The happiest place to live in England
Aug 24, 2022
Despite its abundant charms, Chiswick doesn't make the top ten. However, near(ish) neighbour Kingston Upon Thames is one of the happiest places to live, according to new research.
Guardian Carers analysed more than 300 local authority areas in England based on key factors that contribute to the all-round happiness of their residents.
Front runner in the happiness stakes is the area around Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead, home to the Queen, James Blunt, Elton John – and now Kate and Wills. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are making the move in time for the children to go back to school.
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The report took into account eight factors such as access to green space, well-being levels and income levels to decide its rankings. And Kingston Upon Thames in Southwest London scored highly, making seventh place.
Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire was ranked the happiest area in England with low suicide and low unemployment rates being complemented by having the highest average combined size of parks, public gardens or playing fields. Rutland in the East Midlands was third overall, with low levels of crime helping it into the top three.
Fourth was Broxbourne (Hertfordshire) followed by Runnymede (Surrey), Tandridge (Surrey), Kingston Upon Thames (Southwest London), Rochford (Essex), Wokingham (Berkshire) and Cornwall.
AND THE UNHAPPIEST PLACE IS...
At the other end of the chart, Boston was named the unhappiest area in the UK, having the fourth lowest median income in England (at £24,655). The area also has the 12th highest number of working hours.
Guardian Carers said: "Happiness has major health benefits such as increasing life expectancy and allowing you to form deeper connections and continue strong relationships. Moving out of the coronavirus pandemic and looking toward the future, people are prioritising their happiness more than before."
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