Woodbridge in Suffolk has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain for the first time, as part of Rightmove’s 13^th annual Happy at Home Index.

Residents of Woodbridge scored it particularly highly for feeling that they are able to be themselves in the area, the community spirit and friendliness of the people, and access to essential services such as doctors, or schools.

In second place is the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, last year’s winner, while Hexham in Northumberland, also previously topping the study, came third.

Monmouth is once again the happiest place to live in Wales, while Stirling tops the list for Scotland

The Happy at Home Index asks residents how they feel about their area based on several happiness factors. It was completed this year by over 35,000 people.

Woodbridge lies close to the River Deben in Suffolk. It’s also located on the edge of the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape. Residents who said they lived near a National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said they were happier in their area than those who did not.

The average asking price for a home in Woodbridge is £441,569, while the average advertised rent is £1,478 per calendar month.

Cllr Robin Sanders, mayor and chair Woodbridge Town Council, said: “It was a pleasure to hear Woodbridge has been ranked as the happiest place to live. The happy mood of residents is a reflection of the vibrant town centre encompassing numerous listed buildings occupied by many independent shops, pubs and restaurants, a long established and film industry renown independent cinema and, not least, a thriving historic and unique riverside area to enjoy the vista onto the beautiful and internationally designated, and protected, environment of the tidal River Deben estuary.

“The town residents with children have access to excellent state and public schools in the town, well run sports facilities and all residents enjoy and participate in frequent cultural events organised and supported by the town council in the parks and public open spaces.”

This year, residents of areas in Scotland, Wales and the South West said they were happiest with where they live overall, while those in the East and West Midlands said they were the least happy.

Just over a third (34%) of people said they thought they’d be happier living somewhere else. These residents were most likely to live in the West Midlands, and they were most likely to want to move to the South West.

Gen-Z (18-24 year olds) were the most likely to say that they thought they would be happier living in a different area, while those aged 55+ were the least likely, suggesting we become more content with our surroundings as we get older or secure our forever home.

For anyone looking to be happier where they live, the type of environment that made residents the happiest was a rural location by a woodland or forest, and also near a National Park or National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This year, Rightmove’s analysis shows that feeling proud to live in an area was the number one driver of overall happiness. This is complemented by other less tangible factors, such as feeling a sense of belonging, and being able to be yourself.

Whilst still extremely important to many people, overall, living near to family and friends was the lowest driver of overall happiness.

The Happy at Home Index measured key drivers of happiness which contribute to the overall level of happiness we feel in our home and community.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert said: “For over a decade we’ve been asking residents what makes them feel happy about where they live, as feeling happy is about more than the home itself. First place Woodbridge appears to have a lot of the factors that people are looking for from an area, including being close to a river and a National Landscape. It’s the intangible factors of feeling proud to live in an area, feeling a sense of belonging, and feeling able to be yourself that are the biggest drivers of happiness. There are some interesting trends revealed by the study, such as how those who live in a rural location are more likely to be happy than urban dwellers, who often live in busy cities. It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.”

Jamie Curran, director at IP Properties in Woodbridge, commented: “Quite frankly, it comes as no surprise that the wonderful Woodbridge has come so high on the Happy at Home rankings. Woodbridge’s position within Suffolk offers such multiple purposes for all residents, whether you’re a single occupant wanting a quiet lifestyle within close distance to London, or a family wishing to live close to the river and needing good schools. The amenities Woodbridge has to offer in my eyes are second to none; having boutiques, coffee shops, public houses and highly reviewed restaurants all within walking distance of each other is amazing. Set along the River Deben, I understand why Woodbridge is becoming more sought after year after year. Having a business within Woodbridge over the last 10 years has proven to me why Woodbridge is a wonderful place and why more people want to live here.  The housing market tends to be quite steady, which shows confidence within our local market and we’re never short of buyers wanting to live here.”

Dr. Giuseppe Paladini, founder of Golden Tree Estates in Stirling, stated: “Stirling is such a gem. When I first arrived in 2008 and didn’t speak a word of English, this community welcomed me with open arms. The blend of history and beautiful landscapes makes it truly special and it’s hard not to feel inspired. One of our missions as a company is to create homes where families can build lasting memories. Stirling isn’t just a spot on the map, it’s a place where you can truly feel at home.”

Amy Reynolds, head of Sales at Antony Roberts in Richmond, added: “We’re delighted but not surprised to see Richmond upon Thames ranked so highly. As specialists in the Richmond Borough property market, we have the privilege of helping people find homes in one of the most desirable areas in the UK. The borough’s outstanding schools, abundant green spaces, vibrant community, and excellent transport links make it a truly exceptional place to live. We’re proud to play a part in supporting the local community and showcasing all that Richmond Borough has to offer. As a resident of this Borough, I know firsthand the unique quality of life it provides and am passionate about helping others enjoy it too.”