It doesn't have the bright lights of London or Edinburgh, and it may not even have the fame or notoriety of Britain's better-known villages and towns.
But in one respect, Woodbridge in Suffolk seems to trump them all. It's the happiest place to live in Britain. At least, that's the conclusion of an investigation by real estate website Rightmove.
The survey, now in its 13th year, involved more than 35,000 people across the UK, asking residents how they felt about their area.
Woodbridge residents particularly valued feeling like they could “be themselves” in the area, the community spirit and friendliness of the people, and access to essential services such as doctors and schools.
The analysis found that being proud to live in the area was the biggest factor in overall satisfaction, while living close to family and friends was less important.
Located on the banks of the River Deben, eight miles from the coast, Woodbridge dates back to 1086 and Domesday's books record a small settlement there. It is also close to one of the most important archaeological finds of the Anglo-Saxon period, Sutton Hoo, the ruins of a Viking ship used as a burial chamber. This ship is described as follows: Europe's richest intact early medieval tomb.
Woodbridge Mayor Councilor Robin Saunders said the happy mood of residents was “a reflection of our vibrant town centre”.
Jamie Curran, director at IP Properties in Woodbridge, said: It's great to have boutiques, coffee shops, pubs, and highly rated restaurants all within walking distance. ”
Richmond-upon-Thames, a London borough of London, came in second place following last year's top spot, while previous winner Hexham in Northumberland came third.
Other findings in the report include Monmouth being named the best place to live in Wales, and Stirling coming first in Scotland.
London was at the bottom of the rankings at 40th place, followed by Edinburgh at 50th, Glasgow at 53rd, Birmingham at 57th, Aberdeen at 62nd and Belfast at 66th.
According to Rightmove, research shows that overall, people in Scotland, Wales and the South West are the most satisfied with where they live, while those in the East and West Midlands are the least satisfied. was shown.
Gen Z (ages 18-24) were the most likely to say they would be happier living in a different area, while those 55 and older were the least likely.
Tim Bannister, real estate expert at Rightmove, said: “Young people are the most likely to say they would be happier living elsewhere, with many moving to urban areas for their education or finding their first job. I have to go.”
The study also showed that the types of environments that make residents happiest are rural locations near forests or forests, or near national parks or national landscapes.
Home Sweet Home: 20 Happiest Places to Live
According to Rightmove, the top 20 happiest places to live in 2024 are: This is followed by the average asking price of the home and the average monthly rent.
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wood bridgeEast of England, £441,569, £1,478
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richmond upon thamesLondon, £939,329, £3,131
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hexhamNorth East, £313,147, £840
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monmouthWales, £320,974, £1,335
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HarrogateYorkshire and Humber, £394,312, £1,439
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skiptonYorkshire and Humber, £263,479, £1,030
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seven oaksSouth East, £881,061, £2,924
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Leigh-on-SeaEast of England, £465,542, £1,796
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circencesterSouth West, £384,013, £1,495
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WokinghamSouth East, £590,949, £2,120
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winchesterSouth East, £578,760, £2,069
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sterlingScotland, £214,441, £1,227
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Stratford upon AvonWest Midlands, £413,115, £1,604
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horshamSouth East, £458,641, £1,983
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KendallNorth West, £285,645, £966
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kensington and chelseaLondon, £1,667,573, £5,345
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ChorleyNorth West, £197,199, £883
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hoveSouth East, £555,193, £1,993
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WandsworthLondon, £865,205, £3,159
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hitchinEast of England, £510,612, £1,730
