The happiest place to reside in Britain revealed: Upmarket city scored extremely for neighborhood spirit and entry to docs and faculties beats final yr’s winner Richmond-upon-Thames

It is, apparently, the happiest place to live in Britain. Woodbridge in Suffolk has topped a poll after residents scored it highly for community spirit and friendliness – and a feeling they could be themselves there. 

The upmarket town was also hailed for access to essential services such as doctors and schools, according to property website Rightmove, which compiled the report.

The London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, top last year, was second, while Hexham in Northumberland was third.

Mayor of Woodbridge, Councillor Robin Sanders, said: ‘The happy mood of residents is a reflection of the vibrant town centre.’ 

Jamie Curran, of estate agent IP Properties in Woodbridge, said: ‘The amenities the town has to offer are second to none; having boutiques, coffee shops, public houses and highly reviewed restaurants all within walking distance.’

The study, in its 13th year, was completed by more than 35,000 residents across Britain, with questions about how proud they feeI about where they live, their sense of belonging, the community spirit and whether they can be themselves – as well as about amenities.

Monmouth was crowned the happiest place to live in Wales, while Stirling came top in Scotland. 

The Gen-Z generation (18 to 24-year-olds) were the most likely to say that they thought they would be happier living in a different area, while those aged 55-plus were the least likely. 

Woodbridge in Suffolk has been declared the happiest town in Britain 

Woodbridge scored highly for community spirit and access to doctors and schools

Pictured: Woodbridge town and river Deben aerial view. The London borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, top last year, was second, while Hexham in Northumberland was third

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: ‘It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.’ 

The research also indicated that the type of environment that made residents most happy was a rural location by woodland or a forest, or being near a National Park or National Landscape. 

Rightmove’s analysis found that feeling proud to live in an area was the biggest driver of overall satisfaction with a home and community out of the factors it looked at, while living near to family and friends was the smallest driver.

On Tuesday, consultancy business Mercer named Zurich as being the top of an international 2024 quality of living city ranking.

Zurich was followed by Vienna and Geneva in second and third place, respectively. Copenhagen took the fourth spot, with Auckland placed fifth.

London was placed 40th position, with Edinburgh in 50th place, Glasgow at 53, Birmingham at 57, Aberdeen at 62 and Belfast placed 66th.

The index evaluates living conditions in more than 450 cities worldwide to help businesses calculate allowances for people working internationally.

Zurich rose to the top of the list due to its outstanding public services, low crime rates, lively cultural scene and commitment to sustainability, Mercer said.