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Skipton Named Britain’s Happiest Place to Live in Rightmove’s 2025 Index

Rightmove’s annual survey links higher satisfaction to rural settings, with proximity to nature a key factor.

Overview

  • Richmond-upon-Thames placed second for a second year and Camden took third, marking its first top-three finish in the 14-year study.
  • Residents praised Skipton for access to green spaces, friendly community ties and schools, with an average asking price of £326,093 versus the national £364,833.
  • Rightmove found people in rural areas report greater contentment, especially those near rivers, coasts or woodland, and satisfaction generally rises with age.
  • Regional highlights included Stirling as Scotland’s happiest and Anglesey as Wales’s top spot, while the South West ranked happiest by region and the East Midlands least happy.
  • Skipton scored lower for access to jobs and proximity to friends and family, though a local agent highlighted immediate access to the Dales and improved rail links to London Kings Cross.