The Stray Ferret

Harrogate is back in the top three happiest places to live in Great Britain, according to a survey of tens of thousands of residents now in its tenth year.

Property website Rightmove is behind the poll, which measured factors such as community spirit, nature and the opportunity to develop skills locally.

This year’s poll of more than 21,000 people gave the Northumberland market town of Hexham the top spot, Richmond upon Thames in Greater London second place and Harrogate third.

While Harrogate previously topped the “happy at home index” in 2015, the spa town dropped to ninth place in the survey last year.

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Daryll Digpal, the managing director at Beadnall Copley in Harrogate said:

“Harrogate property prices across both lettings and sales markets soaring due to unprecedented demand fuelled by lockdowns and the Chancellor’s Stamp Duty holiday.

“The town boasts a thriving high street with many international retail brands, a booming hospitality industry and excellent state and private schools.

“Furthermore, at its heart is the famous Stray owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, a much enjoyed haven, particularly over the past 18 months.

“As such is it no surprise that this attractive spa town is one of the country’s happiest places to live.”

Where are the happiest place to live in Britain?

1. Hexham, North East – average asking price £297,088
2. Richmond upon Thames, Greater London – average asking price £1,196,892
3. Harrogate, Yorkshire and Humber – average asking price £353,624
4. Hove, South East – average asking price £525,906
5. Llandrindod Wells, Wales – average asking price £193,601
6. Stirling, Scotland – average asking price £191,226
7. Monmouth, Wales – average asking price £312,649
8. St Ives, South West – average asking price £494,393
9. Anglesey, Wales – average asking price £278,391
10. Leamington Spa, West Midlands – average asking price £350,981
11. Perth, Scotland – average asking price £167,160
12. Hitchin, East of England – average asking price £491,223
13. Woodbridge, East of England – average asking price £427,542
14. Kendal, North West – average asking price £258,961
15. Macclesfield, North West – average asking price £277,772
16. Exeter, South West – average asking price £303,215
17. Salisbury, South West – average asking price £318,806
18. Horsham, South East – average asking price £433,892
19. St Albans, East of England – average asking price £632,320
20. Guildford, South East – average asking price £542,947