Every year, there are stories in the media about the best and happiest places to live in Britain. These are based on surveys that ask people to rate key aspects of life in their city, town, village or borough – things like neighbours, schools, access to green spaces and proximity to amenities and services.
For example, Rightmove’s 2025 “happy at home” index, which surveyed almost 20,000 people, revealed Skipton in North Yorkshire was the place residents were happiest. The historic market town, set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, has a great sense of local community with lots of cafés and independent shops. It also offers easy access to Harrogate, Leeds and Manchester for business and leisure.
Ian Rigarlsford from Skipton Building Society said, “It's a town where people look out for each other, and that spirit creates a truly rewarding place to call home. The friendliness and accessibility of green spaces contribute to a quality of life that is hard to match.”
Affordability is also good in Skipton, with an average asking price of £326,093 versus the national average of £364,833, and residents said they felt they earned enough to live comfortably.
On average, across Britain, Rightmove’s survey showed:
• People in rural locations are more likely to feel happy than those in towns, cities and suburbs.
• Those living close to rivers, woods, the coast and national parks are also more likely to be happy.
• The South West is the most popular destination for those who would like to move – and it’s the region where residents are generally happiest.
• People living in the East Midlands are the least happy.
• Overall, more people are happy than unhappy with where they live.
Here’s a few of the other happiest places and a summary of their best features, which if you are thinking of moving this year, might be worth knowing:
North West: Altrincham
Situated on the Greater Manchester and Cheshire border, the town is surrounded by green spaces, has excellent transport links and good local schools, as well as an ever-expanding retail environment and dining scene.
West Midlands: Leamington Spa
Offers a perfect blend of Regency charm and modern amenities, with excellent schools, lush parks and easy rail commutes to Birmingham and London.
East Midlands: Chesterfield
Set on the doorstep of the Peak District, this market town boasts many well-preserved historic buildings, affordable properties, one of the best schools in Derbyshire, and several award-winning pubs and restaurants.
South West: Cirencester
The ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, this market town offers a blend of historic charm, strong community spirit and beautiful surroundings.
South East: Maidenhead
A riverside town with very friendly residents, large parks, good local facilities – particularly for families - and easy access to London.
East of England: Woodbridge
Located on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this vibrant market town has a high street filled with artisan shops and independent boutiques, and offers easy rail access to Norwich, Cambridge and London.
London: Richmond upon Thames
Residents ranked it highly for its access to nature, essential local services, and fantastic restaurants and shops.
If you’re thinking of moving to a new area, here are the top five things to look for to help make sure you are happy in your next home:
1. Green spaces – the closer, the better – and proximity to water and/or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
2. Friendliness of residents and those running local businesses.
3. Good schools and healthcare.
4. Affordability of homes.
5. History – with market towns ranking particularly well for happiness.
Of course, what’s on one person’s wish list can be very different from what makes another person happy with where they live.
Our sales experts have excellent local knowledge of their areas and are always here to help, so if you’d like to talk through exactly what you’re looking for and find out more about an area, just get in touch with your nearest branch and have a chat with one of the team.
