Readers on where they would be happiest living
- Published
Our recent story on the largest study ever conducted into the psychological landscape of the country drew a large response.
It included a personality test to find out where in Britain you would be happiest living. Many readers emailed their thoughts on the places suggested.
Maggie Tolliday, Milton Keynes: "Interesting that it would send me to south Cambridgeshire where my ancestors appear to come from. My surname is quite common there. Not sure I would choose to live there. I prefer a small village on the edge of a vibrant town and only 10 minutes to John Lewis."
Jo Fox, Harlow, Essex: "It was recommended that I live in west Somerset, I actually live in west Essex. It's really interesting that the test came up with Somerset, I've been there several times for holidays and really love it. I've never really understood why, I just thought the people were generally much nicer, but it makes sense that they are people who fit well with my personality."
Take the test: Where in Britain would you be happiest?
Do you fit in with the personality of your area? Could there be somewhere in Britain that suits you better?
David: "Dumfries and Galloway? What! Nothing against the area, but why on earth would I enjoy it more than my beloved Oxford and the Cotswolds? Maybe there is too much weight given to the starter picture, as the cityscape and suburbia weren't exactly appealing shots. My Cotswold market town is pretty well ideal, small enough to walk or cycle in and out, plus a good choice of shops, eateries, and things to do. If I need something more, then Oxford and other centres are in easy reach, with travel options that include public transport, as well as motorway and airports in easy reach."
Amanda Jane Scales, Brighton: "I have lived in the South for over 30 years, far longer than the 12 years spent in the place of my birth, Manchester. The cultural difference in the 70s were extreme, with people in the South being insular and untalkative if they did not know you well. It's not so obvious any more, but myself and other family members always return from a visit to Manchester with a warm glow. It just feels right. Going into shops, being friendly, finding time for conversation and for the moments sake. It's fabulous and always makes me want to return just for the sheer pleasure of being among other chatty open people. I feel normal and not the loud one as I am in the South!"
Michael Waterworth, Bolton: "I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the part of the country which best fits my personality, according to the questionnaire result, was Craven in Yorkshire . Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised since it is where my mother and maternal grandparents come from - Skipton and Thornton in Craven. I was also born within 15 miles of there."
Amme Garvey, Cambridgeshire: "Am off to Boston, Lincolnshire, tomorrow. They'll be thrilled to hear they're both neurotic and narrow-minded. On second thoughts, I think I shall keep the news quiet, they won't have heard since they're also parochial."
Roger Cartwright, Carnforth, Lancashire: "My wife and I have moved around the country living in Hampshire, Derbyshire, Somerset, Devon, Perthshire, Gloucestershire, the Scottish central belt and for the last 40 years Lancashire, Westmorland, Northumberland and Cumbria. We have already discussed the regional differences we experienced and this study broadly confirms."
Emma, Norwich: "I'm a creative and reserved person, but I LOVE the area I live in. My score was of only 28% happiness for Norwich, but I've found it's a wonderful place for creativity and also peace and quiet. My best result was for an area of London, a city I cannot stand! Perhaps this test needs to take into account other factors - such as whether you prefer secluded countryside or a bustling city."
Graham Lund, north-east Lancashire: "Took the personality test but oh dear, the result. I'd be better in the Fens of south Cambridgeshire. Sorry no, there aren't any hills or mountains in south Cambridgeshire. I need a landscape that has form and feature as you get in the hills. That's where I feel comfortable in myself, where I feel I fit."
Lise Firth, Perth, Scotland: "It does confirm my experience, having lived a number of years each in London, the Midlands, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. I am French, from Paris and came over to live in Britain early 1970s. I return to France a couple of times a year and am always pleased to escape the unpleasant social atmosphere of the country. I guess I would say that the Scots display, in general, a higher level of social consciousness."
Joanna Heath, Bishop's Stortford: "It is quite difficult to judge yourself, I mean don't most people think themselves agreeable? Don't we all get upset by stress, that is why it is called stress!"
Diane Carpenter, Wickham, Hampshire: "Identified ideal place is Dorchester. Don't mind if I do!"
David Lake, Carlton Colville: "I would love to move to Chester but it's too expensive. This is my only reason of not moving."
Alex Keel, London: "I now realise why I hate London, I am the opposite of the map. I am not extrovert (dislike large social gatherings), quite agreeable (I like chatting to a shop assistant), don't like "openness" (I prefer things to stay as they are and don't like fancy developments). I am very conscientious, obviously not needed in slapdash London. In respect of "neuroticism", I suppose I do react to lots of London rubbish. The noise to start with, London is awful for noise. Then the vast amounts of people drive me round the bend. Why do I live in London? Because I have work here. I'd love to retire NOW and maybe the Isles of Scilly would be the place?"
Judy O' Carroll, Plymouth: "I answered the questions honestly and it comes up with my exact place of birth - Northallerton in Hambleton, north Yorkshire. I grew up there as a child. We had to leave in 1973, when I was 16, and I still miss it like mad."
Geraldine Valori, Cheltenham: "I've lived in Gloucestershire for 20 years, having moved there from London. There are many obvious positive features about living here and Cheltenham is viewed by many as an ideal place to live. However, I have never felt it to be the right place for me and always feel a square peg there. I return to London frequently and my heart rises when I reach the traffic lights on the Great Western Road. I always feel fully 'myself' in London, even when just walking along ordinary roads. It fits."
Douglas Pickstock, Crowborough, east Sussex. "I spent 46 years in the North West. I gave up my job, my marriage and moved to the South East. Stress? no not a bit. I love the South East as it fits beautifully with my personality. The best bits are positive attitude, less confrontational and more genteel. Humour and the ability to take criticism are things the South East could improve."
Jo Bevan, Market Harborough, Leicestershire:"Apparently I live in the exact right place for my personality. Win, win! 76% life satisfaction."
Derek Reeson, Redditch, Worcestershire. "As a young 60-year-old, my wife now wants to move to Bromsgrove, because of your survey, and send me to Skegness: Thanks a lot!"
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