St Ives has been named the happiest place to live in the UK for the second time in the last three years.

In this year’s ‘Happy at Home’ study, which is held by property sales site Rightmove, St Ives was named as the number one happiest place to live in the country.

The study is now in its 11th year, and asked more than 21,000 people across the UK how they feel about where they live.

St Ives was also named winner back in 2020, and has reclaimed the crown from last year’s winner, Hexham, which is in fourth place this year.

St Ives residents scored the town highly for community spirit, how comfortable residents feel to be themselves, and the sense of belonging they have.

Local estate agent, Paul Le Bas, commented: “St Ives has a vibrant and active local community.

“All year round we are able to visit the amazing restaurants and cafés, most of which are highly rated in the national press, and the coastal walks are second to none.

“As the seasons change, so does the town. It becomes a winter wonderland of festive lights for Christmas. Even Father Christmas arrives on the Lifeboat!”

Last year, the Cornish town dropped down to being the eighth happiest place to live in the UK, but remained the top-rated town in the South West.

The ten factors measured in the study include a sense of belonging, polite and friendly people, being able to be oneself, nature and green spaces, a sense of community spirit, artistic and cultural activities, opportunities to develop skills, essential local services, non-essential amenities and sports and recreational activities.

Rightmove’s director of property science, Tim Bannister, said: “This year’s Happy at Home survey really shows that the things that make people happy to live in their area are not so much the physical aspects of that area but more the personal aspects, such as our sense of belonging, the community and the people.

“The last few months have undoubtedly been difficult for many, and as we learned during another difficult period in 2020, this is often when we look to our local area and community for support and happiness.”