Richmond-upon-Thames has been crowned the UK’s happiest place to live, according to a recent survey. The West London borough, known for its sense of community, green spaces and proud residents, topped the Rightmove Happy at Home index.
It’s no secret that Richmond-upon-Thames is synonymous with wealth, being one of the country’s richest areas where house prices often reach into the multi-millions.
So recently, the Mirror reporter Cyann Fielding decided to explore whether money truly equates to happiness and if Richmond merits its cheerful title.
The suburban town is conveniently located just outside the hustle and bustle of central London, making it geographically appealing. However, upon exiting the train station, Cyann was greeted by a gloomy grey sky that didn’t exactly inspire joy for her day exploring West London.
Much like in the city centre, Richmond’s residents seemed to be in a rush, walking with their heads down and faces forward. Just two minutes in, she found herself questioning the town’s ‘happiest’ status.
However, beyond the bustling train station lies a charming old high street, complete with cobbled pavements and narrow alleyways, and Cyann was instantly cheered up.
She wrote: “There’s something about walking on cobbled paths that makes you feel as though you’re stepping into history, becoming part of it. While the history isn’t necessarily tangible, it certainly adds to the allure of this riverside town.
“Surprisingly, Richmond was rather quiet – perhaps due to schools not yet breaking up for summer, or the sun deciding to play hide and seek. Spotting a charity shop – the source of most of my book collection – made me feel more at home.”
Keen to get a local’s opinion on the location, Cyann asked one of the volunteers behind the counter what all the positive chatter was about.
“Richmond is very nice. I think it is one of the poshest places to be in, in London and it’s not in the centre, it’s a suburb so that it is that bit different. It is beautiful, it has got green [spaces], an array of places to eat, the people are absolutely amazing and it is very clean,” she said.
Cyann agreed that the charming blend of cobbled lanes, scenic river walks, and verdant spaces truly is enchanting.
There may be no sandy shore or salty sea breeze, but for those dwelling in the capital, Richmond offers a serene haven from the relentless urban sprawl of glass, steel, and exhaust fumes. Another resident, Jill, who has called Richmond home for the past seven years, concurred that it’s a place brimming with joy.
“[I love] the convenience. Everything is on my doorstep, I have banks, I have a post office, I have three cinemas, two theatres, restaurants and open spaces, including Kew Gardens, Richmond Park and the river,” she expressed. “I think the key to happiness is rather, within yourself. You can be happy wherever you are. You have to think happy.”
Cyann continued: “Richmond ticks all the boxes for convenience a cornucopia of shops ranging from quirky independents to high-street chains and charity stores, a smorgasbord of eateries and pubs, waterside views, lush parks, a rich tapestry of history, and a plethora of entertainment options. Yet, not every local I chatted with was convinced that Richmond takes the crown as the cheeriest place to reside.”
One inhabitant’s lukewarm response was simply, “It’s okay”, suggesting that the town doesn’t hold any particular allure. She observed: “It’s changing… Dickins and Jones [a department store], which was central to Richmond, has gone and now it is being turned into flats.”
However, in Cyann’s opinion, the best part about Richmond is the variety that is offered. From the Peggy Jean brunch boat to the park full of deers to the Britannia – the oldest pub in Richmond – there is plenty to see and do, and much of it is well-kept and beautiful.
Another resident and local artist, Lucy Deaner, told me what she thought the secret sauce of Richmond’s happy status is. “I like the mix of country, but then you’re kind of still in the bustle of London. It has both, wildness and nature. Richmond is a nice blend that works for me, where I’m surrounded by nature. But there are also other busy bits going on as well.”
Cyann also visited Hillingdon that day, a nearby borough which has been named the unhappiest place in the country, despite being just 40 minutes from Richmond. One resident from Uxbridge, a town in the borough where Boris Johnson used to be MP, argued the secret of the well-heeled place’s happiness was obvious.
“I am not surprised Richmond was found to be the happiest place to live; it is full of affluent people. I don’t think money can buy happiness, but maybe in this case money can buy happiness,” they said.
The question remains whether wealth alone makes Richmond the UK’s happiest place. If so, you’ll need a hefty sum, as the average house price in the area stands at an eye-watering £989,270.