Hexham has been named the happiest place to live in the North East, securing the tenth spot overall in Rightmove's annual survey of Britain's happiest locations.
The picturesque Northumberland town took the highest position of any North East location in the property portal's 15th 'happy at home index', which ranks places based on thriving town centres, access to essential services, good transport links, employment opportunities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
Top 10 across Britain
The leafy London borough of Richmond upon Thames was crowned the happiest place to live in Britain, ranking particularly highly across several aspects of local life as well as residents' pride in their area, Rightmove said.
Harrogate in North Yorkshire placed second, while Cirencester in Gloucestershire came third. In Wales, Monmouth was the highest ranked, while in Scotland Kirkcaldy took the top spot.
Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, remained among Britain's top 10 happiest places to live, ranking seventh in this year's study, which collected responses from more than 24,000 people.
Survey findings and expert comment
Across Britain, four-fifths (81%) of people who took part in the survey said they are happy with where they live.
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said the top locations stood 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.
"That balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important."
"This year's results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren't simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both."
Full ranking and North East results
Here are Britain's happiest places to live in 2026, according to Rightmove, with the average asking price for a home and the average asking rent per month:
- Richmond upon Thames, London, £1,021,256, £3,298
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £395,776, £1,750
- Cirencester, South West, £407,368, £1,633
- Monmouth, Wales, £366,782, £1,395
- Hove, South East, £476,115, £2,086
- Chorley, North West, £234,387, £1,011
- Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber, £304,033, £1,110
- Llandrindod Wells, Wales, £234,417, £531
- Horsham, South East, £470,577, £1,933
- Hexham, North East, £317,332, £1,329
Here are the happiest places to live in the North East with the regional ranking followed by the ranking overall across Britain:
North East
- (10) Hexham
- (65) Cleveland
- (69) Darlington
- (75) Newcastle upon Tyne
- (132) Durham
