Richmond upon Thames named Britain's happiest place to live, but it costs you

Riverside walks, boutiques, cafes and deer wandering through the local park. If that sounds like your kind of Tuesday, you might want to look at Richmond upon Thames.

The south-west London borough has been named the happiest place to live in Britain in Rightmove's annual "happy at home index". It is the 15th edition of the survey.

What happened?

Richmond scored particularly highly on access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, and job opportunities. Residents also rated their pride in the area strongly.

Harrogate in North Yorkshire came second and Cirencester in Gloucestershire third. Monmouth was the top-ranked place in Wales, and Kirkcaldy took the top spot in Scotland.

Across Britain, 81% of people who took part said they were happy with where they live.

What's the catch?

Two, really. First, the price. The average asking price for a home in the borough is more than £1m.

Second, the method. People were emailed through Rightmove's database, so the survey was self-selecting. In other words, it reflects the views of those who chose to answer, not a random sample of the country.

Why does Richmond keep winning?

Rightmove property expert Colleen Babcock said Richmond offers "a combination many people value": nature and green spaces without giving up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities.

She added that the best-rated places "aren't simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both".

Richmond's mayor, councillor Nancy Baldwin, said the recognition was especially meaningful because residents highlighted their pride in the area, its parks and its local services. "Above all, it is our people and communities that make Richmond special," she said.

What happened last time?

This is a comeback. Richmond won in 2023, then finished second last year, when Skipton in North Yorkshire took the crown. Now it is back at number one.