The city of Skipton has officially been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain, following the latest findings from Rightmove’s long-running “happy at home” indicator.
Now in its 14th time, the indicator shows Skipton rising to the top after preliminarily placing second in 2020 and sixth last time, a rise locals will probably say is long overdue.
Sitting at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton has a character for mixing small-city warmth with major charm.
The city is home to one of England’s best- saved medieval castles and is famously linked to the early roots of Marks & Spencer.
Residents say it’s the everyday effects that make life then special, the green spaces, a sense of safety, and the kind of benevolence where people authentically stop to sputter.
Access to dependable services, from seminaries to healthcare, also played a major part in boosting its overall happiness score.
Why Skipton Tops the Happy at Home Index in 2025
This year’s index gathered feedback from thousands of residents across more than 200 locations nationwide.
Results showed that Skipton stands out as a place where people feel comfortable being themselves, a sentiment increasingly important for modern home-seekers.
Affordability also works in its favour, with the average asking price for a home at£ 326,093, noticeably below the national normal of£ 364,833.
For many, the chance to enjoy a high quality of life without London- position prices is a crucial magnet.
Local voices have echoed the findings. Ian Rigarlsford from the Skipton Building Society, one of the area’s biggest employers, highlighted the strong sense of community, adding that people in Skipton “look out for one another.”
Meanwhile, Patrick McCutcheon of Dacre, Son & Hartley refocused on the city’s dependable transport links to Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate, as well as the draw of its scenic walking routes and outdoor life, all significant factors for those considering moving to Yorkshire.
Community Spirit and Quality of Life in Skipton, Yorkshire
This isn’t the first time Skipton has impressed in public rankings. In 2014, the Sunday Times named it the stylish place to live in Britain, and in 2017, the Office for National Statistics linked its residents as the happiest in the UK.
Interestingly, despite its strong track record, Skipton didn’t appear in a recent happiness list published by the Guardian, something residents might shrug off with a smile.
Behind Skipton in this year’s Rightmove index are Richmond upon Thames in second place and Camden in third. Richmond, previously a chart-topper, continues to attract interest partly thanks to its link with the hit series Ted Lasso.
Camden earned its debut podium position with help from its canals, green spaces, and the iconic Regent’s Park, showing that urban areas can still offer a strong sense of wellbeing.
Skipton’s latest accolade reinforces its identity as a welcoming, down-to-earth, and vibrant community.
With beautiful landscapes, a practical cost of living, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging, the town continues to stand out as one of the most appealing places to call home in the UK.
