Guildford one of "Happiest Places to Live in Great Britain"
It is one of only two towns in the South East that made it on to Righmove's top 20 list
Last updated 25th Nov 2020
Research shows a town in Surrey is one of the happiest places to live in Great Britain.
Guildford - the county town - has made Rightmove's latest top 20 according to the property website's Happy at Home index.
It is only one of two towns in the South East on the list.
Tonbridge in Kent was the other, at number 15.
The study asked people how they feel about where they live, as well as asking them to rank the following ten happiness factors:
I feel a sense of community spirit
I feel a sense of belonging
I can be myself
Friendliness of neighbours
Sport and recreational facilities
Artistic and cultural activities
Opportunities to develop skills
Nature and green spaces
Essential local services (doctors, schools)
Non-essential amenities (shops, restaurants)
Top is St Ives in Cornwall - whose residents rated natures and green spaces as the best in Great Britain,and their neighbours as the friendliest.
A spokeperson for the property website, Tim Bannister, said lockdown meant many people had reconnected with their local area:
"Our latest research shows that despite all the challenges that this year has brought, many people have been able to reconnect with their local area and community which has had a positive effect on how they feel about where they live.
"Overall, I think lockdown has enabled people to rediscover what's on their doorstep, and spending more time in their local area has made people value their surroundings and communities so much more.
"This year's study shows a greater appreciation for green spaces and nature, and a strong correlation between people living in coastal and rural areas and how happy people are where they live."
Find the full list here.