Happiest places to live in Greater Manchester – nine boroughs ranked, with one notable absence
Rightmove has been crunching the numbers to find out how residents feel about the places where they live - here’s what they have found for the city-region.
Greater Manchester has it all – a vibrant city centre, sprawling countryside, thriving suburban towns, rich local history and exciting plans for the future. There’s a corner of the region to suit everyone, no matter your taste or lifestyle.
We would argue that anyone can find happiness here. Rightmove, however, says that some places are happier than others.
Now in its eleventh year, the website’s Happy at Home study asks participants about their home towns and how they feel about them to determine the happiest places to live in the country. Some of the most important factors when it comes to happiness are sense of belonging, community and friendly people, according to answers from the 21,000 respondents.
St Ives in Cornwall tops the leaderboard nationally, followed by Galashiels in the Scottish Borders and Woodbridge in Suffolk.
Nine of Greater Manchester’s boroughs are represented this year, ranking within the top 25 on the North West list and top 200 nationally. But there is one notable absence, and people from Tameside may want to look away now.
Here are the towns that made the cut in Greater Manchester.
1. Altrincham
Ranking number one in the North West and 16th nationally, Altrincham is clear a frontrunner. This market town in Trafford has a history that dates back to the 13th century and grew significantly during the Industrial Revolution. Today, Altrincham is considered to be one of the more affluent towns in the region, still famous for its market and popular indoor food hall. Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
2. Stockport
Located in South East Manchester, Stockport ranks ninth in the North West and 85th nationally. It was once an important mill town that was the centre of the country’s hat making industry. In 2021, plans were announced for a massive five-year regeneration project for Stockport, which includes thousands of new homes and Metrolink connections. Credit: Adam Vaughan
3. Bury
Bury ranks 11th regionally and 101st nationally in the Happy at Home study. The town’s star attraction is its famous markets, which brings in tourists from all over the country. It is also home to the region’s largest park, Heaton Park (pictured). Credit: Shutterstock
4. Oldham
The northeastern town of Oldham is the 12th happiest place in the North West and 119th nationally, according to Rightmove. It is another area that has recently embarked on ambitious regeneration projects that aim to transform the town centre. Oldham also boasts some impressive countryside in the surrounding Saddleworth Moors. Credit: Adobe