A major new study has revealed which parts of the Midlands are considered the best and worst places to live, based entirely on the opinions of local residents.
The annual Rightmove 'Happy at Home Index' for 2025 asked people to rate their hometowns on a variety of factors affecting daily life and overall pride in their area. The results have now been compiled into a definitive ranking for the region and the country.
Midlands Towns Shine in National Spotlight
Topping the list for the Midlands, and achieving an impressive 12th place nationally, is the Warwickshire town of Leamington Spa. Its combination of Regency architecture, vibrant town centre, and community spirit clearly resonates with those who call it home.
Hot on its heels in 13th place in the UK is the historic cathedral city of Lichfield in Staffordshire. The study shows that several other Midlands locations also feature prominently in the national top 50, reflecting high levels of local satisfaction.
Other high-ranking Midlands areas include:
- Stratford-upon-Avon (28th nationally)
- Shrewsbury (32nd)
- Tamworth (33rd)
- Worcester (38th)
The Other End of the Scale
However, the survey also highlights areas where residents express significant dissatisfaction with their hometowns. The report places Walsall in a particularly stark light, ranking it as the fifth worst place to live in the entire country.
Two other West Midlands metropolitan areas also find themselves in the national bottom 20, with Dudley ranked 201st and Birmingham 209th out of all locations surveyed.
The Full Midlands Ranking
The complete list of Midlands towns and cities in the Rightmove Happy at Home Index, with their national rank in brackets, is as follows:
12. Leamington Spa
13. Lichfield
28. Stratford-upon-Avon
32. Shrewsbury
33. Tamworth
38. Worcester
54. Stafford
72. Burton-on-Trent
99. Hereford
124. Solihull
128. Stourbridge
137. Telford
153. Stoke-on-Trent
184. Sutton Coldfield
195. Coventry
200. Wolverhampton
201. Dudley
209. Birmingham
216. Walsall
The survey, which gathered data in late 2025, provides a direct insight into the factors that make communities feel content and proud, as well as the issues that lead to discontent. It serves as a powerful snapshot of life across the region, straight from the people who know it best.
