Where should I live near to Birmingham?

We currently live in Birmingham but would like to move away from the city but still commutable to Birmingham University. We would like to go somewhere more rural but not Bromsgove! I don't really like that small town feel and would like somewhere much more rural or more of a town (like kiddy).
Any ideas where to start looking?

from responses so far we've looked at Barnt Green (ha if only!) which I always got mixed up with Bordesley Green (mistake and around the river in worcestershire.
I may have given the impression we're loaded (we're not). There are an awful lot of people with lots of money and no taste 'I am considerably richer than you' living around there. if you have the time do a right move search for 5 + bedrooms and no upper money limit.
Still looking ideas still appreciated.

If I had the money I would start looking in Bournville, which is nice and close to the university and that very attractive (not) new hospital they are building. Further afield I would like Barnt Green or Alvechurch but the bus links stink and you'd have to rely on the train (but it would be a direct line to the university). I currently live in Rubery, next to the lickey Hills and Waseley Hills country Parks. The 63 or 64 buses go direct from here to the university and the schools here have excellent ofsted reports. You might try looking here. There are 3 bed houses from about 拢140,000 as well as more substantial ones. I can walk to the nearest supermarket and cinema too.

market drayton!

As far away as possible

I went to Meridan once, and found that quite nice.....
I used to work sometimes at the NEC, but couldn't comment on what the place is actually like to live....
Oh, and some parts of Shirley.

Some parts of Halesowen are really nice, as is Stourbridge - and fairly easy to commute back into Birmingham U - I take it you mean the main site in Selly Oak...

Kinver has a nice feel to it -

Bridgnorth is nice too - a bit far, but you could commute by train!

Why not stay on the edge? I lived in Cofton Hackett. House prices dipped for properties close to the Longbridge Works due to all of the uncertainty. But rebuilding to include housing, shops and modern commercial premises makes now the time to buy before prices start to rise due to demand.
Barnt Green is a good class residential area. It has its own railway station for easy commuting. Prices are high - quite relative to parts of Edgbaston. But beware - before agreeing to purchase, stand in the rear garden or open bedroom windows, and listen! The M42 noise can be heard from the most unexpected properties. Some of the nice looking semi-detached houses in Fiery Hill Road are built in cavity wall rat-trap brickwork. Some have structural problems. Make a specific enquiry of your surveyor before committing yourself. Don't be put off by my professional experience as I found that not all have problems. Otherwise look at Alvechurch, Clent, Romsley and Hagley/West Hagley.
The best of luck to you.

Best areas for a country feel are:

The small villages in Earlswood, Sutton Coldfield, Nuneaton, Lapworth, Wythall, Bournville, Alvechurch and Cannock

They are fairly close to Brum and are lovely places to live...if you've got the money! :)

Walsall

West Brom is the best place to be and u knw it_x

Have you considered Longbridge or surrounding areas?
It's Close enough to Birmingham University to commute,but local enough to enjoy fresh air and Country walks.
Hope this helps.

Barnt Green, Alvechurch ........ probably too small though

Solihull side is nice and expensive