Essex towns and cities in Rightmove happiest places to live

The rankings come as part of Rightmove’s 15th annual Happy at Home Index, which surveys more than 24,000 residents across 221 locations.

The survey asks people to rate how happy they feel about where they live, taking into account factors such as access to green spaces, local services, amenities, and employment opportunities.

Chelmsford was ranked 11th happiest in the East of England, with Leigh close behind in 12th and Colchester in 13th.

Central Park - Chelmsford was ranked the happiest place to live in Essex (Image: Jasmani Salomón)

Nationally, the towns placed 102nd, 114th, and 144th respectively.

Basildon, Southend, and Clacton also made the regional list, ranking 19th, 21st, and 23rd.

Nationally, Richmond upon Thames was named the happiest place to live with residents of the south-west London borough giving their area the highest average happiness score of all the locations in this year's study.

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: "Richmond stands out for offering a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities.

"That balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings.

"Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.

Lovely - Leigh was ranked the second happiest in Essex and 12th in the region (Image: Richard Miller)

"This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both."

The happiest locations tend to offer a blend of nature and convenience, with eight of the top ten also ranking highly for access to green spaces.

While 52 per cent of respondents said they would ideally live somewhere rural, 66 per cent wanted shops and amenities nearby, 62 per cent valued green spaces, and 61 per cent prioritised good public transport links.

Across Great Britain, 81 per cent of people said they were happy with where they live, compared with just 9 per cent who said they were unhappy.

The survey also revealed a link between age and happiness, with 35 per cent of people aged 75 and over giving their location a perfect 10 for happiness, compared to just 16 per cent of 18–24-year-olds.

Average happiness scores rose from 7.3 out of 10 among 18–24s to 8.2 among those aged 75 and over.