Richmond upon Thames has been named the happiest place to live in the capital for a sixth consecutive year.
Editorial Team | 30th November, 2020
London's Richmond upon Thames has ranked as the tenth most idyllic place to live in the UK according to report by Rightmove.
As part of a study titled Happy at Home Index Rightmove polled over 21,000 people on how happy they felt based on 12 happiness factors. These ranged from how safe residents feel and how friendly the neighbours are to how good the local services are, the level of community spirit and the quality of cultural activities in the area.
In top place the idyllic coastal town of St Ives, a world-renowned surfing hotspot, was crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain with Skipton in Yorkshire ranked as second.
With its tree-lined streets, period homes and riverside pubs, the south-west London borough of Richmond upon Thames was the only London borough to be listed in the top ten. A haven of green open spaces Richmond Park also boasts the largest of the capital's Royal Parks unsurprisingly the average house price is £869,864, well beyond the average London house price which now stands at £630,634.
Tim Bannister Rightmove's resident data property expert explained that, for many people, lockdown has given them an opportunity to reconnect with their local area.
He 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.
