Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in Britain, according to Rightmove's 15th annual "happy at home index," but the average asking price for a home there exceeds £1 million.
The London borough, often voted one of the capital's most desirable areas, offers easy access to central London, Thames pathways, roaming deer, boutiques and cafes.
Top rankings and survey details
Harrogate in North Yorkshire placed second, and Cirencester in Gloucestershire third. In Wales, Monmouth ranked highest, while Kirkcaldy topped the list in Scotland. Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, ranked seventh this year. The survey collected responses from more than 24,000 people.
Richmond upon Thames previously won in 2023 and finished second last year. Rightmove said the borough ranked highly for access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities, and residents' pride in their area. Harrogate also scored well for nature access and for residents' agreement with the statement: "I can be myself."
What residents and experts say
Across Britain, 81 per cent of survey participants said they are happy with where they live. Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: "Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities."
Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Nancy Baldwin, said: "This recognition is especially meaningful because residents highlighted their pride in the local area, our beautiful parks and green spaces, and the local services they rely on every day." Amy Reynolds, head of sales at estate agent Antony Roberts, said: "Families are drawn to Richmond for its excellent schools and green spaces, and they stay for the strong sense of community."
Average prices and regional winners
Richmond upon Thames has an average asking price of £1,021,256 and average asking rent of £3,298 per month. Other happy places include Harrogate (£395,776), Cirencester (£407,368), Monmouth (£366,782), Hove (£476,115), Chorley (£234,387), Skipton (£304,033), Llandrindod Wells (£234,417), Horsham (£470,577) and Hexham (£317,332).
Regional winners include Loughborough in the East Midlands, Woodbridge in the East of England, Hexham in the North East, Chorley in the North West, Kirkcaldy in Scotland, Hove in the South East, Cirencester in the South West, Monmouth in Wales, Lichfield in the West Midlands and Harrogate in Yorkshire and the Humber.
