Latest Happy at Home Index reveals top ten locations

Access to nature and green spaces drives tenant happiness in where they live, according to the latest Happy at Home Index from Rightmove.

It found that eight of the ten happiest places to live are also among the best for access to such spaces.

Richmond upon Thames topped this year’s index, returning to the number one spot for the first time since 2023 and after finishing second last year. It ranked first in Great Britain for access to nature and green spaces, as well as for access to essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents’ pride in their area.  

Harrogate in Yorkshire and the Humber takes second place, while Cirencester, Gloucestershire in the South West is third.  Monmouth is the highest-ranked place in Wales, while Kirkcaldy takes the top spot in Scotland. Last year’s winner Skipton ranks seventh in this year’s study.

A mix of amenities

However, the study, as well as Richmond’s first place position, shows that people want a mix of amenities. While more than half (52%) would ideally live somewhere rural, 66% want shops and amenities nearby, 62% want green spaces and 61% want good public transport. 

On average, the South West has the highest happiness rating and Greater London the lowest, while across Great Britain, four in five people (81%) are happy with where they live, compared with 9% who are unhappy.  

Older people are more likely to be happy, with more than a third (35%) of people aged 75 and over giving their hometown a perfect 10 for happiness, compared with 16% of 18–24-year-olds. Average happiness rises from 7.3 out of 10 among 18–24-year-olds to 8.2 among those aged 75 and over. 

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities. 

 “That balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important. This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural but often bring together some of the best elements of both.” 

 Great Britain’s Happiest Places 2026