Known for its diverse and multicultural population, Handsworth was initially home to the Irish community before Afro-Caribbean and Asian communities moved in during the '50s and '60s. Asian sweet shops, discount stores, small clubs, it's a vibrant and colourful area. Handsworth College (City College) is on the main road while the University of Central England main campus is in nearby Perry Barr, with inexpensive student housing (not all of it ropey) and halls of residence in the area. Rocked by the Handsworth riots in the '80s (actually in Lozells), the area is slowly shaking it's bad reputation. Housing: Houses around the Handsworth and Handsworth Wood area can vary from £70 -£80 a week (£280pcm-£300) for a two bedroom terrace.
Generally the houses in the area are older and therefore cheaper, however there are plenty of properties catering specifically for students, but be wary of shoddy repairs. Shopping: There's a Kwik Save by the number 11 bus stop that takes you from UCE to the Hampstead halls of residence, and a Lidl in Lozells which is even cheaper if you don't mind buying brands you've never heard of...
There are plenty of small supermarkets around the area, open various hours for those late munchies - plus newsagents, charity shops and off licences.
The many multicultural shops offer an alternative experience - particularly handy for different food, fruit and cheap material for clothes from Indian shops, not to mention the Chinese herbalists and range of other shops on Soho Road. Bars & Cafes: Plenty of local pubs, most of which do pretty good food and the occasional barbecue (The Farcroft on Rookery Rd), although some of the boozers off the beaten track can be a bit rough and ready.
The area has a few average but friendly cafes - though none that are particularly stylish. Entertainment: Many of the pubs have widescreen TV's for major sports events and a great community atmosphere (The Red Lion).
There are a couple of night-clubs in the area but you'd be wise to avoid some of them unless you go with someone who is a regular!
Be warned!
For a safer bet, go to the clubs (such as Bonds) in Hockley, en route into town.
Birmingham's annual International Carnival (August) kicks off from Handsworth before making its way to Perry Park.
The home of Industrialist boffin Mathew Boulton, Soho House, has been converted into a museum and is open to the public. Transport: Buses directly into the city (inc 74, 78, 11), a fast metro tram system and plenty of taxi ranks.
You can also catch coaches to London from Soho Rd. Takeaways & Restaurants: Variety is the spice of life, and there's plenty of spice here with a variety of multicultural restaurants where you can experience traditional food at very fair prices (£10 per person average).
For some of the best kebabs around you can try the Badshah kebab house and restaurant or alternatively try an Indian takeaway from Azim's restaurant.
There's also some Caribbean restaurants on the outskirts of Handsworth in Smethwick (A Taste of Paradise and Success Caribbean).
Plus chippies, small cafes and Joes Hamburger bar. Parks: Handsworth Park (nice lake with ducks, although occasionally frequented by flashers and sad old geezers) and Victoria Park. Local Amenities: Handsworth Leisure Centre on Holly Rd and a gym Unique U on Soho Rd, plus some cash points around (mainly Soho Rd).
There's also a comprehensive library on Soho Rd. Comments: A busy and character filled inner city suburb, though certain areas are a bit rough, so make sure you've got contents insurance, and avoid those darker streets... | 
