Residents of Lichfield in Staffordshire are among the happiest in the UK, according to a new survey by property website Rightmove. The city was ranked 13th in the national happiness index, making it the second-happiest place in the Midlands, behind only Leamington Spa, which came 12th.
The survey asked locals across the country for their views on their hometowns, covering factors such as the state of the high street, cleanliness, green spaces, and the overall feel of the place. Lichfield, a city known for its cathedral and leafy streets, scored highly across these measures.
What makes Lichfield so happy?
Lichfield is described as a popular commuter area for those who can afford to live there, with a number of top schools in the area. The city is within easy reach of Birmingham via good road and rail links, making it an attractive option for professionals.
The average house price in Lichfield is around £350,000, reflecting its status as one of the more affluent areas in the region. The survey suggests that these wealthier areas on the edges of the Midlands tend to be the happiest, as residents enjoy a more comfortable standard of living without the same daily stresses faced by many low-income households.
Other happy Midlands locations
Other places in the Midlands that ranked highly for happiness include Stratford-upon-Avon, Shrewsbury, and Tamworth. These towns and cities were praised for their amenities, surroundings, and community feel.
At the other end of the scale, the more urban and industrial towns of the Black Country, as well as Birmingham, were ranked lower. Walsall was named the fifth unhappiest place in the entire country, coming in 216th out of 220 places surveyed. Birmingham was not much better off, ranking 209th.
Impact of the findings
The results highlight a clear divide in happiness levels between the more affluent, leafy areas and the industrial towns of the region. For Lichfield, the ranking reinforces its reputation as one of the nicest spots in the Midlands, with residents speaking glowingly about their home city.
According to the Rightmove survey, these findings reflect the importance of factors like green spaces, cleanliness, and the condition of the high street in shaping residents' overall satisfaction with where they live.
