LOCALS living in the town named UK’s best place to live have revealed why they love it – and don’t want to leave.
Wadhurst yesterday received the prestigious title, topping the list as the number one spot Brits should want to live.
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A number of crucial factors were considered – including schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.
Judges say the East Sussex market town has “pretty much everything needed for modern life in miniature”.
And those who already call the village agree – which is why the weren’t surprised to hear they’d landed the top spot.
Wadhurst residents describe the town as the “best of both worlds”.
It’s filled with smiling people who say hello to you as you wander it’s paved streets, and everyone gives you a friendly wave as you pass by.
The village is made up of thriving, independently owned shops, but also it’s small enough to escape the hustle and bustle.
However, if you want to see the seaside, or head into London for the day, you’re just an hour away.
However, most see no reason to leave – or even go on holiday.
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Jana Howard, 41, who owns Piccolo Cafe, is one of those.
The cafe was the first coffee shop in town when she built it up a little under three years ago.
The mum is originally from Slovakia, but has called the area home for 15 years.
She says the town has everything she needs – so there’s no need for big getaways.
Jana told The Sun Online: “I commute to work by foot – that’s what I love about the village.
“You’ve got everything you need.
“You have the seaside in 40-45 minutes – it’s beautiful. There’s nice walks.”
The 41-year-old has watched the town grow from nothing, she said.
Jana continued: “It’s developed – there were so many people moving here from away.
“But we know everyone – it’s like a community hub.”
Her “right and left hand” woman, Lucie Barton, 43, agreed.
She said: “You’ve got everything an hour away.”
John O’Sullivan, 60, ditched London 17 years ago for a slower lifestyle to raise his sons.
And he has no regrets.
The dad-of-two said: “We came here, got a real good feel of community.
“You walk around on Saturdays and everyone says hello.”
He added: “I’m more than happy here.
“It takes an hour into town (London) – you get the best of both worlds.
“That’s why we came here.”
The market town boasts five cafes, an art gallery, a top-end butcher and grocer, a couple of decent pubs, and even a dog groomers.
Amanda Bussey, 58, who works at Burnett’s real estate, said everyone supports the smaller local businesses, too.
She said: “You don’t have to go to a major store.
“It’s such a buzzing place to be – it suits all ages.
“Everything’s easy.”
Amanda said the town is “thriving”, adding: “We’ve never been so busy.
“I love Sussex and I will not be moving.”
James Torrance, 56, started the town’s first barbers James and Co almost a decade ago.
He’s watched it go from success to success – and he loves it.
The 56-year-old said: “It’s a lovely town, it’s got everything you need.”
The manager at local art gallery Wing Dani Humberstone, 57, mirrored everything her fellow locals said.
She said: “We’ve got a station and it’s easy to get here.
“It’s incredibly friendly.”
But, what’s the worst thing about the best place to live in the UK?
“Flipping traffic,” Dani said.
Jana agreed, adding: “The parking is awful.
“There’s more and more people – often they get put off.
“The traffic and parking is the only bad thing.”
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