Monmouth, a market town set in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, has been named the happiest place to live in Wales, according to Rightmove's annual Happy at Home Index. The town ranked fourth overall in the UK, with an average asking price of £366,782 and average rent of £1,395.
Rightmove's Happy at Home Index
Rightmove surveys thousands of people across Great Britain each year for its Happy at Home Index. This year, the study collected responses from more than 24,000 people, with Richmond upon Thames in southwest London topping the national list. The affluent borough, with an average asking price of £1,021,256 and rent of £3,298, scored highly on access to nature and green spaces, local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities, and residents' pride in their area, Rightmove said.
Richmond succeeded last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, which remained among Britain's 10 happiest places, ranking seventh this year.
Why Monmouth ranks high
Monmouth is home to 10,353 people and sits in the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its unique limestone gorge scenery and dense woodlands dotted with archaeological and industrial remains. These features have long attracted visitors to the area.
The town is a base for scenic walks, with the Kymin Loop being one of the most popular trails. It leads to the National Trust Round House and Naval Temple on The Kymin, offering panoramic views over the town and valley. Visitors can also cross Monnow Bridge and Gate, the only remaining medieval fortified river bridge in Great Britain, with its gate tower still standing.
Another attraction is the 11th-century Norman Monmouth Castle and Regimental Museum. The castle, founded by the Norman lord William fitz Osbern, is famous as the birthplace of King Henry V in 1386 or 1387. The museum, housed in a 19th-century stable wing, covers the history of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers Militia from 1539 to the modern day.
Local life and community views
Popular restaurants and cafes in Monmouth are concentrated in the historic town centre, particularly along Monnow Street, Agincourt Square, and Priory Street. The cultural scene centres on the Savoy Theatre, a grade two listed building that claims to be the oldest working theatre in Wales, dating back to 1829. It now operates as both a cinema and a theatre.
Residents have praised the town online. One Redditor wrote: "A great place to raise a family, Welsh mountains to the west, Wye Valley through the middle and the Forest of Dean to the east, about as magical as it gets really." Another added: "It's a brilliant place to live for retirees or starter/growing families who have established wealth or income. Very safe, leafy, salubrious and quiet as you say you'd like."
In the Wales-specific list, Monmouth ranked first, followed by Llandrindot Wells in eighth place overall in the UK, with Anglesey, New Quay, and Swansea also featuring.
