Living in Sandwell

At the heart of the West Midlands, Sandwell is a family-friendly place to live and work.

Our six towns – Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Tipton, Wednesbury, Smethwick and West Bromwich – directly border the city of Birmingham, England’s second city, and our Black Country neighbours – Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Sandwell is going through an exciting and transformational period in its history with regeneration changing the face of the urban environment for residents and businesses.

Sandwell has homes to fit all needs, a rich and diverse culture and friendly communities. It’s a great place to work and build a career as well as raise a family.

There are plenty of things to do in your leisure time – from visiting historic museums and sites, wide open green spaces, shopping and much more.

Sandwell Trends

Data and information about people and places in Sandwell.

Finding a home

Planning on moving to the area? Get information on housing in and around Sandwell.

Housing Advice

Whether you're a tenant, renting or a homeowner, find out how the council can advise you on your housing rights.

Learning

Get the lowdown on primary and secondary schools, colleges and training opportunities in Sandwell.

Travel

Sandwell is situated in an ideal location with great road and rail links to every part of the UK.

Extra care Housing

Extra care housing is for people over 55 who need some support or care to live independently. Single people or couples can apply.

Did you know?

► Sandwell has a population of over 316,000 (based on the 2014 census).
► We have 1,200 hectares of award-winning parks, open spaces and playing fields.
► We have excellent transport links – central to motorway and rail networks, including HS2 when it opens, and close to airports.
► West Bromwich’s Manor House – built in the 1290s – is one of the most important medieval buildings in the West Midlands.
► Sandwell is home to West Bromwich Albion, one of the country’s most historic football clubs – founder members of the Football League and the only club ever to achieve promotion in the same season as winning the FA Cup in 1931/32.
► Oscar-winning actress Julie Walters OBE was born in Smethwick.
► Legendary musician and founder of Led Zeppelin Robert Plant was born in West Bromwich.
► James Watts first Steam Engine was first housed in Tipton.
► Jack Judge, the composer of the World War I song ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’ was born in Oldbury.
► The largest Hindu Temple in Europe is located in Sandwell.
► The founder of Methodism in the USA, Bishop Asbury was born in West Bromwich – Bishop Asbury is often regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern America. A statue of him exists in USA’s capital, Washington.
► The first branch of Lloyds Bank opened outside Birmingham was the TSB Bank branch in Oldbury town centre that was opened in 1864 to finance local businesses like Albright and Wilson.
► In 1837 , Robert Hudson invented the worlds first soap powder in West Bromwich. As the company grew it was subsequently taken over by Lever Brothers in 1908.