A major new quality-of-life survey has revealed a stark divide in happiness across the Midlands, with a picturesque Warwickshire town taking the regional crown.
Leamington Spa Tops the Charts
Leamington Spa has been officially named the happiest place to live in the Midlands, according to the definitive 2026 Happy at Home Index compiled by the property portal Rightmove. The study, which gathers opinions directly from residents, also placed the town an impressive 12th out of 220 locations across the whole of Britain.
Those who call Leamington Spa home praised its winning combination of scenic countryside and a perfectly balanced location. Residents highlighted that the town offers easy access to major urban centres like Birmingham and Coventry, while successfully maintaining its own distinct, less crowded character.
Midlands Towns Shine and Struggle
The study showcased a clear regional split. Following Leamington Spa, Lichfield secured 13th place nationally, with locals celebrating its upmarket feel and historic cathedral. Several other Midlands areas also featured prominently in the national top 40, including:
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Shrewsbury
- Tamworth
- Worcester
However, the picture was far less rosy for other parts of the region. The survey placed several major West Midlands urban areas near the very bottom of the national list. Walsall was ranked a lowly 216th, with Birmingham at 209th. Dudley and Wolverhampton also featured among the least happy places, positioned at 201st and 200th respectively.
National Picture and Methodology
At a national level, the title of Britain's happiest place to live was awarded to Skipton in North Yorkshire, praised for its stunning Dales scenery and strong community spirit.
The authority of Rightmove's annual index comes from its methodology. Thousands of residents across the country are asked to rate their own happiness and describe what it is genuinely like to live in their town or city. This resident-led approach provides a powerful snapshot of local satisfaction and quality of life, revealing significant disparities across the UK's towns and cities.
