Community life lifts the spirits

ARE you happy with your home? Not just your bricks and mortar but your local community? It's a question that people of all ages are asking themselves when looking to relocate, whether they're retired or have young families.

- By Deborah Stone

Research by Rightmove and the Home Builders Federation this year found that friendly neighbours and well-kept open spaces indicate a safe neighbourhood with a clean environment. The 1,000 members of Rightmove's research panel also identified the importance of events and celebrations in spaces shared by the local community.

"Finding the right place to call home isn't just about the house itself, it's about the lifestyle and connections that come with it," says Alex Slater, Rightmove's commercial director. "There are many emotional factors driving decision-making when it comes to buying a home. It's clear from our research that thoughtfully designed communities can make a real difference to peoples' lives."