Rightmove’s 2026 “Happy at Home Index,” based on resident responses, identifies the UK’s happiest places to live and also highlights lower-ranked, “worst” areas. Several outlets focus on the top locations residents prefer, while others emphasise that the index also ranks gloomier places across the country.
Coverage across outlets also spotlights the cost of moving into these areas. Multiple reports reference an average home price of around £1m for the happiest location and discuss what residents cite as reasons for their satisfaction, including green spaces, desirable jobs, and essential services. One Independent report further states that the survey indicates four-fifths of people are happy with where they live.
While the broad findings are consistent—Rightmove’s ranking of happiest (and least happy) areas and resident sentiment—outlets differ in how they frame the story: some lead with a map and costs, others highlight the headline price tag, and others run wider “rankings” style coverage. The Mirror and Belfast Telegraph repeat the theme of the £1m average price tag, and the Mail-related pieces stress the contrast between top and bottom places.
