BUSINESSES praised the town for being the happiest place to live in Northumberland.
The historic town of Hexham was the highest-rated location in the county in a list of the 75 happiest places.
In second place in Northumberland was Corbridge, Alnwick was third, Morpeth was fourth, and Bamburgh was fifth.
Online store Furniturebox polled 5,000 people, with panels in each big city and county, including Northumberland.
Locations were ranked according to the beauty of the surroundings and green spaces, provision of good state schools and affordable housing, as well as access to quality pubs, restaurants, independent shops and cultural attractions.
More: The best snack stops on the A69 from Carlisle to Hexham
More: Hexham schools join movement to delay smartphone use
Hexham offers a desirable balance between a relaxed countryside lifestyle and convenient access to amenities, with excellent schools, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings, according to the survey by Furniturebox.
The town was recognised for its high quality of life, with residents highlighting its friendly atmosphere, rich history, and numerous parks, shops, and cultural attractions like the Queen's Hall.
A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Hexham is the happiest place to live in Northumberland.
“All 75 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why the UK is such a wonderful place to live, loved by visitors from all over the world.
“Most of the locations in the top 75 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing, including Hexham, which is very popular with families.
"The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them."
Resident Kelly Murray said: "I chose to move to Hexham with my family, and absolutely love it here! It's the happiest I have ever been, I love my job, I love the options for entertainment the place has - a cinema, and a theatre for heaven's sake, so many places don't have that," she added.
Mandy Mullett said: "I absolutely love Hexham, it has my heart!"
Katherine PD added: "Great place to live. Lived in Newcastle for years: Hexham is much better. There is a great quality of life here."
Paige Bennetts said: "Very new to the council estate end of Hexham and can say I absolutely love it, I would never opt to move away from Hexham."
Mayor and town councillor Derek Kennedy said: “Once again, Hexham tops the chart for being the happiest place to live. It’s a fantastic place to live, and we have such great events with all the community engaged. Excellent facilities with arts, sports, education, parks and countryside.”
Meanwhile, many businesses praised the town for its community, range of shops and restaurants, and access to green spaces.
However, some businesses were concerned with the amount of construction work taking place in town, including The Shambles, reparations on Hallstile Bank and the Corbridge to Hexham cycling route.
HoneyB Flowers on Battle Hill said: "The community of Hexham is fantastic. Lots of lovely shops, restaurants and green spaces. A lovely place to work and live."
Clare Edwin of jewellery store LollaMac, on St Mary's Chare, said: "It's certainly the happiest place I've ever lived. We moved here eight years ago, and I absolutely love it. I think it's got so much to offer. Yes, there are issues, no town doesn't, but I think we are very lucky to have what we have on our doorsteps.
"We're well located, with a range of shops, restaurants, cafes, parks - there's a lot to do. The Forum and the Queen's Hall have all sorts of things going on, and we don't need to rely on going into Newcastle for lots of things."
Clare opened in Hexham in June 2024 and said she has had a positive reaction to her business, which also offers jewellery-making workshops.
More: LollaMac jewellery to open shop in Hexham, Northumberland
More: Hexham in top five happiest places to live in Northumberland
"People love coming in and doing those because they can completely get away from other things and clear their heads. It's a joyful way of spending time."
Clare added that the businesses Green Bee and Obscuria also run craft sessions, and there's a 'huge range of creative craft-based workshops on offer' in town.
"There's a lot of evidence that doing creative things can help with your mindset, and if you're feeling low, it can clear your head. We've got so many things that people can come and do, so even in the darker days of winter, you can find something nice to do to make you happy."
Trish Hannant, owner of gift shop Pretty Flamingo on Market Street, said she loves living in Hexham, which has many facilities to offer, including places to eat and independent shops.
"It's great for retiring, and great for young families with lots of activities going on," she said. "The independent shops are great and they're all different. In the Sele park, it doesn't matter what time of year it is, it looks beautiful. We are so lucky to live here, and people move here to live."
Stephen Brownsteele, owner of fellow Market Street business, LORE of Hexham, said: “Being voted the happiest place to live in Northumbria is no surprise, although I’m sure it’ll generate some consternation from our neighbours in Corbridge! I always tell the tourists who come into LORE that they are in the happiest place to live and this is just another feather in our cap.”
Liz, who works on the same street at lingerie store Petals, said Hexham has plenty of friendly people and the independent shops make the town what it is.
"We've got a lovely park, fantastic restaurants, and lovely walks, like down by the river. We've got a huge selection of cafes too," she added.
Owner of interiors and homeware shop French and Wilder on Market Place, Nathan Wilder, said new businesses are opening constantly in town and thinks Hexham is 'progressing well'.
"The housing market has changed quite a bit and more people want to live here," he said. "We've had some setbacks, but everyone has them. The town's going through changes, but that's to make it better and we can only go up," Nathan said.
"There's a positive buzz about this year's Christmas, and the town can make positive new steps."
Amy Moffat, owner of Travels Of Amy M (TRAM) in the Market Place, said she thinks the 'sense of community' is what makes Hexham the happiest place to live.
"Because it's small, it feels like there's a real vibe, especially being in the small business scene, there's definitely a feeling that everyone rallies together and cares about each other.
"I go into Newcastle to get my energy and chaos fix and come back here for peace."
Share