Smiles all round as Stockport in the top 10 happiest places to live in the North West

Each year the website asks people across Great Britain how they feel about where they live and this year’s Happy at Home survey placed Stockport as the ninth happiest place in the region and 98th nationally.

The borough, which has previously garnered praise from the Times newspaper and consumer group Which? for being a great place both for first time buyers and retirees to put down roots, was also joined in the top 10 in the North West by areas of Greater Manchester including Altrincham in second place (29th nationally) and Bury at number 6 (59th nationally).

Now in its 12th year, the survey asks participants about their hometowns and how they feel about them. Rightmove said the results of this year’s study showed that the most important contributors to happiness were feeling a sense of pride, belonging and community. Access to green space and nature is also important to residents, with those living in a rural area near a national park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more likely to feel happy where they live.

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "To be recognised as one of the happiest places for people to live in the North West is high praise indeed and reinforces the borough’s deserved reputation as a great place to put down roots, especially as we celebrate being this year’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

“We have it all in Stockport: People can access the countryside, we have great historic and cultural attractions, top class leisure facilities and our £1bn town centre regeneration programme will provide a vibrant, friendly neighbourhood with high quality new homes, modern facilities, attractive green spaces and all the benefits of the town centre nearby. Our new transport interchange, due for completion next year, will make it easier for people of all ages to travel around the borough.”

The Happy at Home study was completed by over 26,000 people across the country, with Richmond upon Thames in London bagging the top spot nationally, ahead of Winchester in Hampshire in second, and Monmouth in Wales third.