Rightmove’s latest “happy at home” index has highlighted a fresh set of West Midlands communities where residents say life feels grounded, friendly, and easy to enjoy.
The 2025 results draw on thousands of survey responses from across Britain, with people rating their local areas on everything from access to green space to the strength of community spirit.
This year’s regional leaders share a mix of walkable town centres, reliable services, and a sense of connection that residents say shapes day to day life.
Many respondents pointed to simple strengths like having neighbours they trust, feeling able to be themselves, and having outdoor space close enough to reach without planning ahead.
Rightmove’s annual survey collected responses from more than 19,500 people across Britain. Participants rated where they live based on community spirit, access to nature, services, and whether they feel they can be themselves in their area.
This year’s results show that people in the West Midlands continue to value places that offer a steady rhythm of life, reliable amenities, and easy access to greenery.
Rightmove notes that happiness levels continue to rise in places that offer a balance of nature, amenities, and identity.
13. Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent is considered a happy place to live due to a combination of affordability, quality of life, community spirit, and access to green spaces. Residents appreciate the relatively low cost of living and property prices, strong sense of community, and friendly atmosphere, along with excellent transport links and numerous parks and cultural attractions. | Adobe Stock
14. Sutton Coldfield
Muddy Stilettos guide: "This is a National Nature Reserve and boasts not one, but two children’s playgrounds, as well as a donkey sanctuary, sailing and canoe clubs, fishing, and refreshments. " | Adobe
15. Coventry
Coventry is considered a happy place due to its blend of affordability, rich history, modern amenities, excellent transport links, vibrant culture (including being UK City of Culture 2021), diverse job opportunities (especially in automotive), plenty of green spaces, strong community feel, and good educational institutions, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to both city buzz and nearby countryside. | Google
16. Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton can be a happy place due to its affordability, diverse culture, strong sense of community, good transport links, and mix of urban amenities with accessible green spaces like West Park and nearby Cannock Chase, plus a resilient, hard-working spirit and growing optimism, despite past perceptions | padmak - stock.adobe.com