The British property market is expected to bounce back post-budget, and affordable places that offer a sense of community and access to green spaces are likely to be high on homebuyers’ wish lists.
For all these attributes and more, look no further than Skipton in North Yorkshire, according to Rightmove’s ( RMV.L ) annual Happy at Home Index, which named the market town the happiest place to live in Britain.
Skipton was the runner-up in 2020 and was sixth in last year’s list. In addition to the city’s proximity to nature, the friendliness of the locals and access to key amenities ranked highly among its residents.
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Local people felt they could be themselves in Skipton and earn enough to live comfortably, the study added. However, it was not all positive news, as access to employment opportunities and desired jobs ranked less favourably.
It was also not particularly easy to find housing near friends and family, according to the study. The average asking price for a house in Skipton is £326,093, which is lower than the current national average of £364,833.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Yorkshire estate agents Dacre, Son & Hartley, highlighted how close Skipton was to “the region’s best countryside”, as well as the Lake District and cities such as Manchester and Leeds.
Richmond-upon-Thames in London was chosen runner-up in the Happiness Index, with its nature hotspots and essential services ranking highly, while Camden in North London made the top three for the first time.
Stirling has been ranked as the happiest place to live in Scotland and Anglesey is this year’s happiest place to live in Wales.
Ann Evans Jones, director of Morgan Evans in Anglesey said: “Anglesey (Ynys Mon) is a beautiful setting and has a lot to offer, including stunning coastal walks, beautiful beaches for relaxation and water activities. A lovely area to raise a family, with a strong sense of community on the Island with the villages being very welcoming.”
The Rightmove Happy at Home Index is in its 14th year, and is completed by thousands of residents in over 200 areas.
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