Furniturebox spoke to 5,000 people across the country to find out which towns, cities and villages top the list for joy, belonging, and that all-important sense of home

They surveyed 5,000 people by setting up panels across the UK to find the happiest location for each county and big city. Locations were ranked according to:

Chorlton-cum-Hardy has been named as the happiest location in Greater Manchester | Google

placeholder image — Chorlton-cum-Hardy has been named as the happiest location in Greater Manchester | Google

the beauty of the surroundings and green spaces (because access to nature and pleasing aesthetics is a key part of happiness and well-being)
provision of good state schools (because having access to good education is another key element of well-being)
provision of affordable housing (because everyone deserves a home, and inclusive and diverse areas are integral to thriving communities)
access to quality pubs, restaurants, independent shops and cultural attractions (because having places to gather and socialise beyond work and homes - the 'Third Place Spaces' - are an important part of establishing a sense of place)

Chorlton came in 42nd place overall and the Greater Manchester spot that is the happiest location.

On the survey findings, Furniturebox said: “All 75 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why the UK is such a wonderful place to live, loved by visitors from all over the world. Most of the locations in the top 75 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing, including Norwich which has the highest proportion of council housing of any city in the UK. The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”