Harrogate amongst Britain's happiest places to live

Harrogate has been named one of the happiest places to live in Great Britain in a recent poll.

The beautiful spa town came third in Rightmove’s ‘Happy at Home’ index which is now in its 10th year.

Happiness measures in the index include friendliness and community spirit, whether people feel they can be themselves, nature and green spaces, opportunities locally to develop skills and amenities including schools, restaurants, shops and sports facilities.

Ben Furnell, Managing Director of Furnell Residential, said: “It comes as no surprise to me that Harrogate is one of the happiest places to live and this is reflected in the demand we see for property and the prices achieved.

“The town has a booming restaurant scene and strong retail offering, coupled with excellent state and private schools and sports facilities, while still retaining its Victorian spa heritage for which it is famous around the world.

“Leeds and York are only 45 minutes away by car and you can be in London by train in three hours. The town is also very much the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.”

According to Rightmove the average property price in Harrogate is £353,624 with average rents currently £1,163.

Top spot in the ‘Happy at Home’ index went to Hexham in Northumberland, with Richmond upon Thames in Greater London named runner-up.

Furnell Residential is a family run business primarily covering Bardsey, Wetherby, Collingham, Scarcroft, East Keswick, Boston Spa, Harewood, Clifford and parts of Harrogate.