Where are residents most satisfied in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, or Kanagawa?

If you live in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, or Kanagawa, how do you like your neighborhood? A massive survey covering more than 250,000 residents across the Greater Tokyo area has revealed where people are happiest staying long-term, and for the fifth year in a row, the small seaside town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture has topped the list.

I often hear fellow foreigners talk about the trade-offs of city versus suburban living, and it's something I've experienced myself, having lived both in downtown Tokyo and in the outer 'burbs during my years before moving to Niigata. I feel like Tokyo wards like Meguro or Bunkyo (which also appear in the top 10) are often praised for convenience and access to culture, but the survey suggests that residents place just as much value on emotional attachment and pride in their community as they do on train lines and shopping options.

Ultra-urban living, or nature and community? In the case of this survey, it seems like the latter wins!

Hayama is a perfect example. It has no railway network of its own, and transportation isn't all that convenient compared to some other places. However, the combo of sea and mountains, the relaxed atmosphere, and a strong community spirit seem to outweigh people's practical concerns. Neighboring Kamakura and Zushi placed second and third, really cementing the Shonan region's reputation as a place people don't just move to, but choose to stay in.

What factors are a "must" for you when it comes to choosing a location to live?