History and community at heart of happiest town
THE Northumberland town of Hexham has been identified as the happiest place in which to live in Britain.
Five of the top ten places, according to the large survey, are in the north of England, with Harrogate, Skipton, Altrincham and Southport also appearing.
Richmond-upon-Thames in London, Dorchester in the South West and Sevenoaks in the South East made the top 10. Monmouth and Llandrindod Wells, both in Wales, were also included.
More than 22,000 people responded to the “happy at home” survey.
They were quizzed on a range of topics including community spirit, public safety, earning enough to live comfortably and the friendliness of residents.
The Rightmove survey also asked about amenities such as sports facilities, arts and culture, shops, restaurants, doctors’ surgeries, schools and green spaces.
Hexham is host to a farmers’ market as well as Viking-themed events, an array of independent shops and Hexham Old Gaol – reputed to be England’s earliest purpose-built prison.
The town is a tourist gateway to Hadrian’s Wall and Hexham
Abbey, with its 1,300-year-old history, sits at its heart.
Bob Hull, mayor of Hexham, said: “We have a strong sense of community which is a major reason residents feel so happy living in Hexham. We also boast lots of cultural heritage.” The average price of a home is £254,237 – five per cent down on 2018, but nine per cent higher than five years ago.
The South West was happiest region, followed by the South East and the East.And Galashiels in the Scottish Borders scored highest for nature and green spaces. It was named Scotland’s happiest place to live.
Leigh-on-Sea in Essex came top in last year’s survey.