Happiness is somewhat hard to define – it means something completely different to everybody, but there are things that we can broadly agree to be in line with happiness, and what people report to make them feel happy.
Those definitions may even have evolved over the course of the pandemic. Some things that may have felt like big things may not feel quite so significant in the perspective of the events of the last 2 years, but we can perhaps all agree that our home can be one of our biggest sources of happiness.
People from different backgrounds, from different ages or from different family set ups often have different priorities when it comes to what we need from a home – a city centre apartment may be a dream for some and a nightmare for others.
Priorities have certainly shifted across the past few years too, with many families and young workers preferring to move out of busier urban areas and out into suburban and rural areas to enjoy more space and a more relaxed pace, and many moved the other way, enjoying a busier and more social way of living.
With all of that in mind, we’re wondering where the happiest places to live are.
The UK’s happiest places to live
Probably the best way to decide where the happiest places to live is by asking people.
According to Which?, the consumer research group, areas in the north of England dominate the list, occupying two of the top three happiest places.
The top 5 are Hexham in the North East, Richmond upon Thames in London and Harrogate in Yorkshire.
Other notable entries in the north include Kendal and Macclesfield.
Which? Said that they “surveyed more than 21,000 people to find out how they feel about their local area. Residents were asked to rank their town on 10 ‘happiness factors’.
Hexham topped the charts in this year’s Happy at Home Index, with residents giving the town top ratings for community, feeling of belonging and access to green spaces.”
Moving home can often be daunting and can be stressful, but the rewards are often abundant if you’re looking for something specific, or just need a change.
If you’re considering moving home then you’re not alone, millions made the change in the last few years, especially following the pandemic with people shifting their focus. The past two years have been some of the busiest on record for people moving and many people have found themselves much happier for making the move.
Classically, the new year and the early months are a busy time for people choosing to make the plunge, so if moving home to somewhere that suits your needs more is something you’ve been thinking about then why not get in touch with us to discuss it?
