An Expat Talks about Moving to Zurich, Switzerland

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Zurich

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Wish to have left home = sandals, not so many skimpy summer clothes

Wish to have brought with me = good walking boots, better camera, vegemite

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

Moving to this area offers a great lifestyle plus easy access to city (Zurich). This is a small, peaceful village -- with a lake. Has basic ammenities eg. post office, Migros, Newsagent, Fab Doctors Clinic, kindergarten, school. Nearest major shopping centre is Volketsville or Uster. (10-15 mins either side of G/see). Public transport excellent. Accommodation is limited and best to try early in year and mid year as these are the main times for change of leasing.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

Share farm house. And no, I don't think this is normal, but it suited me very well. I think most expats would prefer the city. It was a share farm house with 2 blokes. However, take on board that public transport is very reliable and comfortable in Switzerland. Much better than my own country.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

I chose my house-share through advert on a supermarket notice board. After checking out inner city areas for share flats, it was so easy to take this house share because of area (quiet and close to travel to where I was working- Greifensee) and also train travel combined with car was excellent from and to this area to anywhere.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

As in this share (country village) situation, it was cheaper. There is more competition for utilities than in my country (Australia). However, in my experience, renting a whole apartment was much more expensive than my home country.