A recent survey by Compare the Market revealed that we are
now so reserved and insular that only 25% of us would think about making an
effort to get to know our neighbours if we moved to a new area.
This surprising statistic prompted the Daily Telegraph to
search the UK for the places where good neighbourliness remains habitual, where
people greet each other with a friendly wave and community events such as
street parties are regularly organised.
Whilst friendliness is a subjective measure, here are their top 10
places where you could be confident of a warm welcome.
Keswick, Cumbria
Not only friendly to those of us on two legs but also the winner of the “Open for Dogs” prize so man’s best friend is also welcomed with open arms. The town is a great example of a community which relies on tourism but hasn't lost its own identity.
Harrogate, North
Yorkshire
Harrogate has been voted the happiest community in Britain
for the last two years in a survey by Rightmove which takes into account
factors such as good neighbourliness and the beauty of surrounding area.
Taunton, Somerset
The county cricket ground, beloved of West Country sports
fans, is legendary for its relaxed good humour.
An abundance of independent shops and businesses in the town centre
reveals a quirky and confident community – and the excellent local cider also
helps keep everyone in a good mood!
Plymouth, Devon
This naval city is the most bicycle-friendly place in the
country, according to a survey by Virgin Money.
Gateside, Fife
Winner of the friendliest community in Britain competition
run by Tesco – not bad for a community of just 200.
Narberth,
Pembrokeshire
When a family with a badly injured serviceman moved to
Narbeth, the locals immediately organised a cake sale which raised £6,500 for
the charity Help for Heroes.
Bramhall, Stockport
With over 70 clubs, societies and sports groups, you’ll
never be bored in Bramhall.
Henley-on-Thames,
Oxfordshire
Good neighbourliness is in the DNA of Henley and, for a
celebrity hot-spot, it remains remarkably down to earth.
Haddenham,
Buckinghamshire
There are so many communal activities – church fetes,
concerts, fun runs, am-dram productions, bridge clubs, pub quizzes – that there
is generally something for everyone to get involved with.
North Dorset
A 2012 government survey found that 93% of residents felt
that they lived in an area where “neighbours look after each other”.
