Property website Rightmove has revealed its annual list of the happiest places to live in Scotland.
The new data revealed the top ten happiest places to live in the UK, as well as a breakdown of the happiest places to settle within each region.
Stirling was crowned the happiest place in Scotland. It is the only Scottish place to rank in the UK’s top ten - coming in at an impressive 8th place.
Stirling is best known for its medieval history and spectacular scenery. The majestic Stirling Castle and its Royal Palace, the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, is one of the most important historical sites in Scotland.
Green spaces are aplenty, and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are just a short distance away. The nearby Clackmannanshire is home to the imposing Ochil Hills.
The city, also home to one of Scotland’s best universities, offers an exciting mix of old of new. Cultural highlights include the award-winning Tolbooth Stirling, a vibrant music and arts venue in the old town, and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
More than 19,500 people took part in Rightmove’s 2025 Happy at Home Index survey, which was sent to people across Britain who had opted in to receive its communications.
The results showed that, on average residents in the South West of the UK are the happiest with where they live, and those in the East Midlands are least happy.
The survey also found that people who lived in a rural location were more likely to say they felt happy where they lived than those who lived in a busy city or more urban areas.
People who live in riverside, woodland or coastal locations were among the most happy, while residents who live close to a national park, or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are happier on average than those who do not.
The study also highlighted how being happy with where you live increases with age, with those aged between 18 and 24 the least likely to say they felt happy where they live. Those aged 65 and over are the age group most likely to feel happy where they live.
Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert said: “Each year our study celebrates all the different things that make us feel happy with where we live - our neighbours, green spaces, having access to important services.
“A lot more goes into choosing an area to live other than the home itself. Being within easy reach of nature and green spaces regularly comes out as an important factor for people, along with having friendly neighbours and feeling you can truly be yourself where you live.”
Here are the 14 happiest places to live in Scotland according to Rightmove.
1. Kirkcaldy
This town in Fife was ranked the second happiest place to live in Scotland and the 56th happiest in the UK. According to Rightmove, house prices in Kirkcaldy have an overall average of £165,006 over the last year | PA
2. Edinburgh
The Scottish capital ranked third in the Scotland and 69th in the UK. According to Rightmove, house prices in Edinburgh have an overall average of £339,626 over the last year | PA
3. Inverness
The river-side city of Inverness came in at 4th place in Scotland and 75th in the UK. According to Rightmove, house prices in Inverness have an overall average of £238,128 over the last year | Universal Images Group via Getty
4. Perth
Perth, on the banks of the River Tay, is ranked 5th in Scotland and 80th in the UK. According to Rightmove, house prices in Perth have an overall average of £195,330 over the last year | Heritage Images/Getty Images