Britain’s happiest places to live are revealed

The happiest places to live in Britain have been revealed, according to Rightmove.

Leading the way is an affluent south west London borough that is home to celebrities such as the Traitors’ Jerry Hall and the This Morning TV presenter Ben Shephard.

Richmond upon Thames was awarded the crown, having previously won in 2023 and finishing second last year.

The analysis was carried out by Rightmove and is based on ratings from more than 24,000 residents across 221 locations about access to nature, local services, amenities and employment.

Richmond was top for green space, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employments and residents’ pride in their area.

It is followed by Harrogate in second place, while Cirencester takes the third spot.

Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value.”

Colleen Babcock, (pictured), Rightmove’s property expert, says: “Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities.

“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”

Greater London has the lowest average happiness rating of any region, while the South West has the highest – although Rightmove says the gaps between regions are small.

Across Britain, 81% of people rate themselves happy with where they live against 9% who are unhappy.

Happiness rises with age. More than a third of those aged 75 and above give their area a perfect 10, against 16% of 18 to 24-year-olds.

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Antony Roberts, says: “Families are drawn to Richmond for its excellent schools and green spaces, and they stay for the strong sense of community.

“With Richmond Park and the Thames on the doorstep, a thriving town centre and plenty of places to eat, shop and spend time, it offers a quality of life that’s hard to match in London.”

Changing priorities

Meanwhile, Ian Harris, President of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), explains:  “Finding somewhere that makes you happy is about much more than finding the right property. It’s about finding somewhere that fits the way you want to live, and that can mean very different things to different people.

“For some buyers, being close to work, good transport links and a lively social scene will be top of the list. For others, it’s having a garden, good schools nearby or being able to walk to the local shops and know their neighbours. These priorities also change as people move through different stages of life.

“It’s also worth remembering that the most expensive locations aren’t necessarily the ones that will make everyone happiest. A home that meets your needs, within a community where you feel connected and have access to the things that matter to you, can be worth far more than an impressive postcode.

“Ultimately, choosing where to live is one of the biggest lifestyle decisions people make, and looking beyond the property itself to understand what an area offers is just as important as finding the right number of bedrooms.”