Edinburgh Joins Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Paisley, Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Dumfries And Kilmarnock As Scotland’s Most Joyful Cities In 2025 Happy At Home Survey

Published on December 6, 2025

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Paisley, Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Dumfries, and Kilmarnock have been named the happiest places to live and travel in Scotland and the UK for 2025. These cities stand out not only for their scenic beauty and rich history but also for their affordable living, vibrant communities, and a high quality of life. Residents in these areas have rated their satisfaction highly, contributing to their strong rankings in the Rightmove Happy at Home study, which factors in property prices, local amenities, and overall well-being.

Scotland’s most joyful places to live have been revealed in Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home study. The study ranks the happiest locations in the UK, based on responses from thousands of residents across over 200 areas. Surprisingly, the title of “happiest place to live in Scotland” doesn’t go to the well-known cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow, but to Stirling.

Stirling, a historic city situated in central Scotland, topped the list, earning eighth place in the UK-wide rankings. Known for its iconic landmarks, such as the medieval Stirling Castle and the 19th-century National Wallace Monument, the city offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Its residents consistently rated the city as the happiest place to live in Scotland, which is perhaps unsurprising given its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.

The property market in Stirling stands out too, with home prices significantly lower than many of the other happiest places in the UK. The average asking price for a home in Stirling is £226,547, and monthly rents average around £1,208. These affordable housing prices make it an attractive choice for many people, especially when compared to the soaring property costs of larger cities across the country.

Not far behind Stirling, Kirkcaldy in Fife claimed the second spot for the happiest place in Scotland. Ranked 56th overall in the UK, Kirkcaldy is a town with a population of around 50,000, located just 11 miles from Edinburgh. Kirkcaldy is known for its local attractions, such as the Kirkcaldy Galleries and the Adam Smith Theatre, making it an appealing destination for both residents and visitors alike. The town also hosts the Kirkcaldy Links Market, which is Europe’s longest street fair and takes place every year around Easter, adding to the town’s charm.

Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, came in third place, securing 69th place on the national list. The city, famous worldwide for its stunning architecture, cobbled streets, and cultural events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, continues to be a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Despite being a bustling city, Edinburgh offers an unbeatable combination of historical landmarks, cultural richness, and vibrant urban life, contributing to its strong ranking.

The cities of Inverness and Perth rounded out the top five happiest places to live in Scotland. Inverness, known for its stunning location near the Scottish Highlands, offers access to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Perth, situated on the banks of the River Tay, benefits from its scenic surroundings, including two beautiful public parks. Both cities, ranked 75th and 80th in the UK-wide rankings, have become popular spots for those seeking a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty.

Other notable places in Scotland that made it to the top 10 include Paisley, Dumfries, and Kilmarnock, which ranked sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. Dundee, a city known for its innovative cultural scene and vibrant tech industry, and Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, both secured the ninth and tenth spots, respectively. While Glasgow’s bustling city life and diverse culture may appeal to many, its high population and busy urban environment place it lower on the happiness scale compared to other more tranquil spots in Scotland.

The study also highlighted an interesting trend that people living in rural areas tended to be happier than those living in urban or suburban locations. Those residing in areas close to rivers, woodlands, or the coast reported higher levels of happiness. Similarly, living near national parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) also contributed to a greater sense of well-being. It seems that people value not only their homes but also their wider surroundings and the community in which they live.

According to Rightmove, happiness is not just about the property itself but also about the wider community and accessibility to the things that matter most to people. This sentiment resonates in places like Stirling and Kirkcaldy, where the combination of affordable housing, strong local communities, and natural beauty helps foster a sense of well-being.

In summary, Stirling, with its rich history, affordable property prices, and vibrant community, was crowned Scotland’s happiest place to live, followed closely by Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh. With its stunning landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, Scotland continues to offer a variety of locations for those seeking a happy and fulfilling life. From historic cities to quiet towns, these locations prove that happiness can be found in many forms across the country.

Here is a list of the happiest places to live in Scotland, according to the 2025 Rightmove Happy at Home study:

1. Stirling
2. Kirkcaldy
3. Edinburgh
4. Inverness
5. Perth
6. Paisley
7. Dumfries
8. Kilmarnock
9. Dundee
10. Glasgow