Two Warwickshire towns have been named among the happiest places to live in Britain.
Royal Leamington Spa topped the West Midlands category and came 12th in the UK overall. Stratford-upon-Avon was third in the West Midlands and 28th nationally.
Solihull came in at number 10 in the West Midlands ranking and Coventry was placed at number 15.
In the East Midlands, Loughborough was second in the table with Leicester at number nine.
The results were part of Rightmove’s Happy at Home index for 2025. For most, feeling happy at home isn’t just about the property they live in. It’s also about the wider area, the local community, green spaces and how close they are to the things which matter most. The portal’s annual poll surveyed more than 19,500 people to find out what made them happy about where they lived.
Leamington, known for its historic architecture and vibrant community, is well-known for its high quality of life, green spaces and strong sense of community.
Stratford-upon-Avon, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, scores well thanks to its cultural heritage and scenic surroundings.
Associate director Andrew James said he was not surprised Leamington was so high in the rankings. He said: “Leamington is a lovely place to live. It has a great mix of people, older generations, young professionals and some students.
“The town is well known for its active community, with a number of food and music festivals and an arts weekend. There are also plenty of parks and green spaces making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and it boasts an array of bars and restaurants and offers easy access to major cities such as London and Birmingham.”
Lettings manager Claire Paginton added: “Its vibrant and bohemian vibe is a huge welcome hug to all who are new to the area and to those that have grown up in town.
“A plethora of wonderful, family friendly festivals provided throughout the year makes for a busy social calendar and it has a great independent spirit and ethos with fantastic bars, restaurants and boutiques.”
Stratford’s sales manager Lisa Hunt said: “It’s easy to see why Stratford-upon-Avon is such a happy place to call home. The town offers a wonderful mix of high-quality housing, from charming period cottages to modern family homes, all set within beautiful surroundings.
“What truly makes Stratford special, though, are the people – a friendly, welcoming community where neighbours look out for one another.
“Add to that the wealth of things to do for all ages, from riverside walks and parks to theatres, shops and family attractions, and it’s easy to understand why Stratford has been recognised as one of the happiest places to live in the West Midlands.”
Oadby sales manager Leigh Chapple-Lynch said: “Leicester’s place in the list is truly well deserved. It offers something many people are searching for – real, everyday happiness. The city strikes a rare balance between work and lifestyle, vibrant city living and calm green spaces, affordability, and opportunity.
“Leicester continues to shine because it offers far more than just housing – it offers a lifestyle. With strong transport links, rich culture, excellent education, community spirit and outstanding green spaces, it’s easy to see why Leicester consistently ranks among the happiest places to live in the East Midlands.
“For so many people, it’s not just about where they live, it’s about how they live. And Leicester truly delivers on both.”
The study crowned Skipton in North Yorkshire as the happiest place to live in the UK overall.
