Sevenoaks in Kent has been crowned the happiest place to live in the south east of England, according to a study by Rightmove.
The survey, now in its 13th year, saw over 35,000 Britons rate their area on factors such as pride, sense of belonging, community spirit and affordability.
Nationally, Sevenoaks ranked seventh, while the happiest place to live in Britain was named as Woodbridge in Suffolk.
The average asking price for a home in Sevenoaks is £881,061, with an average monthly rent of £2,924.
For first-time buyers, Sevenoaks is the third most expensive place, trailing behind Kensington and Chelsea, London (£1,667,573) and Richmond upon Thames in London (£939,329).
It also ranks as the fourth most expensive place to rent, after Kensington and Chelsea (£5,345), Wandsworth in London (£3,159) and Richmond Upon Thames (£3,131).
The study revealed that residing in rural locales by woodland or a forest, or in the vicinity of a National Park or scenic landscape contributed significantly to residents’ happiness.
Even with its proximity to the M25, the verdant town of Sevenoaks boasts direct access to beautiful countryside including Knole Park, offering 1,000 acres of woodlands and park space for exploration, reports Kent Live.
According to Rightmove’s research, pride in one’s area emerged as the most influential factor in determining satisfaction with one’s home and community, as opposed to the influence of living near family and friends, which was minimal.
The findings showed that younger individuals, particularly those aged between 18 to 24 years old, were more inclined to believe they’d be happier elsewhere, compared to those over 55 years old who felt content where they are.
Rightmove’s property expert Tim Bannister pointed out: “It’s the younger generation who are most likely to say they would be happier living somewhere else, many of whom have to travel to cities for education or to find their first jobs.”
Top 5 happiest places to live in the South East
(overall ranking across Britain)
1. Sevenoaks (7)
2. Wokingham (10)
3. Winchester (11)
4. Horsham (14)
5. Hove (18)
Top 20 happiest places to live in 2024
(Key: Location, region, average asking price for a home and the average asking rent per month)
1. Woodbridge, East of England, £441,569, £1,478
2. Richmond upon Thames, London, £939,329, £3,131
3. Hexham, North East, £313,147, £840
4. Monmouth, Wales, £320,974, £1,335
5. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £394,312, £1,439
6. Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber, £263,479, £1,030
7. Sevenoaks, South East, £881,061, £2,924
8. Leigh on Sea, East of England, £465,542, £1,796
9. Cirencester, South West, £384,013, £1,495
10. Wokingham, South East, £590,949, £2,120
11. Winchester, South East, £578,760, £2,069
12. Stirling, Scotland, £214,441, £1,227
13. Stratford-upon- Avon, West Midlands, £413,115, £1,604
14. Horsham, South East, £458,641, £1,983
15. Kendal, North West, £285,645, £966
16. Kensington and Chelsea, London, £1,667,573, £5,345
17. Chorley, North West, £197,199, £883
18. Hove, South East, £555,193, £1,993
19. Wandsworth, London, £865,205, £3,159
20. Hitchin, East of England, £510,612, £1,730
