The lively market town of Skipton in North Yorkshire has been crowned the happiest place to live in 2025, according to an annual study by Rightmove.
With a well-preserved medieval castle overlooking its centre, Skipton is surrounded by scenic views and is a jumping off point for the Yorkshire Dales.
Rightmove said residents of Skipton ranked it particularly highly for its access to nature and green spaces, the friendliness of the people, and access to essential services such as schools.
Residents also praised Skipton for feeling they can be themselves there, and for the affordability of the area, feeling they earn enough to live comfortably.
However, the town was ranked less highly for its access to employment opportunities and desirable jobs, and residents living nearby to friends and family.
The average asking price for a home in Skipton is £326,093, which is lower than the current national average of £364,833, Rightmove said.
Attractions within the town include a traditional high street marketplace, a shopping arcade, a museum, and independent shops.
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The town finally took the top spot after being placed at number six in last year’s study, and in second place in 2020.
Ian Rigarlsford, who works in corporate affairs at Skipton Building Society, said: “Skipton is a place where community genuinely means something, and that’s what makes living and working here so special.”
Where were the runners-up?
Richmond-upon-Thames and Camden, both in London, were placed second and third respectively in Rightmove’s 2025 “happy at home” index.
Residents of Richmond also ranked it highly for its access to nature and essential local services, as well as non-essential amenities such as restaurants and shops, Rightmove said.
It added that this year’s study marks the first time Camden has taken a “podium spot” in 14 years of the research being collected.
Stirling was named as the happiest place in Scotland, with Anglesey topping the list in Wales.
More than 19,500 people took part in Rightmove’s 2025 happy at home survey, which was self-selecting.
Rightmove sent the survey to people across the UK who had opted in to receive its communications.
This year’s index showed that on average residents in the South West are the happiest with where they live, and those in the East Midlands are least happy.
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1. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
2. Richmond upon Thames, London
3. Camden, London
4. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
5. Woodbridge, East of England
6. Altrincham, North West
7. Macclesfield, North West
8. Stirling, Scotland
9. Cirencester, South West
10. Hexham, North East
Keys to happiness: Nature and age
People who live in a rural location are more likely to say they feel happy where they lived than urban and suburban dwellers.
Riverside, woodland or coastal locations are also more likely to have happy residents.
The study also revealed residents who live close to a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty are typically happier than people who do not.
The study also indicated being happy with where you live tends to increase with age, perhaps partly because people tend to have bigger housing budgets as they grow older.
