Bearwood is nice, near lightwoods park. Right next to Harbourne but without the price tag as technically not part of Birmingham, only a couple of miles into city centre though so very commutable. Lots of nice large victorian terraces, lots of good schools (mainly infant and junior), definitely 'up and coming'. High street is a bit shabby though. Because its not part of Birmingham council tax is cheaper. Lightwoods park and neighboring Warley woods are really nice and undergoing a multi million pound makeover