'I live in the UK's happiest town but I'm moving to cheaper country with 300 days of sun'

Chris says he is planning to swap life in the UK for Portugal (Image: Wandering Turnip/YouTube)

A resident of the UK's "happiest" town, as per property website Rightmove, is planning a move to Europe in pursuit of lower living costs and sunnier climes. Skipton in Yorkshire has been crowned the most contented place to live, owing to its friendly locals and abundant green spaces.

The town, which was second only to Richmond in London in 2024, received commendation for its amenities such as schools and healthcare facilities. However, it fell short in terms of local job market accessibility and employment prospects for its 15,000 inhabitants, although Rightmove noted that residents felt they could live "comfortably".

Skipton was named the happiest place in the UK by Rightmove (Image: Kelvin Wakefield/Getty Images)

Last year, the average house in Skipton fetched around £287,000, according to the property website. Terraced homes typically cost buyers around £220,000, while detached properties were marketed at approximately £493,000.The site reported a 3% increase in the town's house prices from their previous peak in 2022.

During his visit to the Yorkshire Dales to investigate if Skipton truly was the "happiest place,", YouTuber David Burnip, also known as the Wandering Turnip, encountered a local who took issue with the cost of living. The man, identified only as Chris, conceded that Skipton is indeed a "happy" place and urged David to explore the narrow lanes behind the town's shops.

Although when they later met Chris, he revealed his intentions to leave the Yorkshire Dales behind for Portugal's warmer weather. He explained: "I always say that Skipton is one of the best places to live in Britain if you've got a bit of money.

David Burnip visited Skipton (Image: David Burnip/Wandering Turnip)

"On a state pension wondering how much your electricity bill is going to be, Britain's not so good. Portugal, with 300 days of sunshine, and low heating costs, low costs generally, is an easier place."

Video creator David was equally stunned by the price tags on "spectacular" properties in the town, discovering one home on the market for £2.7 million alongside another he described as resembling a "mini castle". He remarked: "I think if you're going to live in Skipton, and I think this might be why they are all happy, because they have loads of money and can afford nice houses, so maybe it's true, money does get you happiness."

Patrick McCutcheon, Head of Residential at Dacre Son and Hartley in Yorkshire, believes Skipton "has it all" for families seeking the perfect place to settle. He explained: "Combining community, countryside and communication – Skipton has it all. A highly desirable living environment with immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region's finest countryside, and only a little more than an hour from The Lake District.

Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales (Image: Getty Images)

"Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and the M65, with its Manchester links, are all easily accessible for both leisure and business. From the town's station, there are now also regular services to London Kings Cross. The historic castle lights up the colourful High Street market whilst the Leeds / Liverpool canal, Pennine Way and surrounding moors offer endless opportunities for challenging walks, road and mountain biking and enhance the appeal of this living environment."

Northern England performed exceptionally well in Rightmove's happiness study, with Harrogate in Yorkshire securing a spot in the top 10. Altrincham and Macclesfield were similarly recognised amongst the most contented locations.

The East Midlands, however, found itself listed among England's least cheerful regions.

Rightmove suggests that the natural surroundings of a town or city can significantly influence residents' happiness levels. Green spaces emerged as one of the most cherished amenities in this year's research.

The study revealed that those residing in countryside settings were more inclined to report that their location brought them joy compared to those in suburban areas.

Nevertheless, the property portal highlighted that pedestrian-friendly streets and thriving high streets also played crucial roles in overall satisfaction. Residents valued the ability to utilise neighbourhood shops or enjoy a leisurely walk through a lively town centre.