Two Essex towns ranked among Britain's happiest places to live

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 12:13 · Archive

Leigh ranked 114th nationally in Rightmove's Happy at Home Index; Bradwell-on-Sea included in Muddy Stilettos' Top 260 Places to Live.

Two Essex communities have been recognised for their quality of life in recent surveys. Leigh ranked 114th nationally and 12th in the East of England in Rightmove's Happy at Home Index, now in its 15th year. The index surveyed more than 24,000 people across 221 locations, asking residents to rate their areas on factors including access to nature, local amenities and employment opportunities.

Leigh's strong showing reflects its tight-knit community, independent businesses and coastal location. The town regularly hosts events like the Leigh Regatta, Leigh Folk Festival and community markets. Its setting on the Thames Estuary provides beaches, waterfront pubs, sailing clubs and scenic coastal walks. Research has shown that living near the sea can positively affect wellbeing.

The town centre remains popular, with The Broadway and Old Leigh offering independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Residents have easy access to Belfairs Woods, Two Tree Island and Belfairs Park for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Leigh station provides direct rail services to London Fenchurch Street, making it popular with commuters. The area also attracts families due to highly rated schools, including grammar schools and well-regarded primaries in the wider Southend area.

Separately, Bradwell-on-Sea has been included in Muddy Stilettos' Top 260 Places to Live for 2027. The remote village on the Dengie Peninsula is surrounded by salt marshes and countryside, sitting close to the River Blackwater and Essex coast. Residents can enjoy coastal walks, sailing and expansive countryside, with Maldon within driving distance for wider shopping and dining options.

Bradwell may be small but offers several places to eat and drink, including the historic King's Head and The Green Man Inn. The Bradwell Community Shop serves as a Post Office. The village's main appeal lies in its natural surroundings: Bradwell Shell Bank offers a wild stretch of coastline important for wintering birds, and nearby St Peter's Chapel, founded in AD 654, is one of the most remarkable historic buildings on the Essex coast. Essex Outdoors Bradwell offers sailing and outdoor activities.

How it is being reported

• Why this south Essex town is one of the happiest places to live in the UKLeigh, Essex, named one of Britain’s happiest places to live, ranking 12th in the East of England and 114th nationally in Rightmove’s latest index.Echo (Basildon) · 14 Nov, 05:00
• The Essex village 'surrounded by nature' named among UK's best places to liveThe Essex village of Bradwell has been named among the best places to live for 2027 by Muddy Stilettos.Echo (Basildon) · 14 Nov, 05:00
• The Essex village 'surrounded by nature' named among UK's best places to liveThe Essex village of Bradwell has been named among the best places to live for 2027 by Muddy Stilettos.Colchester Gazette · 14 Nov, 05:00
• The Essex village 'surrounded by nature' named among UK's best places to liveThe Essex village of Bradwell has been named among the best places to live for 2027 by Muddy Stilettos.Brentwood Guardian · 14 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Leigh · Bradwell-on-Sea · Rightmove · Muddy Stilettos · Thames Estuary · Maldon

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