The 10 happiest places to live in the UK
This article reveals the 10 happiest places to live in the UK and the average house prices in these areas.
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life, and there’s a lot to consider, including the local area.
It can be difficult to figure out if you'll be happy in a new place. Luckily, Rightmove has revealed some of the factors that make people happiest and the areas most likely to make you smile.
Summary
It’s vital to consider whether the local area will make you happy before buying a property.
Many factors can affect your happiness, including community spirit, amenities and access to green spaces.
Rightmove has compiled a list of the 10 happiest places to live in the UK in 2025.
Why choosing the right area is important
While there’s a lot to consider before buying a property, such as transport links and access to shops and green spaces, a huge factor is the area itself.
Are you happy living in your local area, or would you prefer to live elsewhere?
There are many reasons why where you live brings you joy, although it can be hard to define.
If you’re wondering whether you live in an area with some of the happiest UK residents, you’re in luck. Rightmove has released its annual Happy at Home index, now in its 14th year.
The online real estate property portal asked thousands of people who live in over 200 locations across the UK how they feel about their local area based on many factors.
The happiness measures include:
A sense of wellbeing and belonging
Feeling safe in the local area
Access to essential services, such as schools, hospitals and jobs
Access to green spaces
The 'walkability' of the local area
A vibrant high street
Rightmove found that those who live in a rural location were more likely to say they felt happy where they lived compared to those living in urban and suburban areas.
It also found that riverside, woodland or coastal locations were more likely to have happy residents, with those living close to a national park or Area of Outstanding Beauty happier on average than those who don't.
Rightmove also discovered that residents' happiness with where they live typically grows as they get older. Those aged 18-24 were least likely to say they felt happy where they lived, with over-65s most likely to feel happy where they lived.
Below, Rightmove has ranked the happiest places to live in the UK.
Where are the cheapest places to live by the sea in the UK?
Where are the 10 happiest places to live in the UK?
| Rank | Place |
|---|---|
| 1 | Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber |
| 2 | Richmond upon Thames, Greater London |
| 3 | Camden, Greater London |
| 4 | Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber |
| 5 | Woodbridge, East of England |
| 6 | Altrincham, North West |
| 7 | Macclesfield, North West |
| 8 | Stirling, Scotland |
| 9 | Cirencester, South West |
| 10 | Hexham, North East |
The happiest place to live, Skipton, has a lot to offer, including Skipton Castle, and green spaces, such as Skipton Castle Woods.
It is also just over 30 minutes away from Leeds by public transport.
How affordable are the happiest places?
If you’re interested in living in one of the happiest places in the UK, a potential issue is affordability.
Towns and villages with family-friendly attractions like parks, countryside and nearby shops and amenities, as well as good transport links, can come at a premium.
You can find out how much you could afford borrow by using our free mortgage calculator.
So, how affordable is it to move to one of the areas that are most likely to put a smile on your face?
1. Skipton
The average property price in Skipton was £287,352 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
This is higher than the UK average of £270,000 in the year to October 2025.
2. Richmond upon Thames
The average house price for Richmond upon Thames is significantly higher than the UK average at £880,541.
While historical sold prices over the last year were 4% down, this is one of the most expensive places to live on this list.
3. Camden
Camden is the most expensive in terms of average house prices at over £1.1 million, while historical sold prices over the last year remained the same.
4. Harrogate
In fourth place is Harrogate with average house prices of £401,329 over the last year.
5. Woodbridge
The average house price in Woodbridge was £378,739.
However, Rightmove says that historical sold prices over the last year in Woodbridge were 20% down on the previous year.
6. Altrincham
In sixth place is Altrincham in Greater Manchester with average house prices of £543,268, although historical sold prices over the last year were 2% lower.
7. Macclesfield
Over the last year, the average property price in Macclesfield was £297,238.
This makes it one of the most affordable areas to live in on this list.
8. Stirling
In Stirling, Scotland, the average property price was £245,977 over the last year.
This is below the UK average and is the cheapest area to live in on this list.
9. Cirencester
Over the last year, the average property price in Cirencester was £398,126.
10. Hexham
Hexham is among the most affordable on this list, with an average property price of £298,585.
Why expert advice is vital
If you’re looking to move to one of the happiest areas in the UK, what’s clear from the above list is that the price you pay can vary, with some places much more affordable than other areas.
However, the area you move to is not the only big factor to consider.
If you’re planning to buy a new property, getting expert advice is vital.
Unbiased can connect you with a regulated mortgage broker who can help you find the most competitive mortgage for your unique circumstances.
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