Living in Harborne (Birmingham)

Harborne offers a blend of suburban village charm and city convenience. This Victorian suburb, famous as the birthplace of Chad Valley toys and recently featured in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live, combines tree-lined streets with vibrant community life just minutes from the heart of the UK’s ‘Second City’.

Where is Harborne?

Harborne is located in southwest Birmingham, around three miles from the city centre. Positioned between Edgbaston to the northeast and Quinton to the southwest, the suburb represents a sought-after balance of suburban tranquillity and urban accessibility.

The area is affectionately known as ‘the village’ by locals, a reflection of its strong community spirit and village-like atmosphere despite being part of Britain’s second-largest city.

Is Harborne a nice place to live?

Harborne consistently ranks as one of Birmingham’s most desirable areas to live and is featured in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025. It’s centred around its vibrant high street which is filled with independent shops, restaurants and traditional pubs.

Local events, farmers’ markets and the famous ‘Harborne Mile’ pub crawl help to create a social atmosphere that brings residents together. The area attracts a diverse population, from university students and young professionals to families drawn by the excellent schools and green spaces.

What is Harborne famous for?

Harborne is known as the home of the Chad Valley Company, one of Britain’s most renowned toy manufacturers for much of the 20th century. Founded by the Johnson Brothers in 1897, the company moved to the Chad Valley Works in Rose Road, Harborne, taking its name from the nearby River Chad. For over 70 years, the factory produced beloved toys including teddy bears, board games, and dolls, even earning a Royal Warrant as ‘Toymakers to Her Majesty the Queen’ in 1938.

Harborne is also famous for the Harborne Railway, which operated from 1874 to 1963. The old railway line has been converted into the Harborne Walkway, a beautiful two-mile walking and cycling route that connects Harborne to Birmingham city centre.

Things to do in Harborne

Harborne offers a wealth of attractions centred around its bustling high street, which hosts a monthly farmers’ market that brings local traders and artisan producers to the doorstep.

The Harborne Walkway provides a peaceful escape, while Grove Park offers beautiful green space in the heart of Harborne and is perfect for families and dog walkers. For those who enjoy a social drink, Harborne is famous for its pub culture, with numerous establishments along the Harborne Mile.

What is the transport like in Harborne?

Harborne enjoys excellent transport connections to Birmingham city centre and beyond. The 24 bus service runs frequently along the high street, connecting directly to Birmingham city centre every 10-15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during evenings and weekends.

The nearest railway stations are University Station (20-minute walk) and Selly Oak Station, both providing regular services to Birmingham New Street and connections to London, Manchester and other major cities. University Station is just two stops from Birmingham New Street and is only seven minutes by train.

For road users, Harborne provides good access to major routes such as the A38, M5 and M42 motorways, making it convenient for commuting to other parts of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. The area is also well-connected for cycling, with the Harborne Walkway providing a traffic-free route to the city centre.

Schools in Harborne

Harborne is highly sought-after by families seeking out excellent schools. The area is home to several Outstanding and Good-rated schools, including Harborne Primary School, Chadvale Primary School and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

For secondary education, Harborne Academy provides a wealth of facilities with specialisms in science and health, and consistently achieves strong academic results. Lordswood Girls’ School and Sixth Form Centre and Lordswood Boys’ School are also both highly regarded institutions serving the local community.

The area’s proximity to the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City University’s City South Campus means there’s a strong academic atmosphere, with many residents working in education and research.

Is Harborne safe?

Harborne is generally considered one of the safer parts of Birmingham to live in. Detailed local crime statistics are available on police.uk.

What are the average property prices in Harborne?

House prices in Harborne have an overall average of £316,421 over the last year. The majority of properties sold in Harborne during the last year were terraced properties, which sold for an average price of £307,825. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £344,382, with flats fetching £162,645.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Harborne over the last year were 4% down on the previous year and 8% down on the 2022 peak of £342,613. Despite this, Harborne is still one of Birmingham’s more expensive areas due to its desirability, excellent schools and village-style vibe.

FAQs

• How far is Harborne from Birmingham city centre?
  Harborne is around three miles from Birmingham city centre and easily accessible by the 24 bus (15-20 minutes) or train (a 20-minute walk to University Station followed by a 7-minute train journey).
• Is Harborne good for families?
  Yes. Harborne is home to outstanding-rated schools, safe streets, excellent parks and green spaces, and a strong community atmosphere with family-friendly amenities and activities.
• Is Harborne affordable?
  Harborne is positioned at the premium end of Birmingham’s property market with average house prices of £316,421.
• Is Harborne good for commuters?
  Yes, Harborne offers excellent commuting options with frequent bus services to the city centre, nearby railway stations providing connections to Birmingham New Street, and good access to major motorways for car commuters.