Richmond has been named the happiest place to live in London as Rightmove release their annual Happy at Home Index.
This is the 13th annual index from Rightmove. The survey measures how more than 35,000 people feel about their local area, taking into account community, access to nature and practical things such as schools, shops and restaurants.
This may come as no surprise to London residents. The borough boasts a blend of idyllic shops, an array of eateries, excellent schools, and an overall high quality of life.
Our beautiful surroundings certainly contribute to our sense of wellbeing, but it’s truly the people – our schools, businesses, voluntary groups, and of course, our residents – who play a pivotal role in making this a place where people love to live, work, and thrive.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council
Expansive green spaces such as Richmond Park and proximity to the Thames also make Richmond a magnet for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
“It definitely feels like you’re in your own bubble.” Elliot, a Richmond resident of 8 years told City News. “You are always close to lots of green space and the river”.
Melissa, who moved to London from Mexico and has been living in London for the past three years, said, “It’s just so cute! It doesn’t feel like you’re in a city”.
Local residents can enjoy the wide range of shops in the centre of Richmond
Putting a price on happiness
However, Richmond’s charm comes with a significant financial premium and the qualities that make the borough so desirable can price out prospective buyers.
A local estate agent said: “We get quite a bit of first time buyers who look at Richmond and may realise that it’s too expensive and it is better value for money elsewhere”.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Richmond upon Thames has one of the highest average house prices in London at £748,000.
For first-time buyers, Richmond is considerably more expensive than the rest of the capital, with the average price paid being £588,000.
It is much the same for residents renting in the borough as well. Richmond has seen a 10.5% increase in private rental prices between October 2023 and 2024, from £1,873 to £2,069.
Happiness as a catalyst for demand
The qualities that make Richmond so desirable naturally lead to the rise in property prices.
“In the last two or three years, we have seen Richmond become this happy medium between busy city life and the countryside”, a local estate agent told me.
Richmond Park is full of wildlife and a huge area of interest, especially for international residents
However, this can cause an affordability barrier between residents. All the factors that lead make Richmond a desirable place to live in are also those which drive the prices up.
“It’s all about supply and demand,” Lauren, who as been estate-agent in Richmond for just under a year, said. “There are only a finite number of chimneys in Richmond and that demand has always been there.”
Richmond creates an idyllic setting with plenty of greenery for residents
Wealthy people have always flocked to Richmond and that was heightened during the pandemic and that has continued.
Ollie, estate agent in Richmond
While Richmond may be the happiest borough, these rising prices may force those looking for a slice of joy in this part of London to consider whether happiness can be truly measured by these standards and if there is better value for money elsewhere.
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HeadlineMoney can’t buy you happiness…except in Richmond
Short HeadlineRichmond the happiest borough in London
StandfirstRichmond upon Thames has been crowned as the happiest London borough to live in by Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index 2024.
Richmond has been named the happiest place to live in London as Rightmove release their annual Happy at Home Index.
This is the 13th annual index from Rightmove. The survey measures how more than 35,000 people feel about their local area, taking into account community, access to nature and practical things such as schools, shops and restaurants.
This may come as no surprise to London residents. The borough boasts a blend of idyllic shops, an array of eateries, excellent schools, and an overall high quality of life.
Our beautiful surroundings certainly contribute to our sense of wellbeing, but it’s truly the people – our schools, businesses, voluntary groups, and of course, our residents – who play a pivotal role in making this a place where people love to live, work, and thrive.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council
Expansive green spaces such as Richmond Park and proximity to the Thames also make Richmond a magnet for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
“It definitely feels like you’re in your own bubble.” Elliot, a Richmond resident of 8 years told City News. “You are always close to lots of green space and the river”.
Melissa, who moved to London from Mexico and has been living in London for the past three years, said, “It’s just so cute! It doesn’t feel like you’re in a city”.
Local residents can enjoy the wide range of shops in the centre of Richmond
Putting a price on happiness
However, Richmond’s charm comes with a significant financial premium and the qualities that make the borough so desirable can price out prospective buyers.
A local estate agent said: “We get quite a bit of first time buyers who look at Richmond and may realise that it’s too expensive and it is better value for money elsewhere”.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Richmond upon Thames has one of the highest average house prices in London at £748,000.
For first-time buyers, Richmond is considerably more expensive than the rest of the capital, with the average price paid being £588,000.
It is much the same for residents renting in the borough as well. Richmond has seen a 10.5% increase in private rental prices between October 2023 and 2024, from £1,873 to £2,069.
Happiness as a catalyst for demand
The qualities that make Richmond so desirable naturally lead to the rise in property prices.
“In the last two or three years, we have seen Richmond become this happy medium between busy city life and the countryside”, a local estate agent told me.
Richmond Park is full of wildlife and a huge area of interest, especially for international residents
However, this can cause an affordability barrier between residents. All the factors that lead make Richmond a desirable place to live in are also those which drive the prices up.
“It’s all about supply and demand,” Lauren, who as been estate-agent in Richmond for just under a year, said. “There are only a finite number of chimneys in Richmond and that demand has always been there.”
Richmond creates an idyllic setting with plenty of greenery for residents
Wealthy people have always flocked to Richmond and that was heightened during the pandemic and that has continued.
Ollie, estate agent in Richmond
While Richmond may be the happiest borough, these rising prices may force those looking for a slice of joy in this part of London to consider whether happiness can be truly measured by these standards and if there is better value for money elsewhere.
