In this fast paced world, did you know that your location can influence your happiness? In recent years, due to Covid-19 and the ongoing cost of living crisis, more people than ever have been staying at home, holidaying in the UK or finding happier places to live.
The 2022 Happy at Home study asked over 21,000 people how they felt about where they live . It came as no surprise that St Ives in Cornwall was named happiest place to live in Great Britain by its residents, with Galashiels in the Scottish Borders in second place, and the market town of Woodbridge in Suffolk, third.
What makes people happy?
Living in a place that makes you happy is one of the most important aspects of life, with many factors contributing to a person’s happiness. Finding time to relax, being at peace with yourself, but also taking comfort from the people around you, such as friends and family also contributes.
Having nature on your doorstep – parks, gardens, wide open spaces – are also contributing factors, as well as beaches, mountains and lakes. The simple act of being able to get out into nature and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and wildlife can be both calming and relaxing.
Friends and family, or having a good support network can be a major source of happiness, too, in addition to a sense of belonging. Many have found solace in local communities, with friendly neighbours, knowing that they are part of something bigger.
Being surrounded by beauty is also a major source of happiness. Everyone’s definition of beauty is different, whether it’s a vibrant city, rolling hills, or a well-maintained garden, aesthetics plays a big part.
On a more practical note, access to amenities such as supermarkets or grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment can be a major source of happiness, as well as having access to transport, health care providers, education and child care facilities.
All of the above contributes to “happiness” but happiness does come at a price. St Ives in Cornwall may have been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain, but property prices in St Ives had an overall average price of £516,124.
Whilst St Ives may not be for everyone, that doesn’t stop you from finding your happy place, whether that’s a house next to a leafy park, or a bungalow by the beach. The property market is as diverse as ever.
No sale no fee conveyancing
Once you have found your ideal property, it’s time to put the wheels in motion. Choosing a no sale no fee conveyancing service means that if your sale or purchase of a property falls through, you will not have to pay any legal fees to your conveyancing solicitor. More information can be found here: https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/news/conveyancing/no-sale-no-fee-conveyancing-153.
It is always advisable to seek legal advice when buying a property. With the right location, you too can find a place that brings you joy and happiness.
