Moving house? This is the UK’s happiest place to call home

Jennifer McShane

4 December 2024 at 10:47 am·3-min read

historic well in market hill, woodbridge, suffolk, england, uk photo by geography photosuniversal images group via getty images — The UK’s happiest spots to call home revealed Geography Photos - Getty Images

What makes a place truly feel like home? For over 35,000 people across the UK, the answer lies in more than just property prices or location.

In Rightmove's latest Happy at Home survey, residents shared their thoughts on what makes their communities special, revealing the happiest places to live in the UK – and for 2024, that title goes to the picturesque market town of Woodbridge in Suffolk.

Nestled along the River Deben, this charming town scores highly for its strong community spirit, friendliness, and the sense that residents feel free to be themselves. 'The happy mood of residents reflects the vibrant town centre,' says Woodbridge Mayor, Councillor Robin Sanders.

Meanwhile, Jamie Curran, director at IP Properties in Woodbridge, praised the town's amenities: 'The boutiques, coffee shops, public houses, and highly reviewed restaurants all within walking distance are amazing.'

river deben and town of woodbridge suffolk — Woodbridgeumdash9 via Getty

Woodbridge is joined at the top by Richmond upon Thames in London, which has slipped to second place after topping last year’s list, and Hexham in Northumberland, a previous winner, takes third place.

In Wales, the riverside town of Monmouth has been crowned the happiest, while Stirling has come out on top in Scotland. Across the UK, Scotland, Wales, and the South West are the regions where residents are most content, while the East and West Midlands score lowest for happiness.

people strolling along the riverside promenade and parks of richmond upon thames, outside london, uk — Richmond upon ThamesfotoVoyager - Getty Images

What drives happiness?

The survey asked residents to consider various factors, from their pride in their area to community spirit, belonging, access to green spaces, and local amenities. So what's the biggest factor in overall happiness? Feeling proud of where you live.

Rightmove also found that people living in rural areas or near National Parks are among the happiest. Gen Z (18–24-year-olds) were most likely to believe they’d be happier living elsewhere. Those aged 55 and over were least likely to want to move, reflecting a strong sense of satisfaction in their current communities.

monmouth, wales september 2020 old bridge with tower over the river monnow in the centre of monmouth — Old bridge over the River Monnow in Monmouth, WalesCeri Breeze - Getty Images

Here are the top 20 happiest places to live in the UK, along with their average property prices and monthly rental costs:

Woodbridge, East of England: average property price: £441,569, monthly rental cost: £1,478
Richmond upon Thames, London: average property price: £939,329, monthly rental cost: £3,131
Hexham, North East: average property price: £313,147, monthly rental cost: £840
Monmouth, Wales: average property price: £320,974, monthly rental cost: £1,335
Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber: average property price: £394,312, monthly rental cost: £1,439
Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber: average property price: £263,479, monthly rental cost: £1,030
Sevenoaks, South East: average property price: £881,061, monthly rental cost: £2,924
Leigh on Sea, East of England: average property price: £465,542, monthly rental cost: £1,796
Cirencester, South West: average property price: £384,013, monthly rental cost: £1,495
Wokingham, South East: average property price: £590,949, monthly rental cost: £2,120
Winchester, South East: average property price: £578,760, monthly rental cost: £2,069
Stirling, Scotland: average property price: £214,441, monthly rental cost: £1,227
Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands: average property price: £413,115, monthly rental cost: £1,604
Horsham, South East: average property price: £458,641, monthly rental cost: £1,983
Kendal, North West: average property price: £285,645, monthly rental cost: £966
Kensington and Chelsea, London: average property price: £1,667,573, monthly rental cost: £5,345
Chorley, North West: average property price: £197,199, monthly rental cost: £883
Hove, South East: average property price: £555,193, monthly rental cost: £1,993
Wandsworth, London: average property price: £865,205, monthly rental cost: £3,159
Hitchin, East of England: average property price: £510,612, monthly rental cost: £1,730

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Moving house? This is the UK’s happiest place to call home

What drives happiness?

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