Northwich has been named among the UK’s happiest places to live, according to Rightmove.
The town was listed at number 16, making it the happiest place to live in the North West as it beat Altrincham which sits at 17th place and Macclesfield at 18.
Chester ranked 4th last year but failed to make the top 20 list for 2022.
The annual Happy at Home survey features 20 locations that are considered to be the happiest places to live.
It also includes the average asking price for a home and the average asking monthly rental price for each area.
More than 21,000 people responded to Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, which asks residents how they feel about where they live.
Locations are ranked based on factors such as whether people feel there is a sense of belonging, the proximity to green spaces, and local amenities and whether there is a community spirit.
John Tackley, president of the River Weaver Navigation Society, said: “Northwich has won this national accolade not only because of the creative partnership working by the likes of the Rotary Club and Northwich Town Council but because residents enjoy the peace and tranquillity of living beside the River Weaver and other waterways in the area.
“Our River Festival on the Weaver with all its activities is a fine example of how we pull together as a community.
“What can be better than sitting in Baron’s Quay enjoying a cup of coffee and eating lunch whilst watching a narrowboat make its way up the River Weaver.
“With green spaces like Marbury, Carey, Verdin and Vickersway Parks and the opportunity to visit our outstanding heritage attractions at Anderton Boat Lift, Lions Salt Works, and Weaver Hall Museum, it is not surprising Northwich has been voted the happiest place to live in the North West.
“Happiness is one of the best sparks of emotion in hospitality marketing and those that manage the promotion of the town should use it to encourage the growth in families who want to live, work and visit Northwich and its surrounding villages.”
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property science, said: “This year’s Happy at Home survey really shows that the things that make people happy to live in their area are not so much the physical aspects of that area but more the personal aspects, such as our sense of belonging, the community and the people.
“The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult for many, and as we learned during another difficult period in 2020, this is often when we look to our local area and community for support and happiness.”
Happiest places to live 2022
Here are Britain’s happiest places to live in 2022, according to Rightmove, followed by the average asking price for a home and the average asking monthly rental price.
1. St Ives, South West, £523,731, £1,152
2. Galashiels, Scotland, £153,546, £530
3. Woodbridge, East of England, £481,978, £1,196
4. Hexham, North East, £262,265, £810
5. Perth, Scotland, £179,410, £812
6. Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber, £381,124, £1,327
7. Anglesey, Wales, £324,048, £766
8. Bury St Edmunds, East of England, £334,160, £1,368
9. Stirling, Scotland, £197,075, £990
10. Cirencester, South West, £382,065, £1,331
11. Richmond-upon-Thames, London, £1,153,347, £3,931
12. Falmouth, South West, £373,752, £1,289
13. Monmouth, Wales, £331,844, £1,104
14. Leamington Spa, West Midlands, £383,553, £1,274
15. Worcester, West Midlands, £286,250, £1,059
16. Northwich, North West, £246,995, £942
17. Altrincham, North West, £615,246, £2,297
18. Macclesfield, North West, £292,078, £1,146
19. Newbury, South East, £380,842, £1,364
20. Llandudno, Wales, £260,245, £760
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