A recent study by MoneySuperMarket has ranked Solihull as the second-best place in England to raise a family. The study evaluates areas based on factors influencing everyday family life, such as housing, pay, childcare, education, green space, road safety, and community.
Scoring 60.99 out of 100, Solihull narrowly missed the top position by 0.01 points, which was claimed by neighbouring West Midlands borough Telford and Wrekin. Solihull ranked above other notable areas including St Helens, York, and Windsor and Maidenhead.
Solihull excelled particularly in terms of average annual salary and childcare affordability. The average salary stands at £46,896, while childcare costs average £6.29 per hour, highlighting the area’s affordability for families.
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Telford and Wrekin secured the top spot, with St Helens in Merseyside coming third, benefiting from a strong education score and affordable housing, with average house prices around £182,923. York ranked fourth, notable for excellent healthcare access including high numbers of dental practices and GPs per 100,000 people. Windsor and Maidenhead placed fifth; despite being the most expensive among the top five with average house prices of £584,743, it balanced this with strong scores in pay, road safety, and community factors.
Kara Gammell, Life Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, commented that the study highlights how a combination of factors-affordable childcare, green space, and household budget room-play a vital role in making family life easier. She also emphasised the importance of financial protection, noting that life insurance can offer peace of mind by helping ensure families are supported financially in difficult circumstances. Comparing policies can help families find coverage suited to their needs and budgets.