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.
17. Dudley
Dudley can be considered a happy place to live due to its rich history, strong community spirit, and significant green spaces, which include numerous parks and nature reserves. The area is also undergoing significant regeneration, and its affordability combined with proximity to both cities and the countryside makes it a desirable location for many. It's a vibrant, multicultural hub that offers a unique mix of heritage, attractions, and opportunities for growth. | UAV4 - stock.adobe.com
18. Birmingham
Birmingham is considered a happy place to live due to its vibrant culture, diverse community, and abundance of green spaces and amenities, all while offering a lower cost of living compared to London. | Creative commons
19. Walsall
Walsall is considered a happy place due to its strong sense of community, affordable living, abundant green spaces like Walsall Arboretum, rich cultural heritage (especially leatherwork), ongoing regeneration projects, diverse population, good transport links to Birmingham, and a mix of local charm with urban amenities, making it a balanced, affordable, and connected place to live. | AdobeStock_385772824.jpeg