Sure, money may not be able to buy you happiness. But what money can do is buy you a home in one of the country’s happiest places to live. And surely that’s got to count for something, right? A recent list published by The Guardian has revealed Britain’s most smile-inducing spots to reside – and five of them happen to be right here in the capital city. Not bad, hey?
The newspaper’s happiness-hunters took into account a whole host of factors when compiling the list, leaving – quite literally – no stone unturned. Things like access to nature, transport links, proximity to cultural venues, sense of community, and even broadband speed were considered when ranking the jolliest places to live (I told you they were thorough). So, without further ado, these are the London locales that earnt themselves a very comfy spot on The Guardian’s list.
The Ridgeway (Enfield)
The Ridgeway in Enfield serves as a gateway between London and the countryside, truly giving its residents the best of both worlds. Stretching for miles, The Ridgeway earnt itself a place on the list of Britain’s happiest places to live due to its transport links, historic houses, and lovely cycling and walking routes.
Surbiton North
Quaint, quiet, and oh-so quintessential Surbiton is the next corner of the capital to have made the list of the happiest places to live. The leafy green suburb has plenty of green space, and is also perched right on the banks of the River Thames. Transport links into the centre of the city are pretty good, but it’s also a spot that offers peace and tranquility. Again, giving its residents the best of both worlds. I think I’m sensing a theme here. Us Brits are awfully indecisive, aren’t we?
Clapham Junction
Well a smile has certainly been brought to my face because we’re heading to my neck of the woods for this next one. Clapham Junction was also named among the country’s happiest places to hang your hat. With some of the best transport links in the capital, an abundance of nearby green space, and a cultural venue served up at every turn; I don’t mean to be bias, but it’s no surprise to me that Clapham Junction made the cut.
Bounds Green
We’re heading back to north London for the next one as Bounds Green also nabbed a spot on the Guardian’s list of the cheeriest places to live. Hailed for its plethora of shops and cafes, family appeal, cultural hotspots, and access to (and views of) the nearby Ally Pally; Bounds Green is another place that’s turning its residents frowns upside down.
Bromley
The final London area to made the list is Bromley. With parks and green space aplenty, a plethora of shops and markets, and brilliant transport links to the Kent coast; it’s not particularly hard to see why people would be pretty darn pleased to be living here.
You can read The Guardian’s full findings on the happiest places to live in Britain here.