Great Britain’s Happiest Places to Live in 2025 & What They Reveal for Movers in 2026

As 2026 approaches, more people across the UK are reconsidering where they live — driven by a desire for greener surroundings, stronger communities, and a better work–life balance. Each year, Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index offers a snapshot of the places where residents feel most satisfied, and the 2025 results highlight some clear lifestyle trends that look set to shape moving decisions in the coming year.

What the Happy at Home Index Measures

The annual index surveys tens of thousands of residents on factors that contribute to their overall happiness with an area, including:

It remains one of the most comprehensive indicators of how people experience life in towns and cities across Great Britain.

Full report from Rightmove: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/happiest-places-to-live/

The Top 10 Happiest Places to Live in 2025

According to the 2025 findings, the happiest places span market towns, rural edges, and leafy urban areas:

1. 1. Skipton (Yorkshire & the Humber)
2. 2. Richmond upon Thames (London)
3. 3. Camden (London)
4. 4. Harrogate (Yorkshire & the Humber)
5. 5. Woodbridge (East of England)
6. 6. Altrincham (North West)
7. 7. Macclesfield (North West)
8. 8. Stirling (Scotland)
9. 9. Cirencester (South West)
10. 10. Hexham (North East)

These locations consistently performed well for their community feel, natural surroundings, heritage character, and overall quality of life.

We’ve also seen this popularity reflected in real moves: several customers moving with Bishop’s Move York have chosen to relocate to Skipton or the surrounding area, drawn by its community spirit and access to green spaces – trends that echo Skipton’s top ranking in this year’s Happy at Home Index.

What Makes These Areas Stand Out?

1. Access to nature and outdoor space

From Skipton’s proximity to the Yorkshire Dales to Cirencester’s Cotswold landscapes, many of the highest-ranked areas offer immediate access to walking routes, parks and countryside.

2. Strong identity and local culture

Market towns like Harrogate and Hexham blend heritage architecture with vibrant independent shops, cafés, and community-led events.

3. Neighbourliness and community spirit

Residents across the top-ranked areas consistently report feeling welcomed and connected, something that has become increasingly important post-pandemic.

4. Lifestyle balance

Even in urban areas such as Richmond and Camden, the presence of riverside trails, green parks, cultural venues and high-quality amenities contributes to a sense of balance and wellbeing.

The UK’s Happiest Places to Live in 2025: What Movers Should Know for 2026

What This Means for People Considering a Move in 2026

The 2025 findings suggest growing interest in locations that offer:

These priorities reflect wider shifts in how people are choosing where to live – with many rethinking long-term priorities around space, wellbeing, and community.

For those exploring relocation options, understanding these trends can help identify destinations that align with both lifestyle aspirations and practical needs.

Exploring the Regions

If you’re considering a move to any of the regions mentioned, you can find more local information through:

These pages offer location insights and area-specific guidance for anyone planning a move in 2026.

While each year’s Happiness Index reveals Britain’s most satisfied communities, it also highlights a broader shift: people increasingly value connection, nature, and a sense of belonging. Whether attracted to a bustling cultural hub like Camden or a countryside setting such as Skipton or Cirencester, many movers in 2026 are prioritising wellbeing over pure convenience.

For those planning a move, exploring these top-ranked areas can be a useful starting point in finding a place that offers the right blend of lifestyle, character, and community.