Four historic market towns and an ancient city have been crowned the happiest places to live in the West Midlands for 2025. The findings come from Rightmove's latest annual Happy at Home Index, which surveyed thousands of residents across Britain to gauge satisfaction with their local areas.
What Makes a Place Happy?
The property portal's extensive survey gathered responses from more than 19,500 people nationwide. Participants were asked to rate their hometowns on a variety of factors crucial to daily contentment. These included the strength of community spirit, ease of access to green spaces and nature, the quality of local services, and whether residents feel they can truly be themselves where they live.
The results for the West Midlands show a clear trend: people continue to value locations that provide a steady rhythm of life, dependable amenities, and straightforward access to greenery. Rightmove notes that happiness levels are consistently higher in areas that successfully balance natural beauty, practical facilities, and a strong local identity.
The Top Four Happy Hotspots
The regional leader for 2025 is the Regency spa town of Leamington Spa. It clinched the top spot after residents praised its blend of lush parks, a distinct local character, and excellent access to shops, schools, and services. Known as "Silicon Spa" for its thriving gaming industry, the town also boasts impressive Regency architecture and is popular with families. It ranked an impressive twelfth nationally in the overall UK standings.
Taking second place in the region is the historic city of Lichfield, which also secured the thirteenth position across Britain. Survey respondents highlighted its picturesque historic streets, a compact and walkable centre, and a generally calm pace of life, making it a magnet for those seeking character alongside convenience.
In third place is the world-renowned Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Its twenty-eighth national ranking was bolstered by its rich cultural scene—home to the Royal Shakespeare Company—beautiful Tudor architecture, and its attractive riverside setting. Residents reported a reliable balance between leisure space and a tangible community feel.
Completing the West Midlands' top four is Shrewsbury, which placed thirty-second across Britain. Locals expressed high appreciation for its independent shops, plentiful parks, and proximity to the wider countryside. The town's unique layout, nestled within a loop of the River Severn, was also cited as fostering a close-knit and cohesive atmosphere.
The Simple Secrets to Satisfaction
Beyond the rankings, the survey uncovered the fundamental elements that contribute to happiness. Many residents pointed to simple yet powerful strengths in their areas, such as:
- Having neighbours they can trust.
- Feeling able to be their authentic selves.
- Having outdoor green space close enough to enjoy spontaneously, without needing to plan a trip.
The overarching theme from the 2025 index is clear: in the West Midlands, happiness is deeply rooted in walkable communities, reliable local services, and a genuine sense of connection among residents. These historic towns have demonstrated that blending heritage with modern livability creates a winning formula for wellbeing.
