Hilsea is the happiest place to live in Portsmouth, according to a new survey

Hilsea is the happiest place to live in Portsmouth, according to a new survey.

The popular suburb was the highest rated location in the region in a list of the 70 happiest places by online store Furniturebox.

In second place in Portsmouth was Southsea, Wymering was third, Paulsgrove was fourth and Cosham was fifth.

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.

Furniturebox polled 5,000 people, with panels in each big city and county including Portsmouth.

Hilsea a family-friendly area with good schools, plenty of amenities, and decent transport links. The property prices are reasonable, although not the cheapest in Portsmouth.

Hilsea is home to UTC Portsmouth, the region’s only STEM specialist college - rated as outstanding by Ofsted and serving pupils aged 14-19.

Excellent local primaries include Gatcombe Park.

Popular pubs include the Coach & Horses and Green Posts both in London Road.

Furniturebox found that a good range of highly rated state primary and secondary schools was the key factor in boosting happiness. Many residents’ friendship groups came from people they met at the school gates while picking up their children.

A Furniturebox spokesperson said: “Hilsea is the happiest place to live in Portsmouth.

“All 70 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 70 are not the most affluent in their localities and have access to some affordable housing. The survey shows that the happiest places are not defined by wealth but by the quality of life within them.”

Furniturebox provides a choice of premium furniture representing value, quality and style with the very best contemporary and modern designs.

It guarantees next day delivery to nearly all addresses throughout the UK if the order is placed by 8pm the previous day.

Furniturebox was founded by former school friends Monty George and Dan Beckles, both aged 26, eight years ago and is already a rival to Dunelm, Habitat and Ikea as one of the UK’s leading furniture brands.

George and Beckles are part of a new breed of ‘Gen Z entrepreneurs’ creating ecommerce businesses worth millions.

Find out the full list of the UK’s 70 happiest places in Furniturebox’s guide