The UK market town with 'unique character' named one of the happiest places to live
Situated between a major city and areas of outstanding natural beauty this town offers the best of both worlds.
When it comes to our happiness and wellbeing, a huge range of different factors can have an impact.
Your family and social life, health, job and hobbies are all influences. And according to a 2023 study, where you live is also key.
A survey conducted by real estate agents Rightmove last year actually revealed how people living in different towns in the UK experience varying levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
The 12th annual Happy at Home Index, published in December, showed exactly which areas of the nation have the happiest residents. More than 26,000 people took part in the survey, which considered 13 happiness factors including things like community spirit and green spaces.
Following the results, Rightmove compiled a list of the 20 happiest places in the UK.
And one “unique” market town made the cut, placing at number 20.
Stourbridge was the only location in the West Midlands to be featured on the list.
Only 12 miles from the centre of Birmingham, this “quaint” town offers the perfect mixture of tranquillity and busy city living.
Online community Rest Less details the pros of living in Stourbridge.
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It says: “If you’d like to settle in a place that gives you access to tranquil natural areas as well as the thriving hubbub of the city, Stourbridge in the West Midlands could be an excellent choice for you.”
For those who love nature and getting outside but need to be close to work, Stourbridge could be ideal.
“The western side of this quaint market town is wrapped in a lush, crescent moon of green space – with the Shropshire Hills and Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty not too far away,” Rest Less adds.
“Even within the town itself, there are exquisite walking and biking routes to explore along the canal, and Mary Stevens Park is perfect for enjoying on a pleasant day.
“Despite all this, Birmingham is just 12 miles to the east. So, if you’re interested in a taste of the city’s fast-paced life, you can hop on a train and be there in just over 30 minutes.
“But a trip into the city is a luxury, not a necessity for Stourbridge residents, as the delightful town centre has a thriving dining scene, plenty of independent cafes, a large shopping centre, and lots more facilities to enjoy.”
There is also plenty of history to the town.
Welcome to Stourbridge says: “Stourbridge is famous for its glass industry and the Stourbridge Lion locomotive, the first train to run in the USA in 1829.
“Also, the Stourbridge Canal offers great walks or bike rides. Yet Stourbridge is both industrial and rural, and this contributes to its unique character.
“Stourbridge town centre features many well preserved buildings and interesting specialist shops, while great pubs and restaurants make the town well worth a visit.”
Buying a home in Stourbridge is also cheaper than many other areas in England.
According to Rightmove data, properties in Stourbridge had an overall average price of £269,037 over the last year.
