This is the happiest place to live in Great Britain... (2024)

Richmond upon Thames in London is the happiest place to live in Great Britain, according to Rightmove's 2023 Happy at Home Index.

Taking the crown from St Ives in Cornwall, this is the first time a London location has topped the Happy at Home Index, now in its 12th year.

Famed for its charming historic houses, parks and town centres bursting with life, residents scored Richmond highly for feeling a sense of belonging, and its access to nature and green spaces, such as Bushy and Richmond Royal Parks.

Over 26,000 people were surveyed for the study, which asked residents to rank 13 happiness factors, including feeling a sense of pride, belonging, community spirit and whether there is access to green space.

'I'm delighted for Richmond to win this award,' says Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. 'It has so much of what makes London so special – its access to beautiful green spaces, its real sense of community, and an array of shops, cafes and local culture that makes it stand out.'

Winchester in Hampshire came second in the list of happiest areas to live, while Monmouth in Wales is third — the first time an area from Wales has made the top three since 2018. The study also found that Galashiels is the happiest place to live in Scotland for a second consecutive year.

'Richmond really has got it all. Access to nature, schools, entertainment, good eateries, bars and shops. On top of this, the borough benefits from a riverside location and great transport links,' says Dawn Platt, associate director of Chestertons' Richmond branch.

'Thanks to its lifestyle offerings, it’s not difficult to see why Richmond has established itself as one of London's most sought-after locations nor why residents are happy living here. We encounter a lot of house hunters who have always had the goal of living in Richmond one day and once they have moved here, couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Due to its community feel, many see Richmond as an area to settle down long-term.'

Elsewhere, Rightmove found that around one in three (30 per cent) residents think that they would be happier living in a different area, with the South West being a popular choice for house hunters. The study also found that having access to green spaces is more important to residents than having access to public transport, shops and restaurants, and employment opportunities.

Take a look at the full list below...

The 20 happiest places to live in Great Britain in 2023

1. Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
2. Winchester, South East
3. Monmouth, Wales
4. Wokingham, South East
5. Cirencester, South West
6. Skipton, Yorkshire and The Humber
7. Hemel Hempstead, East of England
8. Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London
9. St Ives, South West
10. Hexham, North East
11. Leigh on Sea, East of England
12. Harrogate, Yorkshire and The Humber
13. Clacton on Sea, East of England
14. Kendal, North West
15. Galashiels, Scotland
16. Weymouth, South West
17. Woodbridge, East of England
18. Anglesey, Wales
19. St. Albans, East of England
20. Stourbridge, West Midlands

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