The majority of people in Britain living in city locations would be happier living closer to work, compared to only just 8% of those living in rural areas, a new study has found.
Overall 70% would move at a time when there is a growing trend for homes with a short commute as people want to achieve more of a work life balance, according to the research from Canary Wharf Group.
It also found that 47% of Londoners would consider moving nearer to their place of work, while 40% in Birmingham said they would, 37% of Oxford residents and 33% of people living in Newcastle and York.
Belfast, Aberdeen and Southampton residents are least likely to consider a move at 14%, 15% and 17% respectively while those aged 25 to 34 are most likely to consider relocating, with 63% saying that they would consider it, as did 43% of 35 to 44 year olds.
In addition, 70% of respondents in city areas say they would be happier living closer to their place of work, compared to just 8% of those living in rural areas. Overall, 34% said they would be happier if they lived closer to their place of work.
Proximity to the office ranks among the top factors when looking to move home, cited by 48%, while 53% said being alongside local amenities, 56% having a garden and just 25% for good schools.
The average UK commute lasts 32 minutes and covers 22 miles, spanning various modes of transport with the majority using car or van at 65%, versus 17% by foot and 10% by bike.
Older respondents were most likely to walk at least part of their way to work, which is perhaps correlated to the fact that a larger proportion of them live closer to their places of work. Almost a quarter of 45 to 64 year olds walk either part or all of their way to work, compared to just 7% of 25 to 34 year-olds.
