Chesterfield named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK

The Rightmove study, now in it’s ninth year, works with local residents telling the popular property firm how they feel about where they live, as well as asking them to rank at least ten happiness factors.

The ten factors include measures ranging from how friendly the neighbours are and how good the local services are, to the sense of belonging and the quality of nature and green spaces in the area.

In relation to the East midland rankings, the historic market town of Chesterfield has been voted in above Northampton, Derby and Lincoln finishing in second place just behind Loughborough.

The study - which 21,631 people responded to - also found that people living in rural and coastal locations were more likely to have developed a greater affinity with their local area during the initial lockdown period, with the study suggesting that access to green spaces made people more appreciative of where they live.

Rightmove’s director of property data, Tim Bannister, said: “Our latest research shows that despite all the challenges that this year has brought, many people have been able to reconnect with their local area and community which has had a positive effect on how they feel about where they live.

"Overall, I think lockdown has enabled people to rediscover what’s on their doorstep, and spending more time in their local areas has made people value their surroundings and communities so much more.

"This year’s study shows a greater appreciation for green spaces and nature, and a strong correlation between people living in coastal and rural areas and how happy people are where they live. Since lockdown we’ve seen a trend towards more people looking to live in smaller communities, and so it’s very fitting to see that the picturesque town of St Ives has taken the top spot in the UK for 2020.”

Overall, the experience of spending more time at home and in local communities has positively impacted how much people like where they live.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.