Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home Index offers a revealing insight into where people across Great Britain feel most content with where they live and the results for 2025 shine a positive light on Surrey and South West London. With factors such as community spirit, access to green space and quality local amenities all playing a part, the rankings highlight why areas including Guildford, Woking, Richmond and Kingston upon Thames continue to be some of the most desirable places to call home. Nationally, the market town of Skipton in North Yorkshire claimed the top spot, but closer to home, the South East’s strong performance reflects a consistently high quality of life.
Where are the happiest place to live in Surrey and the South East?
While the very top ten happiest places are dominated by towns across the UK, from Harrogate to Cirencester, several areas in the South East also performed strongly, reflecting the region’s desirable mix of lifestyle and connectivity. Rightmove’s South East rankings highlight that towns like Guildford and Woking are in the top 10 happiest places to live in the South East, a testament to their enduring appeal and quality of life.
These Surrey favourites offer residents:
- Strong community networks and excellent local amenities, from independent shops to vibrant weekly markets
- Great schooling options and family-friendly neighbourhoods
- Good transport links to London and beyond, making them ideal for commuters who also value wider green space and leisure options
Together, these factors are key drivers of happiness in where people choose to settle.
London-centric Happiness: Richmond and Kingston upon Thames
The capital also puts in a strong showing in Rightmove’s 2025 Happy At Home Index. Richmond was once again named the happiest borough in Greater London and sits proudly at second nationwide in the national rankings. Residents consistently praise its leafy neighbourhoods, extensive green spaces such as Richmond Park and Bushy Park, and a great mix of high-street shops, cafés and cultural attractions. It’s a reminder that urban living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality of life, especially when excellent local services are paired with nature on the doorstep.
Meanwhile, Kingston upon Thames also performed well, placing 6th among London boroughs for overall happiness. Known for its lively town centre, riverside walks along the Thames and strong community feel, Kingston blends cultural vibrancy with suburban calm.
What This Means for Homebuyers and Sellers
Rightmove’s 2025 Happy At Home Index highlights exactly what many people consider when choosing where to live today: a sense of belonging, access to nature, quality of local services and the everyday experience of community. High performing towns and boroughs like Guildford, Woking, Richmond and Kingston upon Thames are not just desirable places to buy property, they’re places where people genuinely enjoy living. At Curchods, we help buyers and sellers navigate these lifestyle considerations alongside market trends, ensuring your next move is one you’ll be happy at home with.
