Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in Britain, according to Rightmove's Happy at Home Index. This marks the second time the London suburb has received the top ranking in the property website's annual survey. Residents cited pride in their local area, green spaces, and services as key factors contributing to their satisfaction.
More than 24,000 people across Britain participated in the survey, which assessed areas based on factors such as access to nature, local services, amenities, and employment opportunities. Richmond upon Thames, located in southwest London, was praised for its parks, shops, restaurants, and job prospects. The area boasts over 500 hectares of green space, including Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, and has also been a filming location for popular media.
However, the average asking price for a home in Richmond upon Thames was reported as £1.02 million, with monthly rents averaging £3,298.
Following Richmond upon Thames, Harrogate in Yorkshire was ranked the second happiest place to live. The spa town was noted for its access to nature and a sense of personal identity among residents. Harrogate, known for its Victorian heritage and Turkish baths, previously held the top spot for three consecutive years. The average asking property price in Harrogate was £395,776, with average monthly rents of £1,750.
Cirencester in Gloucestershire secured the third position, lauded for its architecture and independent shops. Monmouth in Wales ranked fourth, appreciated for its picturesque streets and proximity to the Wye Valley. Hove on the south coast completed the top five.
At the other end of the spectrum, Barking and Dagenham in Greater London was identified as the least happy place to live. Residents expressed discontent with their area, which also faced scrutiny for specific crime rates, including robbery. The average asking price for a home in Barking and Dagenham was £370,000.
Walsall in the West Midlands was named the second gloomiest location. Other areas ranking low on the index included Lewisham, Slough, Havering, Clacton-on-Sea, Harrow, Rochester, Croydon, Brent, and Rotherham. Residents in Greater London were, on average, the most likely to express dissatisfaction with their living situation.
Overall, 81 percent of people surveyed across Britain reported being happy with where they lived, while 9 percent stated they were unhappy. Residents in the South West of England were found to be the most content.