The market town of Skipton in North Yorkshire has been crowned the happiest place to live in 2025.
The popular tourist spot is a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and is dotted with historic sites.
In its annual rating, Rightmove said Skipton residents rated it highly for its access to nature and green spaces, the friendliness of locals and access to essential services such as schools.
The city took first place after being placed at number six in last year’s study, and in second place in 2020.
Richmond upon Thames and Camden, both in London, came second and third respectively in Rightmove’s Happy at Home 2025 index.
Skipton is at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. (PA)
What is Skipton?
Respondents to Rightmove’s Happy at Home index also praised the friendliness of people and Skipton’s access to essential services such as schools.
Residents also praised the city because they feel they can be themselves there, and for the affordability of the area, feeling they earn enough to live comfortably.
Skipton is praised for the friendliness of the locals. (PA)
Rightmove said it was rated less highly for its access to employment opportunities and desirable jobs, and residents living close to friends and family.
The average asking price for a house in Skipton is £326,093, which is lower than the current national average of £364,833, Rightmove said.
As well as being close to the Yorkshire Dales, the town also has good links with Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Manchester.
Skipton is also notable for its local landmarks, including its famous and well-preserved medieval castle that towers over the town and its historic centre.
Skipton Castle was built in 1090 and is a popular tourist attraction. (PA)
Ian Rigarlsford, who works in corporate affairs at Skipton Building Society, said: “Skipton is a place where community really means something, and that’s what makes living and working here so special.
“The friendliness of the town, the accessibility of the green spaces and the incredible backdrop of Skipton Castle and the Yorkshire Dales all contribute to a quality of life that is hard to match.
“From lunchtime walks to simply enjoying the views from our office, the balance this city offers is remarkable.
Nearby Harrogate also featured in the top 10 of Rightmove’s list, winning fourth place.
The only place outside England was Stirling in Scotland, which came in eighth place.
The top 10 list is below, accompanied by the average house price and average monthly rent.
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Skipton, Yorkshire and Humber, £326,093, £1,038
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Richmond upon Thames, London, £942,522, £3,189
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Camden, London, £1,036,768, £3,523
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Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £394,355, £1,535
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Woodbridge, East of England, £462,734, £1,309
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Altrincham, North West, £643,244, £2,968
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Macclesfield, North West, £344,807, £1,407
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Stirling, Scotland, £226,547, £1,208
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Cirencester, South West, £472,990, £1,975
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Hexham, North East, £331,198, £967
How did it look?
The rankings are based on surveys that Rightmove sends out to people across the country.
More than 19,500 people took part in this year’s Happy at Home survey, down from last years 35,000.
One of the questions asks residents directly how happy they feel in their area, and Skipton had the highest average score this year.
Residents are also asked to rate general amenities, such as access to green spaces, the quality of schools and the labor market.
Rightmove then aggregates all the data into one complete rating.