Pinpointing what transforms a postal code into a genuine sanctuary is an art, but property experts have now revealed where British residents feel most content. In the latest annual assessment, a bustling community close to Greater Manchester has officially secured its standing among the happiest places to live in the UK.
Now celebrating its 15th year, the Rightmove Happy at Home index gathered perspectives from more than 24,000 residents across 221 locations to discover what they like about their area. Residents rated everything from access to nature and green spaces to local services, amenities and employment opportunities.
Chorley ranks among the happiest places to live in the UK
Previously named in The Times’ ‘Best Places to Live in the UK’ list, Chorley has climbed up nationwide and regional rankings. Located in Lancashire, north of Greater Manchester, the historic market town claimed the number-one spot within the North West, overtaking regional competitors Altrincham, Kendal and Stockport.
When asked how they felt about the area, Chorley residents in the survey said: “the people are friendly and polite”. The Lancashire town was rated most highly for its access to nature and green spaces, then its essential local services like doctors and schools, followed by public transport.
Meanwhile, overall national glory belonged to Richmond upon Thames in London. Residents told Rightmove they feel proud of the area they live in, and rated it particularly highly for access to nature and green spaces, non-essential amenities such as restaurants and shops, and essential local services such as doctors and schools.
The top 10 happiest places to live in the UK
- Richmond upon Thames, London
- Harrogate, North Yorkshire
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire
- Monmouth, Wales
- Hove, East Sussex
- Chorley, Lancashire
- Skipton, North Yorkshire
- Llandrindod Wells, Wales
- Horsham, West Sussex
- Hexham, Northumberland
How Greater Manchester towns fared across the North West
Beyond Chorley’s triumph, several Greater Manchester boroughs secured placements on the regional top 25 roster for happiest places to live. Stockport emerged as the best local performer in second position, followed by Altrincham in third position.
Consequently, some boroughs and towns in the county settled into the lower tier of the regional table. Bury claimed 19th spot, Manchester took 20th position, followed closely by Salford in 21st, Bolton in 22nd, Wigan in 23rd, Oldham in 24th, and Rochdale closing the group in 25th.
- Chorley
- Stockport
- Altrincham
- Chester
- Macclesfield
- Southport
- Kendal
- Wirral
- Northwich
- Carlisle
- Crewe
- Warrington
- Blackburn
- Lancaster
- Burnley
- Preston
- Liverpool
- Blackpool
- Bury
- Manchester
- Salford
- Bolton
- Wigan
- Oldham
- Rochdale
