Skipton in North Yorkshire is the happiest place to live in Great Britain thanks to its access to nature, friendliness, and access to schools and doctors.

Rightmove conducted the study, which asked people across 200 areas how they feel about their area.

The average asking price for a home in Skipton is £326,093, which is lower than the current national average of £364,833.

Residents also ranked Skipton highly for feeling they can be themselves there, and the affordability of the area, feeling that they earned enough to live comfortably in Skipton.

The town scored less highly for its access to employment opportunities and desirable jobs, and residents living nearby to friends and family.

Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley in Yorkshire, said: “Combining community, countryside and communication – Skipton has it all.

“A highly desirable living environment with immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region’s finest countryside, and only a little more than an hour from The Lake District.

“Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and the M65, with its Manchester links, are all easily accessible for both leisure and business. From the town’s station, there are now also regular services to London Kings Cross.

“The historic castle lights up the colourful High Street market whilst the Leeds / Liverpool canal, Pennine Way and surrounding moors offer endless opportunities for challenging walks, road and mountain biking and enhance the appeal of this living environment.”

In second place is Richmond-upon-Thames in London. Residents of Richmond also ranked it highly for its access to nature and essential local services, as well as non-essential amenities such as restaurants and shops.

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Antony Roberts in Richmond upon Thames, said: “Richmond has a rare ability to feel both vibrant and calming at the same time, and I think that balance is a huge part of why people are genuinely happy living here.

“You’re never far from green space, whether it’s Richmond Park, the towpath, or quiet pockets of nature tucked between neighbourhoods, yet you still have the cafés, independents, and community hubs that give the area its character.

“There’s a strong sense of connection here too; people don’t just live in Richmond, they participate in it.”

In third place is Camden in North London, known for its vibrant alternative culture and live music scene.

Stirling is the happiest place to live in Scotland, and Anglesey is the happiest in Wales.

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: “Each year our study celebrates all the different things that make us feel happy with where we live – our neighbours, green spaces, having access to important services.

“A lot more goes into choosing an area to live other than the home itself. Being within easy reach of nature and green spaces regularly comes out as an important factor for people, along with having friendly neighbours and feeling you can truly be yourself where you live.

“It’s great to see the town of Skipton getting the attention it deserves this year having ranked highly in previous studies.”

By admin