Ever feel like you're getting tired of city living and fancy a quieter life out in the country? If so, the West Midlands is luckily home to several idyllic villages that were recently named among the best places to live in 2024 by lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos.

The list was compiled based on a number of factors, including having impressive and affordable properties, pretty parks and green spaces and a thriving restaurant scene. Villages in and around Birmingham, including the charming Bournville and celebrity haven of Barnt Green, were all included.

Here are six of the places in the West Midlands which made the list. They were chosen for a variety of reasons, including their rural character and convenient links to nearby towns and cities.

READ MORE: Hidden gem village in Midlands named one of 2024’s best places to live

1) Bournville, Birmingham

The idyllic and leafy Bournville was created as a model village to house workers at the nearby Cadbury chocolate factory and now has roughly 25,000 residents living in 8,000 homes. Years later, the village is one of Birmingham's most popular suburbs and still boasts independent shops, lovely parks and pretty homes.

Muddy Stilettos said of the area: "Renowned for its unspoilt Quaker architecture and beautiful green spaces, it has also buzzy vibe which is bringing a lot of first buyers and young families to the area."

2) Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull

Hampton-in-Arden is one of those places that offers offers plenty of rural character as well as easy travel links to the bright lights of Birmingham. However, it's the restaurants based at Hampton Manor that really make the village stand out.

Muddy Stilettos said: "The village’s destination hotel, Hampton Manor, is home to two outstanding restaurants, all of which pull in tourists for miles around. Michelin-starred Grace & Savour, overlooking the Walled Garden, serves up sustainable home-grown dinners on Thursdays to Saturdays, as well as a fifteen-course tasting menu; laidback Smoke specialises in soulfood four-course menus courtesy of MasterChef The Professionals 2019 Champion, Stuart Deeley."

3) Barnt Green, Bromsgrove

Barnt Green has been the village of choice for footballers and famous faces over the years, with Jack Grealish, singer Jamelia and Gymshark founder Ben Francis all calling it their home recently. The buzzing village boasts independent shops, highly-regarded pubs and the 525-acre Lickey Hills Country Park right on its doorstep.

Muddy Stilettos said: "Settlers here get all the pluses of semi-rural living whilst being a short dash from the metro-marvellous delights of Birmingham. Its popularity means that property here can be expensive – it’s the third priciest in the West Midlands – indeed the village’s mansions and luxury homes have been popular amongst celebrities and footballers for several years.

4) Dunchurch, Warwickshire

Making the list again this year is Dunchurch, found deep in Warwickshire countryside on the outskirts of Rugby. With its historic, thatched roof buildings, it's a picturesque village with plenty of scenic walks nearby too.

Muddy Stilettos said: "A large picturesque village on the outskirts of Rugby, part of which is a conservation area on account of its many historic 15th century thatched roof buildings. It’s popular with commuters thanks to a 50-min direct train route to London Euston and outstanding schools, including one of the UK’s top boarding and day schools."

5) Wellesbourne, Warwickshire

Tucked away by swathes of countryside, Wellesbourne in Warwickshire has plenty going for it - including stunning walks, a great community feel and one of the largest outdoor markets in the country. Muddy Stilettos adds that it also has "one of the oldest allotments, dating from 1840."

It continued: "If getting your hands dirty doesn’t do it for you then then check out the miles of surrounding open countryside and its perfect position between the historic towns of Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick."

6) Broadway, Worcestershire

With its honey-coloured buildings and picture-perfect high street, it's easy to see why Broadway on the edge of Worcestershire is considered the 'The Jewel of the Cotswolds’. Nearby attractions include the beautiful Broadway Tower, the Cotswolds Lavender fields and Snowshill Manor.

Muddy Stilettos wrote: "Located five miles west of buzzing Chipping Campden, the lovely lanes are home to artisan delis, art galleries, upmarket tea rooms, antique shops and boutiques. Whilst it gets its fair share of visitors it has a strong local community, a lovely central village green and being right on the border of Worcs and Glos (and just 20 minutes hop to Oxfordshire) you are really well placed for the best of both counties."

Got a story in Birmingham or elsewhere in the West Midlands? Get in touch by emailing alexander.brock@reachplc.com.