The happiest locations to dwell within the UK have been revealed – with one London borough clinching prime spot.
The leafy borough in south London ranked significantly extremely throughout a number of facets of native life, together with entry to nature and inexperienced areas, important native companies, retailers and eating places, employment alternatives and fascinating jobs, Rightmove mentioned.
Richmond returned to primary after beforehand topping the rankings in 2023 and ending second final yr.
Kids working throughout a park in Richmond, south London
Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Nancy Baldwin, mentioned: “This recognition is particularly significant as a result of residents highlighted their delight within the native space, our stunning parks and inexperienced areas, and the native companies they depend on each day.
“Above all, it’s our individuals and communities that make Richmond particular.”
Nationally, Harrogate in North Yorkshire was positioned second on the checklist, whereas Cirencester in Gloucestershire was third.
In Wales, Monmouth was the very best ranked, whereas in Scotland Kirkcaldy took the highest spot.
Final yr’s winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, ranked seventh.
Richmond upon Thames
The capital noticed two different boroughs cracking the nationwide prime 20, with Kensington and Chelsea in twelfth and Kingston upon Thames coming thirteenth.
On the different finish of the rankings, Barking and Dagenham is the least pleased London borough, coming in at 221st nationally.
Lewisham, Havering, Harrow and Croydon make up the remainder of the underside 5 within the capital.
The survey collected responses from greater than 24,000 individuals, with round four-fifths (81%) of people that took half saying they’re pleased with the place they dwell.
Colleen Babcock, a property knowledgeable at Rightmove, mentioned: “Richmond stands out for providing a mix many individuals worth: quick access to nature and inexperienced areas, with out having to surrender native companies, locations to eat and store, or employment alternatives.
“That stability between greenery and on a regular basis comfort runs by means of the broader findings.
“Even amongst individuals who would ideally select a rural setting, entry to facilities, parks and public transport stays vital.
“This yr’s outcomes recommend that the locations individuals charge most extremely aren’t merely city or rural, however typically deliver collectively a number of the finest components of each.”
Listed below are London and the UK’s happiest locations to dwell in 2026, in keeping with Rightmove.
Prime 10 happiest locations to dwell in Britain
1. Richmond upon Thames, London
2. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
3. Cirencester, South West
7. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
8. Llandrindod Wells, Wales
1. (1) Richmond upon Thame
2. (12) Kensington and Chelsea
3. (13) Kingston upon Thames
9. (70) Hammersmith & Fulham
Backside 10 London boroughs
33. (221) Barking & Dagenham
