St Ives has been crowned the happiest place to live in Britain.
Those looking to embark on a upbeat tour of the country could do worse than visiting the Cornish seaside town which pipped Galashiels in the Scottish Borders to take the top spot in the nationwide smile study.
Woodbridge, Suffolk, was third followed by Northumberland’s Hexham that has alternated with St Ives for first place since 2019.
More than 21,000 took part in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index. Locations are ranked on factors such as community spirit, green spaces and local amenities.
However, the typical house price in St Ives is up 6% in a year to £523,731, with the average price across Britain at £366,999.
St Ives residents scored the town highly for community spirit, how comfortable residents feel to be themselves, and the sense of belonging they have.
Local estate agent, Paul Le Bas, says there’re lots of things that make the town special, that residents can enjoy throughout the year.
“St Ives has a vibrant and active local community," he said.
"All year round we are able to visit the amazing restaurants and cafés, most of which are highly rated in the national press, and the coastal walks are second to none.
"As the seasons change, so does the town. It becomes a winter wonderland of festive lights for Christmas. Even Father Christmas arrives on the Lifeboat.
“The coastal walks are second to none.. the views are stunning as you look over the turquoise seas.”
Galashiels scored highest for friendliness and politeness, making it the first Scottish location to score among the top three places for the first time since 2016.
In terms of average prices, it also has the most affordable house prices out of all the areas that made the top ten, with an average asking price of a home in Galashiels at £153,546.
Galashiels estate agent, Alice Brown, says: “Its central placement in the Borders makes it a popular location for families, giving a relaxed way of life, while being in a commutable distance of Edinburgh.
"Steeped in history, Galashiels has a wide variety of housing from classic period properties to new-builds. The countryside surrounding Galashiels also has much to offer, and the recently established Heartland Market brings together the town and local businesses.”
Anglesey was found to be the happiest place to live in Wales.
Known for its picturesque coastline and plentiful walking routes, the north-west island was this year’s seventh-placed area in the survey.
Tim Bannister, of Rightmove, said: “Our Happy at Home survey really shows that the things that make people happy to live in their area are not so much the physical aspects of that area but more the personal aspects, such as our sense of belonging, the community and the people.
“The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult for many, and as we learned during another difficult period in 2020, this is often when we look to our local area and community for support and happiness."
Britain's top 10 happiest places
The top 10 list of happiest places was based on factors including area, average house price and average monthly rent price.
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Galashiels, Scottish Borders
- Woodbridge, East Suffolk
- Hexham, Northumberland
- Perth, Scotland
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and The Humber
- Anglesey, Wales
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- Stirling, Scotland
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire
You can find out more in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index.
