Get ready for some surprises and new entries as we unveil the nation’s happiest places to live 2023! This year’s list, based on feedback from over 26,000 residents, reveals the most sought-after locations across Great Britain according to the annual survey by property portal Rightmove. Join us as we discover the top ten places that have captured the hearts of Brits this year…
- The London borough of Richmond upon Thames has been crowned Great Britain’s happiest place to live. Home to locations such as Twickenham, Hampton and Richmond itself, residents scored it highly for the strong sense of community as well as its plethora of nature and green spaces, boasting 128 parks and areas of open space including three Royal Parks – Richmond Park, Bushy Park and Hampton Court Park. With an average asking price of £952,305 and an average rent of £3,148 per month, 2023 is the first time an area from London has taken the top spot in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index.
- Winchester in Hampshire follows closely behind in second place. With an average asking price of £571,613 and rent of £2,097, the city delights its residents blending historical charm with modern amenities.
- Monmouth in Wales enters the top three happiest places to live for the first time since 2018. The average asking price here is £349,312, with rent averaging £1,214. It’s known for its stunning landscapes and tight-knit community feel.
- Wokingham, in the South East came fourth. With an average asking price of £572,992 and rent at £2,074, Wokingham combines a small-town feel with accessibility to larger urban centres, making it an ideal spot for families and professionals alike.
- Cirencester in the South West, known for its quintessential English charm took fifth spot in Rightmove’s 2023 happiness index. Properties there have an average asking price of £394,216 and rent of £1,477, while the area offers a blend of historical sites, modern amenities and a thriving community spirit.
- Skipton in Yorkshire and The Humber came sixth. Skipton is celebrated for its beautiful countryside, historic castle and vibrant market town atmosphere and enjoys an average asking price of £259,692 and average rent of £875.
- Hemel Hempstead in the East of England is seventh on the list. With an average asking price of £424,649 and rent of £1,703, this town is favoured for its balance of urban and natural spaces, providing a high quality of life for its residents.
- Kensington and Chelsea in Greater London takes the eighth spot on the list. As one of London’s most prestigious boroughs, this area is synonymous with luxury, offering exclusive shopping, historic architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. It has an average asking price of £1,812,424 and rent of £5,371 per calendar month.
- St Ives in the South West came ninth. Properties in St Ives, the popular coastal town in Cornwall, have an average asking price of £515,352 and rent of £1,248. Famous for its stunning beaches and artistic heritage, it’s a hotspot for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle by the sea.
- Hexham in the North East makes up the top 10 happiest places to live in Great Britain for 2023. Properties there have an average asking price of £317,359 and an average rent of £957. This charming market town is celebrated for its rich history, including the famous Hexham Abbey and its picturesque setting in the Tyne Valley.
Meanwhile, Galashiels in Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes, maintains its position as the happiest place to live in Scotland for the second consecutive year. The 15th happiest place to live nationwide, Galashiels boasts affordability with an average asking price of £163,634 and rent at £700.
What makes these locations stand out? According to the study, residents value a sense of pride, belonging and community more than access to practical amenities like transport and schools. The report also highlights a significant divide in happiness levels between urban and rural dwellers, with those living near natural beauty spots reporting higher satisfaction.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “The results of this year’s study highlight that residents continue to value living near green spaces and natural beauty, features that became all the more important during the pandemic. With moving to an area that makes them happy a key motivator for people looking for their next home, highlighting these types of features nearby could really help sellers looking to appeal to potential buyers”.
