A new study has revealed the best and worst places to live in the Midlands, based on the honest opinions of residents about their hometowns. The findings come from the 2025 Happy at Home Index compiled by property website Rightmove, which surveys locals on various aspects of daily life and how happy they feel living there.
Topping the list for the Midlands—and ranking 12th nationwide—is the charming town of Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. Just a spot behind at 13th place is the historic city of Lichfield, renowned for its beautiful cathedral.
Other Midlands towns featured prominently among Britain’s top 50 happiest places to live include Stratford-upon-Avon, Shrewsbury, Tamworth, and Worcester, reflecting a strong sense of community and satisfaction among residents.
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However, the survey also highlights areas where residents feel less satisfied. Walsall ranks as one of the lowest in the country, with only three places nationwide perceived as less welcoming. Dudley and Birmingham fall into the national bottom 20, signaling challenges in those urban centers.
Here’s a snapshot of the Midlands’ rankings in the Happy at Home Index 2025:
- Leamington Spa: 12th
- Lichfield: 13th
- Stratford-upon-Avon: 28th
- Shrewsbury: 32nd
- Tamworth: 33rd
- Worcester: 38th
- Stafford: 54th
- Burton on Trent: 72nd
- Hereford: 99th
- Solihull: 124th
- Stourbridge: 128th
- Telford: 137th
- Stoke on Trent: 153rd
- Sutton Coldfield: 184th
- Coventry: 195th
- Wolverhampton: 200th
- Dudley: 201st
- Birmingham: 209th
- Walsall: 216th
This ranking offers valuable insight into where people feel happiest living across the Midlands, highlighting communities that thrive as well as those facing difficulties.