September 8th 2024.
Living in London may not always have the best reputation for being the friendliest place in the UK, but there is one particular area that has earned the title of the most miserable. According to a recent survey conducted by Rightmove, over 26,000 people were asked to rate their happiness on 13 different measures. These measures included things like pride in their community, access to nature and cultural activities, and a sense of belonging. While the top spot was claimed by Richmond in their Happy At Home index, there were a few towns that fell short on the happiness scale.
At the bottom of this list, in a not-so-cheery 213th place, was Hillingdon, located in West London. Despite being just 15 miles away from the supposedly happiest area, Hillingdon has a population of over 300,000 and scored the lowest on the happiness measures. Some critics pointed to the proximity to the bustling Heathrow Airport as a contributing factor, while others mentioned a lack of green spaces and local pride.
However, when this reluctant title was bestowed upon Hillingdon earlier this year, many locals spoke out in fierce disagreement. One resident even took to Reddit to say, "As an old Hillingdon resident of six years, who lived literally right off the high street, I can say that's total BS." So what does Hillingdon have to offer? Well, for starters, you can take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Ruislip Lido or enjoy a peaceful canal trip on the Grand Union Canal. The 726-acre Ruislip Woods are also worth exploring any time of the year, and there are plenty of independent shops and restaurants to visit.
But it's not just about scenic spots and quaint shops. Hillingdon also has some cultural gems, such as the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge. This historic site was used throughout World War II, and it is said to be where Winston Churchill famously uttered the words, "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many, to so few." And let's not forget Brunel University, a 50-year-old campus university with top-notch facilities and a newly opened Medical School.
However, despite all of these positives, the people of Hillingdon have spoken, and they are not the only ones who are not thrilled with their local area. In fact, almost a third of the survey respondents stated that they would be happier living somewhere else. This sentiment was especially common among 18 to 30-year-olds living in urban areas or from London, the East Midlands, or the West Midlands. Of those looking to relocate, nearly half preferred to stay within the same region, while the rest were open to moving further away. Interestingly, only 35% of these individuals were planning to move within the next year.
The most common reasons for wanting to move were to find a happier area to live in, to buy a bigger home, or to find better value for their money. Other factors like a desired change in lifestyle or personal circumstances also played a role in this decision. This article was originally published on March 30, 2024, and if you have a similar story to share, we would love to hear from you. You can reach us by emailing [email address].
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