Handsworth Wood is regarded as one of the premier residential areas in Birmingham, due to the significant number of imposing Victorian detached and semi-detached houses.

By the end of the 19th century there was only scattered building development in this rural area, some of it very large houses for the wealthy.

Due to the affluent residents of the area properties are larger than usual sizes meaning Handsworth Wood was ideal for evacuees etc.

Matthew Boulton also worked alongside James Watt, was born and raised in the area.

A large majority of the Handsworth Wood area consists of ethnic minorities with over 50% of residents being British Indian.

The highly regarded Handsworth Golf Club is also located here with the entrance on Sunningdale Close (off Craythorne Road).

The ward is represented by three Labour councillors in the Birmingham City Council; Gurdial Singh Atwal, Paulette Hamilton and Narinder Kooner.