Birmingham, England

As the city where James Watts invented the steam engine and Matthew Boulton invented gas-powered lighting, Birmingham is a place where innovation and dynamism are signature features.

Established in 1166, this city of over one million people has a rich history; it began as a market town and later developed into a manufacturing powerhouse during England's industrial revolution. HP Sauce, Branston Pickle, and Cadbury Chocolates are just some of the famous brands that got their start here.

Traditionally, Birmingham was an industrial city, but while the city is proud of its roots, it has morphed in recent years into a trendy and modern urban center. Many of the old downtown commercial areas have been refurbished into fashionable markets. Bull Ring Markets, for example, offers some of the hottest fashion brands in a shopping area adorned by stunning architecture. The Indoor Market Hall and the St. Martin's Market feature more traditional fare, such as tasteful food stalls, antiques, and vintage clothing. Going upscale again, the famed Jewellery Quarter is one of the best places to shine. And, for specialty items, Birmingham is home to a number of festival markets such as the Frankfurt Christmas market. And, located in the West Midlands in the county of Warwickshire (and just a 40-minute train ride from London), this city has more canals than Venice and more trees than any other European city.

Birmingham is definitely a city of temptations. You'll love the spicy savors of the homegrown Indian dish, balti, as well as the sweet luxuries on offer at Cadbury World. For entertainment, head to StarCity, a complex featuring the United Kingdom's largest casino and a mega-movieplex. The Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre is a delight for those with sophisticated tastes. As the venue for the Birmingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange, the Hippodrome is just one part of the rich cultural scene here. Most recently, the city opened The Drum, Europe's first arts center dedicated to African, Asian, and Caribbean culture.

As well as being an exciting city to live in, Birmingham offers a diverse housing mix ranging from trendy factory conversions to modern suburban developments. In fact, you can find all the luxuries you need here. Being a city where creative minds have long flourished, you can be sure that Birmingham will continue to adapt to a fast-changing world.

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