It might not be the best time of year when it comes to happiness with horrible weather and very short days, but it could always be worse.
For example, some of us might be living in the unhappiest town in the UK.
And that place is Slough, which has been named the most miserable town to live in the UK in Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home Index.
The town came in 220th out of 220, falling behind places like Bradford, Dudley, and Croydon.
The survey asked 35,000 residents across the UK how they feel about their hometowns, considering factors such as community spirit, green spaces, and access to essential services.
Unfortunately for Slough, its own residents painted a less-than-glowing picture.
Slough is probably the best known for being the bleak and gray setting of The Office, which starred Ricky Gervais.
And, while it does have some advantages, like great transport links and Europe’s largest trading estate, many residents still appear dissatisfied.
But according to Slough Borough Council, the town’s location close to the M25 and Heathrow Airport makes it a convenient commuter hub.
The council also stressed some significant investments that have been made, including plans to redevelop the Queensmere and Observatory shopping centres.
However, with an average house price of £411,000 some might say living in Slough is not worth the price.
A hundred miles away in Woodbridge, the happiest place to live in the UK, things couldn’t be more different.
Residents in the Suffolk town praised its strong sense of community, friendly atmosphere, and access to essential services like schools and healthcare.
Woodbridge also has a great high street, access to scenic countryside, and is close to the River Deben.
Homes there are slightly more expensive than in Slough, with an average price of £441,569.
Speaking about the results of the study, Councillor Robin Sanders, Mayor and Chair of Woodbridge Town Council, said: “It was a pleasure to hear Woodbridge has been ranked as the happiest place to live.
“The happy mood of residents is a reflection of the vibrant town centre encompassing numerous listed buildings occupied by many independent shops, pubs, and restaurants, a long-established and film industry renowned independent cinema, and, not least, a thriving historic and unique riverside area to enjoy the vista onto the beautiful River Deben estuary.”
The Express has reached out to Slough Borough Council for further comment.
