Looking for a place that offers all the comforts of suburban life but with quick access to Birmingham city centre? Shirley, on the edge of Solihull, is the kind of place that often flies under the radar – but once you know about it, it’s hard to ignore. With tree-lined roads, excellent schools, a growing food scene and great connections, it’s no surprise more people are choosing to call Shirley home.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an investor looking for strong yields in the West Midlands, here’s why Shirley could be your next smart move.
Where is Shirley?
Shirley sits within the borough of Solihull in the West Midlands, just southeast of Birmingham. It borders Hall Green, Solihull town centre, and Monkspath, and it’s right off key transport routes including the M42, A34 and M40.
But despite being so close to the city, Shirley manages to feel like a place apart. It has its own personality, its own shopping centre, and a strong community that makes it feel more like a town than a suburb.
A suburb with character
What makes Shirley stand out isn’t just its location – it’s the atmosphere. This is a suburb that feels settled. There’s a real mix of residents: young professionals, growing families, retired couples and long-time locals, all sharing the same tree-lined streets.
Take a walk along the high street and you’ll pass everything from independent coffee shops to butchers, bakeries and family-run restaurants. Parkgate Shopping Centre adds modern retail convenience to the area, and there’s a real effort to keep Shirley clean, connected and thriving.
You’ll find active community groups, local events and plenty of family-friendly facilities. This is a place where people say hello at the school gates, know their neighbours, and put down roots.
The property scene in Shirley
Shirley’s housing stock is varied, well-maintained and in demand. You’ll find 1930s and post-war semis, large detached family homes, modern estates and purpose-built apartments. There’s something here for every budget and stage of life.
Average property prices in Shirley (2025):
- Three-bed semi-detached: £310,000
- Four-bed detached: £480,000
- Two-bed apartment: £195,000
Homes with driveways, gardens and proximity to schools or train stations sell quickly. For investors, rental yields are typically around 4.5% to 5.5%, especially for well-located flats or three-bed houses. Demand is steady, and void periods are short.
Why families love Shirley
Shirley is regularly rated as one of the best areas near Birmingham for families — and it’s easy to see why.
You’ve got plenty of room to grow. Most homes have gardens, parks are nearby, and there’s a wide choice of schools.
Local schools include:
- Tudor Grange Primary Academy (Outstanding)
- Shirley Heath Junior School
- Light Hall School
- Alderbrook School in nearby Solihull
There are also several nurseries and early years providers in the area, as well as Solihull College for older students.
Beyond education, families benefit from everything being close by — GPs, dentists, swimming pools, soft play centres and more. It’s the kind of place where you can get things done with minimal stress.
Green spaces and outdoor life
One of Shirley’s best features is its easy access to parks and green space.
- Shirley Park is the heart of the local community, offering tennis courts, play areas, open grassland and seasonal events.
- Hillfield Park has scenic walking trails and wildlife areas
- Brueton Park in Solihull is ideal for longer weekend strolls or picnics
- Earlswood Lakes, just a short drive away, gives you that ‘countryside escape’ without having to go far
Cyclists are well catered for too, with growing infrastructure linking Shirley to Solihull, Birmingham and beyond.
Shopping and eating out
Shirley has quietly developed one of the best suburban food scenes in the region. It mixes long-standing favourites with trendy newcomers — from no-frills cafes to fine Indian dining.
Grab breakfast at an independent coffee shop, lunch from a sushi bar or street food van, and dinner at a family-run Italian. It’s all here.
In terms of shopping, Parkgate brings big-name convenience — with Aldi, Asda, Iceland and high street fashion — while the high street is full of independent retailers, salons, and gift shops.
Nearby Solihull’s Touchwood Centre adds more premium retail and leisure, with brands like John Lewis, Next and Zara plus a cinema and dining options.
Commuting made easy
Shirley is ideal for commuters. Whether you’re working in Birmingham, Solihull, Warwick or beyond, it’s easy to get around.
From Shirley or Whitlocks End station, you can reach:
- Birmingham Moor Street in around 17 minutes
- Stratford-upon-Avon in 30–40 minutes
- Leamington Spa in under an hour
By car, you’re minutes from the M42, with direct links to the M40, M6, and M5 — plus Birmingham Airport and NEC in under 20 minutes.
There are also strong local bus routes, making travel around the borough of Solihull easy even without a car.
Weekend adventures and things to do
There’s no shortage of ways to fill your free time.
- Take the kids to Cadbury World or the Sea Life Centre
- Visit Packwood House or Baddesley Clinton for a taste of history
- Book tickets at The Core Theatre in Solihull
- Try paddleboarding or kayaking at Earlswood Lakes
- Enjoy live music, events and exhibitions at Resorts World and NEC
You can keep it local or head into Birmingham for nightlife, concerts, galleries and more. Shirley is perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Community and local life
Shirley is more than a commuter suburb — it’s a place with its own identity.
- Local events like the Shirley Carnival and Christmas lights switch-on draw big crowds
- There’s a growing number of community groups, hobby clubs and volunteer projects
- The Shirley Lions, local Rotary Club, and parent-toddler groups all help connect residents
It’s the kind of place where you can be as involved as you want to be. Newcomers often say they felt welcomed within weeks.
Who’s moving to Shirley?
Shirley appeals to a wide range of buyers and renters:
- Young professionals who want space without losing city access
- Families looking for good schools and parks
- Downsizers seeking comfort and convenience
- Investors looking for stable returns
The area’s growth in recent years has been consistent, and demand shows no signs of slowing.
What’s it like to invest in Shirley?
Property in Shirley offers strong fundamentals:
- Consistent tenant demand
- Healthy yields (4.5% to 5.5%)
- Low void periods
- Long-term capital growth
Buy-to-let properties near the high street, train stations or good schools perform especially well. Three-bed semis and modern flats are always in demand.
There’s also potential for capital improvement – many properties here have scope for extension or modernisation.
Final thoughts
Shirley is the kind of place that works for real life. It’s got all the practicalities – schools, shops, trains – but also all the extras that make a place feel like home: parks, pubs, friendly neighbours and a sense of belonging.
It’s close enough to Birmingham to make commuting easy, but far enough away to offer a more peaceful pace. Whether you’re looking to settle, invest or simply explore what the West Midlands has to offer, Shirley makes a strong case.
Thinking of making a move?
Solihull town centre offers style, ease and connectivity in equal measure. From buyers to landlords, this area delivers town-centre convenience with period charm, quality amenities and proven property strength. Whether you are looking to buy, rent or sell, Hunters Solihull offers local knowledge, tailored valuations and effective marketing reach.
Contact our team to explore current town centre properties or arrange a personalised free valuation—discover why Solihull provides the best of urban life without compromise.
