Ilford has been deemed the second unhappiest place to live in the UK after east London, according to a property website.

Rightmove questioned 25,000 people in October about their contentment with everything from the size, value and decor of their homes to safety, their neighbours’ friendliness and the quality of local amenities.

South-east London took third place behind east London and Ilford, while Carlisle is the happiest place to live, according to the survey.

John Sharrock, chairman of community group Barkingside 21, said: “I’m surprised people aren’t happy in Ilford as we have so many great attractions close by and I think people must ignore these.

“If I was going to put it down to something, I would say it is the lack of community, but I think people should get more involved if they feel this way and try to change things. They can do something about it.”

The results were worked out by postcode, with Ilford being IG1-IG10, so some areas of Redbridge were left out.

Cllr Filly Maravala said: “I can well believe that Ilford has been voted this. There is a lack of housing and huge inequalities amongst residents. Unemployment is high, adding to the social pressures making people unhappy.”

Twelve questions were put to respondents and Ilford came out the worst for friendliness in the whole country.

Overall, the bottom 10 places on the list were all in London and the home counties except for Oldham, near Manchester.

Cllr Paul Canal said: “Only last month it was the fastest rising tourist destination in Europe. Places are never unhappy, only some people are, and often these people equate happiness with possessions.”

Miles Shipside, commercial director of the website Rightmove, said the study showed that people’s perceptions of the attractiveness of an area go beyond the strength of the housing market and other purely financial considerations.