Stockport and Altrincham have been named among the happiest places to live in the UK, according to Rightmove's 15th annual 'happy at home index'. The survey asked thousands of people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live and ranked the happiest areas in each region.
North West's happiest location
Chorley was named the happiest place to live in the North West, with an average house price of £234,387 and an average monthly rent of £1,011. The Lancashire town also secured sixth place in the UK-wide list.
Stockport came in at 19th place, where properties sold for an overall average of £318,118 over the last year. Altrincham was ranked 20th, with homes selling for an average of £572,832 over the same period.
Other North West rankings
Chester was named in 24th place in the UK list, while Macclesfield came in 28th place. Rightmove says the survey is not just about the property, but also the wider area, the community, and how close residents are to the things which matter most.
What makes a home happy
Ian Harris, president of NAEA (National Association of Estate Agents) Propertymark, said: "For some buyers, being close to work, good transport links and a lively social scene will be top of the list.
"For others, it's having a garden, good schools nearby or being able to walk to the local shops and know their neighbours. These priorities also change as people move through different stages of life.
"It's also worth remembering that the most expensive locations aren't necessarily the ones that will make everyone happiest.
"A home that meets your needs, within a community where you feel connected and have access to the things that matter to you, can be worth far more than an impressive postcode."
Top 10 happiest places in the UK
Rightmove's top 10 happiest places to live in 2026, with average house prices followed by average rent costs, are: Richmond upon Thames (£1,021,256 and £3,298), Harrogate (£395,776 and £1,750), Cirencester (£407,368 and £1,633), Monmouth (£366,782 and £1,395), Hove (£476,115 and £2,086), Chorley (£234,387 and £1,011), Skipton (£304,033 and £1,110), Llandrindod Wells (£234,417 and £531), Horsham (£470,577 and £1,933) and Hexham (£317,332 and £1,329).
