'Best kept secret' - North East's happiest places to live, including 'charming' market town

Hexham, in Northumberland, is officially the happiest place to live in the North East, according to the 2025 Rightmove Happy at Home Index.

It is the 10th happiest place in Great Britain as a whole, the results of the annual survey show, and the only place in the top 10 where the average monthly rent is below £1,000.

Hexham is a picturesque town full of stunning architecture and surrounded by beautiful countryside, yet only half an hour by train or about the same by car to Newcastle city centre.

It boasts a rich history, with landmarks including Hexham Abbey and Hadrian’s Wall, and plenty of culture. It’s also one of the safest and most peaceful places in the UK.

People have described Hexham as ‘wonderful’, ‘lovely’ place to live.

One resident said: “I moved to Hexham from the South East many years ago. I've never been happier in a place to live.”

The average asking price for a house in Hexham is £331,198, according to Rightmove, and the average rent is £967.

Thousands of people across Britain responded to Rightmove’s latest happiness survey, describing what they love and don’t love about their community, from how friendly the neighbours are to job opportunities and access to green spaces.

Skipton, in North Yorkshire topped Rightmove’s Happy at Home Index, followed by Richmond-upon-Thames, in London.

Below are the happiest places in the North East, according to the index, listed in reverse order.

If you’re interested in more North East property news, you might like this look at the region’s most expensive places to live, including an estate which is home to many footballers.