Camden Residents Celebrate Borough's Ranking Among Britain's Happiest Places
For the first time in history, two London boroughs have secured top positions in Rightmove's prestigious 2025 'happy at home' index, with Camden claiming an impressive third place nationwide. This remarkable achievement highlights Camden's transformation into one of Britain's most desirable living destinations, surprising many given its historical reputation for safety concerns.
Green Spaces and Vibrant Atmosphere Drive Satisfaction
Camden's success in the happiness index stems from its unique combination of urban vitality and peaceful retreats. The borough offers residents access to numerous parks, world-class museums, and excellent amenities while maintaining pockets of tranquility that provide respite from city life. Richmond upon Thames, which secured second place in the same index, continues to impress with its natural beauty and essential services, but Camden's rise represents a particularly noteworthy development in London's residential landscape.
Community Spirit Shines Through Resident Testimonials
Local residents enthusiastically shared what makes Camden special to them. Samir Jabel, a Bloomsbury resident, expressed his affection for the area: "It's fantastic, I love it. It has everything that I need, especially in this area. And my building's community is very tight, especially since Covid. We meet up from time to time for drinks, coffee or barbecues!"
Katherine Boyce, a 52-year-old lifelong Camden resident, emphasized the borough's inclusive nature: "Camden is a great borough. I've lived here all my life. The council looks after the people that live here, so even though there are a lot of budgetary constraints, there's always an effort to do something." She particularly appreciated how local businesses look out for her 93-year-old father, noting that staff at Waitrose, Robert Dyas, and Gail's know him well.
Accessibility and Transport Receive High Praise
Stewart, an elderly resident, highlighted Camden's excellent connectivity: "This area is so central! It's easy to get into the West End and out of London on public transport. I ride a bicycle though, and it's really bicycle-friendly too." Charlotte Lowes, who has lived in Camden for 14 years, echoed this sentiment: "The highlights are the community and accessibility; you can just walk everywhere."
Students also appreciate Camden's convenience. Inaya, a UCL student living in Bloomsbury, explained: "It's good being a uni student because it's just very convenient. It feels like a city within a city because it's very student oriented."
Council Services Draw Mixed Reactions
While most residents praised Camden's qualities, some expressed frustrations with local government services. Stewart revealed ongoing issues with his building's heating system: "We've had problems with the heating in my building just before Christmas. We didn't have heating or hot water for about a month, which was a real problem when it got really cold. It's a long-term problem that happens every year. Camden Council are trying to deal with it, yes, but it's frustrating."
However, other residents reported positive experiences with council services. Charlotte Lowes noted: "The council is very good at dealing with issues, like rubbish collection." This mixed feedback suggests that while Camden excels in many areas, there remains room for improvement in certain municipal services.
A Legacy of Community and Culture
Katherine Boyce shared a touching family story that illustrates Camden's welcoming nature: "He's a Geordie and a singer, and when he moved, the Irish community in Camden adopted him, he was part of the folk music scene. I feel very lucky for that." This anecdote demonstrates how Camden has historically embraced newcomers and fostered cultural exchange.
The borough's success in Rightmove's happiness index reflects its ability to balance vibrant city living with strong community networks. From its green spaces and cultural attractions to its inclusive atmosphere and convenient location, Camden offers residents a quality of life that few other British locations can match. As London continues to evolve, Camden stands out as a borough that has successfully maintained its character while adapting to modern urban living demands.
