A STUDY has found residents are ‘delighted’ to be from Tunbridge Wells, with the town ranked as one of the UK’s happiest.
Results of a survey based on 12 factors, published by property website Rightmove last week, found the spa town was the fifth happiest, and Tonbridge the 72nd out of 159 boroughs.
The news was unsurprising to Pembury resident Patrick Gillian who found the area welcoming when he moved south from Glasgow in the 1980s.
He said: “Tunbridge Wells has its challenges but I have always been impressed by the town’s ongoing energy and its ability to reinvent itself.”
The 12 factors in the study range from how friendly the neighbours are and how much people feel they can be themselves, to how good the local services are.
Leamington Spa topped the list, with other spa towns Llandrindod Wells, Epsom and Harrogate also scoring well.
When it comes to just the south east Tunbridge Wells is the second happiest place, behind Leigh-on-Sea, with Tonbridge finishing 17th.
In addition, Tunbridge Wells was ranked first overall for ‘satisfaction of being close to sports facilities’ and second for ‘access to nature and green spaces’.
The town also came third for residents feeling they earn enough to live comfortably and fifth for ‘proximity to essential services’.
Mr Gillian, a parish councillor added: “Nowadays the town is a Mecca for a whole range of diverse and interesting food outlets and there is something for everyone whatever our taste buds are.
“Then there is the town itself, its old worldly charm, its regency buildings and its close proximity to London.
“With parklands and access to our glorious countryside and excellent road links, including the engineering marvel of the upgraded A21, Tunbridge Wells has a lot to smile about.”
