It’s that time of year again when Rightmove releases its Happiest Places to Live in the UK list. And this year, one spot in Yorkshire has taken the top spot. That’s right. Known as the Gateway to the Dales, Skipton has been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain.
In the ‘Happy at Home’ index, which the property company publishes annually and is now in its 14th year, the Yorkshire market town came out number one. The ranking is based on a survey asking residents a range of questions about how they feel about their area.
And what’s not to love? It has a stunning castle, a popular market, and is a bustling spot with fantastic restaurants, pubs and plenty more right on its doorstep. Not to mention that it sits on the edge of the Dales — the best green space in the whole of the UK, in our eyes. Other factors, such as essential services, including schools and doctors, are also taken into account.
Skipton often features in the list, previously coming second and sixth. But this is the first time it has taken the top spot. Behind Skipton were two London boroughs: Richmond upon Thames in second and Camden in third (the fact they’re both southern spots makes this win feel extra special for Yorkshire!).
The Independent reports that Ian Rigarlsford, corporate affairs at the building society, said: “Skipton is a place where community genuinely means something, and that’s what makes living and working here so special.
“The friendliness of the town, the accessibility of green spaces, and the incredible backdrop of Skipton Castle and the Yorkshire Dales all contribute to a quality of life that’s hard to match. From lunchtime walks to simply enjoying the views from our office, the balance this town offers is remarkable.
“It’s no surprise Skipton has been named the happiest place to live. It’s a town where people look out for each other, and that spirit creates a truly rewarding place to call home.”
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, added: “Each year our study celebrates all the different things that make us feel happy with where we live – our neighbours, green spaces, and having access to important services.
“A lot more goes into choosing an area to live than the home itself. Being within easy reach of nature and green spaces regularly comes out as an important factor for people, along with having friendly neighbours and feeling you can truly be yourself where you live. It’s great to see the town of Skipton getting the attention it deserves this year, having ranked highly in previous studies.”
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Feature Image Credit: Skipton/Tim Green/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
