St Ives has been named the number one place to live in Great Britain after topping the topping Rightmove’s 2020 Happy at Home Index.

In second place is Skipton in North Yorkshire, followed in third place by Leamington Spa in Warwickshire.

Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in London for the sixth year in a row, while Perth leads the way for Scotland and Llandrindod Wells takes top spot in Wales.

Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index, which asks residents how they feel about where they live based on ten happiness factors, also found that lockdown has, somewhat unsurprisingly, led to people appreciating what is on their doorstep more, with over a third of people – 36% – saying they now like their local area more than before.

Access to nature and green spaces has become more important this year for home-movers when choosing where to live, according to the study.

Rightmove’s director of property data, Tim Bannister, said: “Our latest research shows that despite all the challenges that this year has brought, many people have been able to reconnect with their local area and community which has had a positive effect on how they feel about where they live.

“Overall, I think lockdown has enabled people to rediscover what’s on their doorstep, and spending more time in their local areas has made people value their surroundings and communities so much more.

“This year’s study shows a greater appreciation for green spaces and nature, and a strong correlation between people living in coastal and rural areas and how happy people are where they live. Since lockdown we’ve since a trend towards more people looking to live in smaller communities, and so it’s very fitting to see that the picturesque town of St Ives has taken the top spot in 2020.”