THE BEAUTIFUL Northumberland market town of Hexham has been named among the ‘UK’s best places to live’ for 2023.
Every year, national property website Rightmove conducts its annual Happy at Home study, which asks tens of thousands of customers how they feel about where they live.
The survey asks residents how they feel about their area based on 13 happiness factors. These include things like the club-together community spirit of a local area, having green space on the doorstep, or the sense of belonging in a local community.
Over 26,000 people completed this year’s survey, with Richmond upon Thames in London crowned the happiest place to live, followed by the cathedral city of Winchester and the Welsh town of Monmouth.
It was Hexham however which was the sole representative for the North East in this year’s top 10, occupying the final spot.
Peter Bartley, Group Director at North of England’s property specialist, Bradley Hall, said: "Hexham being recognised as one of the best places to in the UK to live reaffirms what we have known for quite some time, that the town really is a North East gem.
“The charm and rich history of the town, coupled with its vibrant community and town centre, has made it a really popular choice for homebuyers and we’ve witnessed this first-hand.
“Over recent years, we have helped a number of clients sell their homes in the area via our established branch networks and digital platforms and as word about how amazing a place it is to live continues to spread, I am sure we will continue to see homes in the area sell relatively easily.”
Rightmove property expert, Tim Bannister, said: “Searching for new areas outside of the city that are still commutable on office days and looking for cheaper properties that are in need of renovation are just some of the actions we’ve seen determined movers take this year.
“With the results of this year’s study highlighting that residents continue to value living near green spaces and natural beauty, estate agents who are not already doing so should consider making sure that they clearly highlight nearby green spots to appeal to potential buyers.”
Local Mayor Derek Kennedy previously described Hexham as a “small town with great history”, which also has big ambitions to progress sustainable development.
“There is a wonderful community spirit, people are very supportive of one another. There are lots of community interest groups which gets people working for the greater good,” he added.
Seven places in the North East featured alongside Hexham in the top 200, including Newcastle upon Tyne (45th), Durham (139th), Cleveland (141st), Darlington (161st), Gateshead (188th), Sunderland (195th) and Middlesbrough (200th).
