Harrogate among happiest places to live

The North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate has been named the second happiest place to live in Britain.

Only the London suburb of Richmond upon Thames ranked higher in Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index following a survey of over 24,000 people.

According to Rightmove Harrogate ranked highly for access to nature and green spaces, typified by The Stray and Valley Gardens, as well as residents’ agreement with the survey statement: 'I can be myself.'  

Harrogate also offers a mix of stunning buildings and an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants which cements its reputation as the ‘Kensington of the North’. There is also a wide mix of sporting and recreational facilities, with the town boasting two exceptional golf courses (Harrogate and Oakdale) and any number of clubs and social groups.

With over 60 private and state schools around the town and immediate area to choose from, including Ashville College, Harrogate Grammar School and St Aidan’s Church of England School, parents have no shortage of options.

Harrogate railway station provides excellent transport connections to Leeds (35 minutes) and York (40 minutes) as well as direct services to London Kings Cross.  A good bus service runs regularly to Leeds, taking just over an hour and Leeds Bradford Internatronal Airport is 10 miles away. The main roads through the town are the A61, connecting Harrogate to Leeds and Ripon, and the A59, connecting the town to York and Skipton. The A1 (M) is also easily accessible.

Ben Furnell of Furnell Residential says: “It is no surprise that Harrogate ranks so highly in the Rightmove survey which is reflected in the demand we see for homes which come to market.”