Richmond upon Thames, a London suburb where the average asking price for a home stands at more than £1 million, has been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain, according to Rightmove's 15th annual "happy at home" index.
The property platform said its survey gathered responses from more than 24,000 people across more than 200 locations, asking residents about factors including the friendliness of neighbours, job opportunities and access to green spaces. The borough, which previously won in 2023 and finished second last year, ranked particularly highly for access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents' pride in their area.
Top 10 happiest places in Great Britain
Harrogate in North Yorkshire took second place, ranking highly for access to nature and green spaces and for residents' agreement with the statement "I can be myself," according to the study. Cirencester in Gloucestershire came third.
In Wales, Monmouth was the highest-ranked location, while in Scotland, Kirkcaldy took the top spot. Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, remained among Britain's 10 happiest places, ranking seventh this year.
- 1. Richmond upon Thames, London, £1,021,256, £3,298
- 2. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £395,776, £1,750
- 3. Cirencester, South West, £407,368, £1,633
- 4. Monmouth, Wales, £366,782, £1,395
- 5. Hove, South East, £476,115, £2,086
- 6. Chorley, North West, £234,387, £1,011
- 7. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber, £304,033, £1,110
- 8. Llandrindod Wells, Wales, £234,417, £531
- 9. Horsham, South East, £470,577, £1,933
- 10. Hexham, North East, £317,332, £1,329
Regional highlights and survey findings
Across Britain, 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: "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."
Babcock added: "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."
The survey was self-selecting, with participants emailed via Rightmove's database. 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. Above all, it is our people and communities that make Richmond special."
Regional winners across Britain included Chorley in the North West, Hexham in the North East, Hove in the South East, Cirencester in the South West, Loughborough in the East Midlands, Woodbridge in the East of England, Lichfield in the West Midlands, and Kirkcaldy in Scotland.
