2025 Rankings for Ideal Living and Quality of Life in Northern Kanto Region

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, has released the results of its comprehensive living satisfaction survey: the "Good Room Network City Living Comfort Ranking 2025 (Northern Kanto Version)" and the "Good Room Network Desired City Ranking 2025 (Northern Kanto Version)." This year's survey presents some intriguing findings regarding where residents feel happiest and where they aspire to live.

Key Insights from the Living Comfort Ranking

For the seventh consecutive year, Moriya City in Ibaraki Prefecture maintained its top position, scoring exceptionally high with a deviation value in the 70s. This city, known for its excellent transportation links—being just a 32-minute commute to Akihabara—continues to be recognized as a prominent bed town.

Following closely, the second spot is held by Tokai Village in Ibaraki Prefecture, which has now held this position for five years running. Meanwhile, Yoshikawa Town in Gunma Prefecture took third place, moving up the ranks thanks to increased urban infrastructure and commercial facilities, making it an attractive option for residents.

Noteworthy Features of Moriya City

Moriya City has become synonymous with high living comfort, owing to its strategic location and well-planned urban development. The city is comprehensive in terms of lifestyle amenities, with parks, schools, and shopping areas, appealing to families and young professionals alike.

Growth of Yoshikawa Town

Yoshikawa Town’s rise in the rankings illustrates a growing trend towards suburban living, driven by improved access to main road networks like the Jo-Gan Bridge. Increased commercial activity demonstrates a budding population and economic growth, shifting perceptions about smaller towns.

Insights from the Desired City Ranking

In the “Desired City Ranking,” Tokyo's 23 wards topped the list for the fourth year in a row. Tsukuba City in Ibaraki came in second, and Takasaki City in Gunma remained in third place, reflecting an ongoing desire for urban living with convenient access to services and entertainment.

Tokyo continues to be a primary choice for many, particularly among younger demographics, whose lifestyle preferences lean heavily towards the vibrant city life that Tokyo uniquely offers. Additionally, Saitama City has surged to fourth place, capturing a growing interest as an attractive option close to the capital.

A significant finding from the survey is that 75.1% of respondents favor their current living arrangements, reflecting a sense of satisfaction among residents. The figures indicate a stable recognition of the areas where they reside, with many expressing a desire to stay put rather than seek out new locations.

Factors Influencing Rankings

The rankings were influenced by various factors including transportation convenience, living expenses, safety, and lifestyle amenities. Specific rankings cover elements like:

- Living Convenience: Isezaki City (Gunma) ranked third.
- Transportation: Shimotsuke City (Tochigi) also ranked third.
- Safety: Tsumagoi Village (Gunma) topped the security rankings.
- Affordability: Kanra Town (Gunma) leads the cost of living ranking.
- Disaster Preparedness: Minakami Town (Gunma) achieved the highest score.

These facets created a comprehensive picture of each city, facilitating residents' decisions based on specific needs.

Methodology of the Survey

This extensive study was conducted by Macromill, who gathered insights from over 41,000 participants across Northern Kanto, including Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma Prefectures. The demographic breakdown included a balanced representation of genders and marital statuses, as well as diverse age groups.

The survey ran from late February to early March 2025, allowing comprehensive data collection to capture the nuances and sentiment of residents regarding their communities.

For continuous insights into urban living and community satisfaction, the findings and methodologies can be further explored on the Good Room Network website and the press release.