Britain’s Most Delightful Residential Locale Unveiled
One of the wealthiest boroughs in London crowned as the happiest place to reside in the nation.
The affluent Richmond upon Thames borough, nestled in southwest London, has earned the title of the happiest place to reside in Great Britain.
Renowned for hosting London’s largest royal park and notable attractions like Hampton Court Palace, this area recently gained global acclaim through its portrayal in the popular Apple TV show, Ted Lasso.
A yearly survey carried out by property platform Rightmove, polling over 26,000 individuals, revealed that key contributors to this happiness were a sense of “pride, belonging, and community.”
For locals, access to expansive green spaces and natural settings, akin to national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty, played an equally vital role in their contentment with their residential surroundings, as outlined by the real estate platform.
This marks the inaugural occasion where a London locale has clinched the top spot in Rightmove’s ‘Happy at Home Index’ throughout the 12 years of the survey’s existence.
Following closely this year, Winchester in Hampshire secured second place, while the town of Monmouth in Wales claimed the third position.
(PA)
In the borough, favoured by affluent individuals, residences carry an average asking price of close to £1 million – almost three times the £362,000 average across Great Britain, as per Rightmove data.
Esteemed personalities like Mick Jagger, Brad Pitt, David Attenborough, and Holly Willoughby have all owned properties in Richmond.
Beyond the expanses of lush parks, the borough boasts a 6.6-mile walking trail along the River Thames, stretching from Twickenham to Kingston.
(PA)
Tim Bannister, a property specialist at Rightmove, remarked that this year’s research emphasises the ongoing appreciation of residents for proximity to green spaces and natural beauty, aspects that gained heightened significance during the pandemic.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his delight at Richmond securing this award.
(PA)
London embodies many aspects that render it truly unique – from its abundant green spaces to its vibrant sense of community, alongside a diverse assortment of shops, cafes, and local culture that set it apart,” he shared with the Evening Standard.
In 2022, the Cornish seaside town of St Ives claimed the title, while Hexham in Northumberland secured the top position in 2021.
Top Ten
1. Richmond upon Thames
2. Winchester, Hampshire
3. Monmouth, Wales
4. Wokingham, Berkshire
5. Cirencester, Gloucestershire
6. Skipton, North Yorkshire
7. Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
8. Kensington and Chelsea, London
9. St Ives, Cornwall
10. Hexham, Northumberland
