As we move into 2026, the West Midlands region has been identified as home to some of the happiest places to live in the UK, according to the latest annual guide from Rightmove. This comprehensive study, which collects data directly from thousands of residents across over 200 areas in Great Britain, provides valuable insights into what makes communities thrive.
Understanding the Rightmove Happiness Survey
Rightmove's research delves deep into the factors that contribute to resident satisfaction, asking participants to evaluate various aspects of their local area. These include the friendliness of neighbours, access to employment opportunities, and the availability of green spaces and essential services. By gathering this feedback, the study aims to paint a detailed picture of quality of life across the country.
This year, the national top spot was claimed by Skipton in North Yorkshire, a town that has consistently performed well in previous surveys, moving from sixth place last year to first in 2026. Colleen Babcock, Rightmove's property expert, commented on the findings, emphasising that choosing a place to live involves much more than just the property itself.
Key Factors Influencing Happiness
Babcock highlighted several critical elements that residents value highly:
- Proximity to nature and green spaces, which regularly emerges as a significant factor for well-being.
- The importance of having friendly and supportive neighbours in fostering a sense of community.
- The ability to feel authentic and truly be oneself within the local environment.
She noted, "It's great to see the town of Skipton getting the attention it deserves this year, having ranked highly in previous studies. Our research underscores that happiness is often rooted in the intangible qualities of a place, beyond mere bricks and mortar."
West Midlands Rankings for 2026
In the West Midlands, Leamington Spa has been named the happiest place to live, achieving an impressive national ranking of 12. This accolade reflects the town's strong community spirit and high quality of life. The full list of top places in the region, based on resident feedback, includes:
- Leamington Spa
- Lichfield
- Stratford
- Avon
- Shrewsbury
- Tamworth
- Worcester
- Stafford
- Burton on Trent
- Hereford
- Solihull
Notably, Birmingham, as a major city in the West Midlands, did not feature in the top rankings, suggesting that smaller towns may offer distinct advantages in terms of happiness and resident satisfaction. This trend aligns with the study's emphasis on factors like green spaces and neighbourly connections, which can be more pronounced in less urbanised areas.
Implications for the Region
The findings from Rightmove's 2026 study highlight the West Midlands as a region with multiple communities that excel in providing a high quality of life. For residents and potential movers, this data offers a useful benchmark for evaluating what makes a place truly happy and livable. As we progress through 2026, these insights could inform local policies and community initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being across the region.
