A major new survey has revealed the towns and cities where residents are most content with their lives, with two Midlands locations securing coveted spots in the national top 12. The unique study, conducted by the property portal Rightmove, asked locals themselves to rate their happiness and satisfaction with where they live.
Residents Have Their Say on Happiness
Unlike many rankings which rely on external data, this list is compiled directly from the views of people living in 220 towns and cities across Britain. Participants were asked to give their honest opinions on what it is like to live in their area and how happy they feel being from there. The results have been used to create a definitive list of the country's happiest places.
Leamington Spa in Warwickshire emerged as the highest-rated location in the Midlands, achieving an impressive 12th place nationally. The elegant town, known for its Regency architecture and vibrant town centre, is praised for its ideal balance. It is surrounded by scenic countryside yet remains within easy reach of major cities like Birmingham and Coventry, offering a connected but peaceful lifestyle.
Midlands Success Stories and Surprises
Hot on the heels of Leamington is the historic cathedral city of Lichfield in Staffordshire, which claimed 13th place in the national rankings. Its upmarket appeal and rich heritage clearly resonate strongly with those who call it home.
The Midlands' strong showing didn't end there. Several other towns from the region were recognised within the national top 40, providing a significant boost to the area's appeal. These include:
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Shrewsbury
- Tamworth
- Worcester
At the very top of the national list was the picturesque market town of Skipton, located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, which was crowned the happiest place to live in the entire country.
The Other End of the Scale
The news was less positive for other parts of the West Midlands, highlighting a stark contrast in local satisfaction within the region. Walsall was ranked as the fifth least happy place in Britain, landing in 216th position out of the 220 areas surveyed.
Other nearby urban centres also found themselves low down on the list. Birmingham was placed 209th, with Dudley and Wolverhampton following at 201st and 200th place respectively. This part of the survey underscores the significant challenges and perceptions facing some of the region's more industrial towns.
The Rightmove survey, published in December 2025, offers a powerful snapshot of national wellbeing through the lens of location. It proves that while scenic beauty and heritage are valued, the sense of community, accessibility, and overall quality of life as judged by residents themselves are the true markers of a happy home.
