Richmond upon Thames happiest place to live in Britain
Every year, Right Move holds a survey to find what makes people love where they live to find the happiest area in Great Britain. The annual Happy at Home Index is now in its twelfth year and asks residents how they feel about their area based on 13 happiness factors including, green spaces and the sense of belonging in a local community.
More than 26,000 people in towns, cities, and villages around Great Britain took part and for the first time ever, a London area has gained the top spot. Taking the crown from St Ives in Cornwall, Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain.
“I’m delighted for Richmond to win this award,” Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, says. “It has so much of what makes London so special – its access to beautiful green spaces, its real sense of community, and an array of shops, cafes and local culture that makes it stand out.”
The borough boasts two Royal Parks, a world-famous botanical gardens, and “the arty enclave” of Eel Pie Island.
“Richmond really has got it all, Dawn Platt, Associate Director of Chestertons’ Richmond branch, says. “Access to nature, schools, entertainment, good eateries, bars and shops. On top of access to nature, schools, entertainment, good eateries, bars and shops, the borough benefits from a riverside location and great transport links.”
Winchester in Hampshire is second with Monmouth in Wales coming in third. The next highest spot for a London borough is Kensington & Chelsea in eighth.
