for Birmingham.