Six Essex areas rank among East of England's happiest places

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 11 Nov, 00:32 · Archive

Six Essex towns rank among the happiest places to live in the East of England, according to Rightmove's 2026 Happy at Home Index.

Six Essex towns have been named among the happiest places to live in the East of England, according to Rightmove's 15th annual Happy at Home Index. The survey questioned more than 24,000 residents across 221 locations about how happy they felt where they live, taking into account access to green spaces, local services, amenities and employment opportunities.

Chelmsford was ranked 11th in the region and 102nd nationally. Leigh came 12th regionally and 114th nationally, whilst Colchester placed 13th in the region and 144th nationally. Basildon, Southend and Clacton also featured in the regional rankings, at 19th, 21st and 23rd respectively.

Nationally, Richmond upon Thames topped the index. Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, noted that Richmond offers 'a combination many people value: easy access to nature and green spaces, without having to give up local services, places to eat and shop, or employment opportunities'. She added that access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important 'even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting'.

Six Essex areas rank among East of England's happiest places — Image: Echo (Basildon)

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The six Essex areas named among the happiest places to live in the UKSix Essex towns rank among the East of England’s happiest places to live in Rightmove’s 2026 index, with Chelmsford leading Leigh, Colchester and more in Essex.Echo (Basildon) · 11 Nov, 00:01
The six Essex areas named among the happiest places to live in the UKSix Essex towns rank among the East of England’s happiest places to live in Rightmove’s 2026 index, with Chelmsford leading Leigh, Colchester and more in Essex.Colchester Gazette · 11 Nov, 00:01
The six Essex areas named among the happiest places to live in the UKSix Essex towns rank among the East of England’s happiest places to live in Rightmove’s 2026 index, with Chelmsford leading Leigh, Colchester and more in Essex.Brentwood Guardian · 11 Nov, 00:01

In this story: Rightmove · Chelmsford · Leigh · Colchester · Basildon · Southend · Clacton · Richmond upon Thames

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