The 10 happiest places to live across the UK have been revealed, according to a new study.
Data from GoSmokeFree analysed factors, ranging from crime rates to green spaces, from the Office for National Statistics and the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA).
The rates were then transformed into an index to create a score over 100, spotlighting the happiest local authorities where people are more likely to be stress and anxiety-free.
Ribble Valley, in Lancashire, came on the top of the list, with an outstanding score of 78.95 out of 100.
The local residents enjoyed the highest levels of happiness, an abundance of green and blue spaces, one of the highest weekly earning rates, as well as low crime rates.
Following closely in second and third places were Wokingham and Mole Valley with scores of 71.94 and 71.20, respectively.
Situated in Berkshire, Wokingham offered a good balance between economic vitality and environmental sustainability.
Despite a higher crime rate and a smaller percentage of green and blue spaces, Mole Valley had the highest weekly earnings of the list at £877.8 and the lowest unemployment rate, tied with Ribble Valley.
Further down on the list, West Berkshire took the fourth spot, with an overall score of 70.16 over 100, while Bracknell Forest closed the top five with a score of 70.11.
The full list of happiest places to live in the UK based on the data includes:
- Ribble Valley
- Wokingham
- Mole Valley
- West Berkshire
- Bracknell Forest
- South Gloucestershire
- Guildford
- Waverley
- Three Rivers
- Surrey Heath.
A spokesperson for GoSmokeFree commented on the findings: “The study highlights the multifaceted nature of happiness and well-being and emphasises the importance of considering various factors in assessing quality of life.
“This data also wants to underline that this top 10 coincides with the areas where the population can conduct a life which is more stress-free than others, making, in turn, more likely a reduction of the risk of criminality, smoking and drug use, as well as depression and other mental health conditions.”
The spokesperson explained that these findings underscore the significance of economic prosperity in shaping residents’ happiness and satisfaction with their living conditions.
“While this is not an absolute rule, it’s important to give credit where credit is due, recognising the significance of these places’ commitment to provide a happy environment to live in,” the expert added.
