Hexham revealed as Britain’s happiest place to live with town attributing achievement to its ‘strong sense of community’

THE market town of Hexham is the happiest place to live in Britain, a survey says.

The Northumberland town’s attractions include a farmers’ market, Viking-themed events, plenty of independent shops — and England’s earliest purpose-built jail.

Mayor Bob Hull said: “We have a really strong sense of community up here, which I think is a major reason why residents feel so happy.”

Hexham topped a poll of 22,000 people who did the Happy At Home survey from online estate agents Rightmove.

It was followed by ­Harrogate, North Yorks; Richmond, West London; Skipton, North Yorks; and Llandrindod Wells in Powys, mid-Wales.

Homes in Hexham are about £50,000 less than the national average of £302,808, Rightmove said.

The survey asked whether people felt safe, had a sense of community, earned enough and had friendly neighbours.

Rightmove found the South West was the happiest region, followed by the South East.
Leigh-on-Sea in Essex came top in last year's survey.

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