Wokingham is the answer! According to a new report published by Public Health England, it has the lowest premature mortality rates of all local authorities in England, with 200 deaths under the age of 75 per 100,000. Manchester, which came out worst, had 455.
According to a 2007 study by Halifax, the town was named best in Britain; average earnings of £744 a week put Wokingham residents in the top 5% earners in the country, and 84% owned their own homes. Last year, another survey named Wokingham as the best place to bring up a family, citing low crime rates and good schools.
What makes an area healthier than any other? "It's the social, cultural and economic conditions in which people are born, live, work and age, across a whole life course," says Dr Jessica Allen, deputy director of University College London's Institute of Health Equity.
Kate Lole, who organises the Wokingham festival, an annual food and arts event, suggests that, aside from the affluence of the area, the strong sense of community has played a big role in local health and happiness.
Michael Lawrence, an entrepreneur and chair of governors at a Wokingham primary school, cites the proximity to both London and the countryside as being the best of both worlds. "You have the possibility of a career in London, as well as lovely countryside nearby and lots of active things to do outdoors," he says.
John Harrison, a bellringer and semi-retired engineer, who has lived in the town since 1967, sounds a more cautious note, saying there are "Too many cars, and housing development pressure." Which suggests Wokingham may be becoming a victim of its own success.
According to a 2007 study by Halifax, the town was named best in Britain; average earnings of £744 a week put Wokingham residents in the top 5% earners in the country, and 84% owned their own homes. Last year, another survey named Wokingham as the best place to bring up a family, citing low crime rates and good schools.
What makes an area healthier than any other? "It's the social, cultural and economic conditions in which people are born, live, work and age, across a whole life course," says Dr Jessica Allen, deputy director of University College London's Institute of Health Equity.
Kate Lole, who organises the Wokingham festival, an annual food and arts event, suggests that, aside from the affluence of the area, the strong sense of community has played a big role in local health and happiness.
Michael Lawrence, an entrepreneur and chair of governors at a Wokingham primary school, cites the proximity to both London and the countryside as being the best of both worlds. "You have the possibility of a career in London, as well as lovely countryside nearby and lots of active things to do outdoors," he says.
John Harrison, a bellringer and semi-retired engineer, who has lived in the town since 1967, sounds a more cautious note, saying there are "Too many cars, and housing development pressure." Which suggests Wokingham may be becoming a victim of its own success.
