Skipton has been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain, topping Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index for the first time.
The North Yorkshire market town ranked highest among more than 200 locations surveyed, with residents praising its access to nature, friendly community and availability of essential services.
The survey, now in its 14th year, gathered responses from thousands of people across the country on factors ranging from green space and local amenities to employment opportunities and overall wellbeing. Skipton had previously placed second in 2020 and sixth last year.
This year’s results place Richmond-upon-Thames in London in second position, with Camden taking third, the first time the North London borough has appeared in the top three. Stirling was rated the happiest place to live in Scotland, while Anglesey led in Wales.
AROUND THE REGIONS
Residents in the South West reported the highest overall satisfaction with where they live, while those in the East Midlands were least content, though differences between regions were small.
The data also showed that people living in rural or coastal locations and those close to national parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were more likely to report high levels of happiness. Happiness increased steadily with age, with over-65s the most content and 18-24s the least.
Skipton residents also viewed the town as affordable by national standards. The average asking price for a home is £326,093, below the national average of £364,833, and the second-lowest among the top ten happiest areas.
NEIGHBOURS AND GREEN SPACES
Colleen Babcock (main picture, inset), Rightmove’s property expert, said: “Each year our study celebrates all the different things that make us feel happy with where we live – our neighbours, green spaces, having access to important services. A lot more goes into choosing an area to live other than the home itself.
“Being within easy reach of nature and green spaces regularly comes out as an important factor for people, along with having friendly neighbours and feeling you can truly be yourself where you live.
“It’s great to see the town of Skipton getting the attention it deserves this year having ranked highly in previous studies.”
COMMUNITY AND COUNTRYSIDE
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley in Yorkshire, said: “Combining community, countryside and communication – Skipton has it all.
“A highly desirable living environment with immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region’s finest countryside, and only a little more than an hour from The Lake District.”
He added: “Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and the M65, with its Manchester links, are all easily accessible for both leisure and business.
“From the town’s station, there are now also regular services to London Kings Cross. The historic castle lights up the colourful High Street market whilst the Leeds / Liverpool canal, Pennine Way and surrounding moors offer endless opportunities for challenging walks, road and mountain biking and enhance the appeal of this living environment.”
VIBRANT AND CALMING
Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Antony Roberts in Richmond upon Thames, said: “Richmond has a rare ability to feel both vibrant and calming at the same time, and I think that balance is a huge part of why people are genuinely happy living here.
“You’re never far from green space, whether it’s Richmond Park, the towpath, or quiet pockets of nature tucked between neighbourhoods, yet you still have the cafés, independents, and community hubs that give the area its character.
“There’s a strong sense of connection here too; people don’t just live in Richmond, they participate in it.”
WELLBEING BUILT IN
And she adds: “Even our local amenities become part of daily life in a way that brings people together.
“Third Space has almost become a community in its own right, I’m forever bumping into clients there, and one recently told my colleague they only wanted to move to Richmond so they could walk to it.
“And with Orly’s House opening soon in East Sheen, we’re about to see an even more family-friendly gym and social space that will add to the area’s appeal.
“Ultimately, Richmond offers something people don’t take for granted: a place where wellbeing feels built into the fabric of everyday living. It’s no surprise residents are among the happiest in the country – it’s hard not to be when you get to call this borough home.”
And Ann Evans Jones, Director at Morgan Evans in Anglesey, says: “Anglesey (Ynys Mon) is a beautiful setting and has so much to offer, including stunning coastal walks, beautiful beaches for relaxing and water activities.
“A lovely area to raise a family, with a strong feeling of community on the Island with villages being very welcoming.”
