We all want to be happy in our homes and every year a major survey aims to find the happiest places to live across the country.
Now in its 12th year, Rightmove’s Happy at Home study asks participants about their home towns and how they feel about them. The results of this year’s study, completed by more than 26,000 residents, showed that the most important contributors to happiness were feeling a sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green space and nature is also important to residents, with those living in a rural area near a national park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more likely to feel happy where they live.
Richmond upon Thames in London came out on top nationally ahead of Winchester in Hampshire in second, and Monmouth in Wales third. In the North West nine Greater Manchester boroughs made the cut - sorry Tameside - with Kendal in Cumbria taking the top spot overall.
Below we've ranked the nine featured from around Greater Manchester.
1. Altrincham
Ranking number two in the North West and 29th nationally. It 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. Bury
Bury ranks sixth regionally and 59th nationally in the Happy at Home study. The town’s star attraction is its famous markets, which bring in tourists from all over the country. It is also home to the region’s largest park, Heaton Park (pictured). Credit: Shutterstock
3. Stockport
Stockport ranks ninth in the North West and 98th 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
4. Salford
Salford ranks 16th regionally and 146th nationally in the Rightmove list of happiest places. It is one of the most rapidly developing areas of Greater Manchester and is of course home to the famous Salford Quays and ever-expanding Media City. Credit: Adobe Stock