The UK’s happiest place to live has been unveiled, and for the first time in two years, the title no longer belongs to London. The annual “Happy at Home” index, conducted by Rightmove, has crowned Woodbridge, a charming town on the Suffolk coast, as the nation’s most cheerful place to reside. This marks the 13th year of the index, which surveys tens of thousands of residents to determine what makes a location truly joyful.
Woodbridge’s victory comes at the expense of Richmond upon Thames, the leafy London borough that took the top spot last year. Although Richmond dropped to second place, it remains a highly desirable location, known for its green spaces, community spirit, and celebrity residents.
Rightmove’s study, which included over 35,000 participants, evaluated happiness using 15 key factors. Among the most important were a welcoming community, access to nature, and proximity to practical amenities like schools, healthcare, and shops. Woodbridge excelled in these areas, with residents highlighting its friendly atmosphere, strong sense of belonging, and scenic surroundings.
Tim Bannister, a property expert at Rightmove, commented on the findings, saying: “For over a decade, we’ve been asking residents what makes them feel happy about where they live. Feeling happy is about more than just the home itself. Woodbridge appears to tick many boxes, from being close to a river and a National Landscape to fostering a sense of community and pride.”
While Richmond upon Thames held onto second place, only one other London borough, Wandsworth, made it into the top 20 happiest places. Other towns in the top rankings include Hexham in Northumberland, Monmouth in Wales, and Harrogate in North Yorkshire, showcasing a variety of locations across the UK where residents are thriving.
The Happiest Places to Live in the UK:
- Woodbridge, Suffolk
- Richmond upon Thames, Greater London
- Hexham, Northumberland
- Monmouth, Wales
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Skipton, North Yorkshire
- Sevenoaks, Kent
- Leigh on Sea, Essex
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Wokingham, Berkshire
The research underscores that happiness is often tied to intangible qualities such as feeling proud of one’s community, a sense of belonging, and the freedom to be oneself—qualities Woodbridge embodies, making it a standout among the nation’s happiest towns.
(Source: Secret London)
