It’s all been quite doom and gloom lately, hasn’t it? But spring has finally sprung and with that comes a lot more to be optimistic about. And, if you’re considering relocating – after all, March is supposedly the best time to sell – you might be wondering where you should next call home, and how to decide.
There are lots of factor that go into a decision like this, but ultimately, you’re trying to work out where you’ll be happiest. After all, they say happiness starts at home. But what does that entail exactly? The Happy at Home Index by Rightmove asked more than 35,000 people across Britain how they feel about various aspects of where they live, to find the happiest places to live.
So, without further ado, here are the results, as well as how much a property in the area could cost you.
The top 10 happiest towns are:
Earning this year’s crown was Woodbridge, in Suffolk. This picturesque market town jumped up from 17th place in 2023! Residents scored the area highly for friendliness, community spirit and access to essential services to schools and GPs.
Last year’s winner, Richmond upon Thames dropped one place into second place. Comprised of 14 neighbourhoods including Twickenham, Hampton, Barnes and Kew, and it’s best known for the 2,500-acre Richmond Park and Kew Gardens.
Rounding off the top three is Hexham, in Northumberland. A previous winner, this town has bounced back up the rankings after placing tenth last year. This time, it’s the highest placed town in the North of England. Nearby you’ll find Hadrian’s Wall and the scenic landscapes of Northumberland National Park.
What do we value about where we live?
When we’re searching for somewhere to call home, of course there are aspects such as price, schools, doctors and other facilities. But those don’t necessarily translate into happiness about living in an area.
It’s often the less tangible things that result in happiness. Rightmove measures the following:
- Pride about the area you live in
- Feeling a sense of belonging
- Feeling a real sense of community spirit
- People are generally polite and friendly
- Freedom to be oneself
- Nature and green spaces
- Earning enough to live comfortably in the area
- Artistic and cultural activities
- Employment opportunities and desirable jobs
- Sports and recreational activities
- Essential local services, such as doctors, schools
- Non-essential amenities such as restaurants, shops
- Public transport connections
Generally speaking, the survey analysis found that people care more about having access to nature and green spaces than public transport, shops and restaurants. Overall, people living in rural areas where generally happier than those in cities. This was especially true for those living near a national park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Town vs country – the eternal question
Do you prefer living in a busy, bustling town or prefer the peace of somewhere more rural? Interestingly, the survey found that rural dwellers tended to be happier than those in cities.
People living near woodlands, national parks, forests or Areas of Outstanding Natural beauty generally gave the highest marks about their hometown. Having pride in the local area was a big factor in the rankings, as was the quality of public transport.
Considering a move?
According to Rightmove’s survey, 34% of respondents felt they would be happier living elsewhere. Overall, residents in Scotland, Wales, and the South West reported the highest satisfaction with their local area.
In contrast, those living in the East and West Midlands expressed the lowest levels of happiness with their surroundings. Among those hoping to relocate, the South West of England was the most popular choice.
If you’re thinking about making a move, why not take the time to ensure you’re properly covered? An insurance broker can help you find the right protection for your new home, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Even if you’re staying put, it’s always worth reviewing your existing policies to make sure they still meet your needs. Pop into your local Howden branch and chat with one of our friendly insurance experts—we’re here to help!
Sources: Which?, Rightmove
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.
