Peterborough leaders hit out at Rightmove report labelling city as one of unhappiest in country
Peterborough’s political leaders have hit out at a report labelling the city as one of the unhappiest in the country
In a list of 220 areas, the Righmove report placed Peterborough 213th happiest in the country.
Peterborough placed neighbours Huntingdon (68th), Ely (101st), Cambridge (140th) and Northampton (152nd)
Rightmove said that thousands of residents across Great Britain told them how they feel about their area, from the friendliness of the people to the access to employment opportunities. The study also asked residents to share how happy they feel about where they live.
The study highlighted how being happy with where you live tends to increase with age. Residents aged 18-24 were the least likely to say they felt happy where they live. Happiness then increases through the age brackets, with those aged 65 and over the most likely to feel happy where they live.
Of course, Peterborough residents are used to surveys of this nature, with the iLiveHere list – issued for the last time in 2025 – regularly painting our city in a bad light.
“I firmly believe that Peterborough is a wonderful place"
Following the Rightmove list, Peterborough’s MPs and City Council leader all moved to criticise the report.
Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “This poll is not an official survey and certainly not something that we would take seriously or pay much attention to.
“I firmly believe that Peterborough is a wonderful place to live and our administration is fully focussed on making it even better. We are making big progress on major projects such as exciting plans for a new swimming pool and the Station Quarter and have
several other initiatives which will make a positive difference, so watch this space.”
“Anyone who spends real time in Peterborough can see a city that’s changing fast"
North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling said: “Anyone who spends real time in Peterborough can see a city that’s changing fast. We’re seeing significant backing from the Government - the over £40 million of Pride in Place funding now coming to our city will unlock major improvements, from the city centre to our communities, and it gives people every reason to be optimistic about what’s ahead. I meet residents, businesses and volunteers every week who are driving that momentum - and their energy tells a far more realistic story than any league table.”
“I am fed up of the armchair warriors on social media and the dodgy surveys always talking us down”
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “I am fed up of the armchair warriors on social media and the dodgy surveys always talking us down. It has been a great year for Peterborough. We are a welcoming, ambitious city and we are beginning to turn a corner.
“From the Christmas Lights switch on a few weeks ago and now an opening date for Frasers, to a great season for the Lido and a record-breaking Dr Who exhibition at Peterborough Museum, we are on the march.
Yes, we face challenges, but we’re finally getting the investment needed to turn things around, from the £20 million for our new pool to fresh funding to revitalise the city centre. There’s real renewal happening here, and plenty to be proud of. Thank you to everyone who is working to make this a better city to live in.”
“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."
Skipton in North Yorkshire was labelled the ‘happiest place to live’ in the Rightmove list.
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. It’s great to see the town of Skipton getting the attention it deserves this year having ranked highly in previous studies.”