Historically part of Warwickshire, it is close to the border with the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull and Birmingham Airport.

Sheldon was mentioned in the Domesday Book as Machitone, meaning "Macca's farm".

[1] The suburb is home to the 300 acre Sheldon Country Park, a popular local attraction.

The area benefits from Sheldon Country Park which is adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and is served by numerous shops and businesses situated along the busy A45, Coventry Road.

As of 2022, the two councillors representing Sheldon Ward on Birmingham City Council are Paul Tilsley and Colin Green, both Liberal Democrats.