I was reminded of this test on the BBC website the other day for finding out where you should live based on your personality. If you like silly personality tests on social media you’ll love this!
Unlike many social media quizzes however this one is based in scientific research, published in Rentfrow P.J., Jokela M., & Lamb, M.E. (2015). Regional Personality Differences in Great Britain.
The way that personality varies across places is fascinating to me. I’m reminded of Savage’s concept of ‘elective belonging’ – that we can ‘elect’ to belong somewhere (Savage, Bagnall & Longhurst: 2005). And although I suspect we rarely consciously think ‘oh this place suits my personality’ I wonder how much we subconsciously take our personality into account when we choose where to live?
Oh and in case you were wondering this was my test result – pretty close huh?:
Shetland Islands 72% Life Satisfaction
We predict that a personality type like yours would experience 72% life satisfaction in Shetland Islands.
Located 100 miles off the mainland, the Shetland Islands’ economies are dependent on fishing, farming and the petroleum industries. The rocky islands enjoy short mild summers and long, cool winters.
The district ranked the second lowest in Britain for extraversion, and the fourth highest for agreeableness. Levels of all other traits – openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism – were average for Britain.
Population density
20/km²
Ranked 373 of 380
Average age
39 years
Ranked 272 of 380
Average annual income
25,207
Ranked 194 of 375
Dr Rosie Alexander 
According to this test I should move to Oxford (64%) or the South Hams! I may be richer and more intellectual than I previously suspected. (Where I live now suits me 58%)