The UK's ‘happiest place to live’ where homes have an average price tag of £1m

An annual survey has named Richmond upon Thames the happiest place to live in Britain – but moving there comes at a price.

While the borough offers residents glimpses at roaming deer, easy access to central London and the chance to stroll down Thames pathways, the average asking price for a home there exceeds £1 million.

More than 24,000 people responded to Rightmove’s 15th annual “happy at home index” study, which placed Harrogate in North Yorkshire second and Cirencester in Gloucestershire third.

Monmouth was the highest ranked place in Wales, while Kirkcaldy took the top spot in Scotland.

Skipton in North Yorkshire, last year's winner, ranked seventh in this year's study and remained among Britain's 10 happiest places to live.

Richmond upon Thames, famed for its links to hit TV series Ted Lasso, has returned to number one after previously winning in 2023 and finishing second last year.

The leafy London borough ranked particularly highly across several aspects of local life, including access to nature and green spaces, essential local services, shops and restaurants, employment opportunities and desirable jobs, as well as residents' pride in their area, Rightmove said.

Meanwhile, Harrogate also ranked highly for access to nature and green spaces, as well as residents' agreement with the statement: “I can be myself,” according to the research.

Across Britain, four-fifths (81 per cent) of people who took part in the survey said they are happy with where they live.

Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, said: "Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities.

"That balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings.

"Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.

“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”

People participated in the study after being emailed via Rightmove's database, so the survey was self-selecting.

Mayor of Richmond upon Thames, Councillor Nancy Baldwin, said: "This recognition is especially meaningful because residents highlighted their pride in the local area, our beautiful parks and green spaces, and the local services they rely on every day.

“Above all, it is our people and communities that make Richmond special.”

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at estate agent Antony Roberts, said: "Families are drawn to Richmond for its excellent schools and green spaces, and they stay for the strong sense of community.

"With Richmond Park and the Thames on the doorstep, a thriving town centre and plenty of places to eat, shop and spend time, it offers a quality of life that's hard to match in London.

“Add in the easy journey into central London, and it’s easy to see why people are so happy to call Richmond home.”

Graham Price, director at Randall Price, said: "What makes Richmond upon Thames such a happy place to live is the balance it offers.

"There's a real sense of community, plenty going on locally, and people can enjoy the best of both worlds: a great place to call home while still feeling well connected.

“It’s the kind of area people put down roots in, and once they’re here, many don’t want to leave.”