Leamington Spa is officially one of the happiest places to live in the UK – again.
Property website Rightmove’s 11^th annual Happy at Home Index survey, placed the Spa town in 14th spot. Last year it was in 10th place.
St Ives in Cornwall was crowned the winner in the survey of some 21,000 people across Britain. Galashiels in Scotland is in second place, the first time an area from Scotland is in the top three since 2016, and Woodbridge in Suffolk is third. Anglesey is the happiest place to live in Wales.
This year the survey asked residents how they felt about where they live and asked them to rank 10 happiness factors including how much they feel a sense of belonging to their area, and whether there is access to green space.
This year it found a sense of belonging in an area is the most important factor that contributes to a person’s happiness. It also found first time buyers are still determined to save for their deposit and get on the housing ladder. This is despite the cost of living and other economic and social challenges.
One in five (22%) renters said they planned to move in the next 12 months to get better value for money in their area, along with 16% of buyers. One in 10 renters (11%) said they were moving to reduce energy costs, rising to 12% for buyers.
When considering what was most important about the property they might move to, a garden is most important to buyers (29%), however renters are more concerned about the energy costs of the property (20%).
Changing work patterns was also noted as a factor in how people are now viewing their homes.
Rightmove data shows both buyers and renters have become more flexible in their search for a new home. This has been shown by increasing the radius of the location they are enquiring about, with the ability to work from home a likely contributor to this.
It is not the first time the popular former Spa town has been deemed a happy place to live. Last year the survey placed it 10th and it topped the list in 2017.
So, what is it about Leamington that makes it so special and such a happy place to live?
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s associate director Andrew James said: “Leamington has it all. Great schools, well located with fantastic public transport links, access to motorways and a fabulous hospitality industry.
“The architecture is phenomenal, with a range of period homes alongside newer build properties so there is something for every taste and budget. There are also loads of things to do, for all age groups and whether you want to go to the theatre, see a film, have a pint or a three-course meal. There is something for everyone.
“Most importantly the community spirit is fantastic. It makes the town really special and I’m proud to head up our sales team here.
“I am equally proud of both the SBK sales and lettings teams for winning gold in the Customer Experience category of the national allAgent awards.
“So, if you are looking for a gold star agent to sell or let your property in or around Leamington, or you are currently on the market and not getting the gold star service you deserve, please pop into the Leamington office on Regent Grove as we’d be delighted to help.”