Zürich has long been on my list of top cities I would consider living in. The combination of high quality of living, good diversity of nearby experiences with both a large lake to enjoy during summer and the Alps to enjoy throughout the year, as well as being the right size and one of the safest cities in the world.
And while I hadn't been here before myself, I'm lucky to have a few really good friends living here who I had the opportunity to visit now that the pandemic is finally over.
Why I love Zurich
Zurich is in some ways quite similar to Oslo, the capital of Norway where I currently live. The cities are of similar size and population. Both have high wages, a high standard of living, and safety. And finally, they both have nearby waters as well as nearby mountains and/or skiing opportunities in winter. The best of two worlds! Where Zurich may pull slightly ahead though, is 1. by being much further south and thus providing a significantly longer summer season, and 2. by having more traditional architecture.
While Oslo is increasingly building "modern" buildings that are in my opinion rather soulless, the Swiss are probably the most stubborn and conservative people in this regard. Did you throw paper in the wrong trash can or wrapped it in the wrong packaging? Well, then you can choose between a significant fine or going to prison for a few days. Insisting on keeping the architecture in the city center true to its heritage, there are strict rules and regulations about how renovations or new building projects can be done.
As a result, the city center looks and feels much like it did all the way back in the 14th century. I've always preferred traditional architecture, ideally with a modern interior still carrying classic traits.
Who can help but love those tiny indoor-balconies?!
Thus, I'm a big fan of such policies. Greedy real estate agents should not be allowed to ruin cities with their "cost-efficient" and "modern" apartments that look just like shopping containers or Lego bricks out together into a square and dull shapes.
Plenty of places to treat yourself!
Of course, Switzerland is famous for its amazing chocolate. So despite having originally planned on going one month without sugar, there was no way that I could resist visiting a well-known cafe during our city tour in order to try out some swiss treats!
It's safe to say that I will be back again here soon. Maybe even again this year either during the end of the ski season to enjoy more time in the Alpine slopes, or in summer to try the mid-summer life by the lake.
And although I would consider Zurich a place that I could move to, I'll probably end up staying in Oslo for the short and mid term. After all, Zurich is still really expensive, but with low taxes. So from an economic perspective, it would make more sense to move there later on in life.
That said, I could absolutely get used to walking around a gorgeous city like this:
What about you? What are your favorite places in Europe that you like to visit or dream about moving to? Let me know in the comments!
It looks lovely. Not sure why I was not there when I lived in Europe back in the days. I do not know much about cities in Europe other than the UK, Germany and France. I would love to live in Portugal or Spain if I attain financial freedom in the next 10-15 years.
BTW-
You should go there some day! I have a søight preference for the Alps in Northern Italy and Southern Austria, with Sud Tirol and Bolzano in Italy being my favourite of all.
It's looks excellent. It must be super expensive to live in Zurich, especially it's a high quality city. I agree there is a good diversity of experiences and living standard. It looks a bit like Venice mixed with Switzerland !
I like that cafe kind of style/architecture/environment stuff, but to be honest I can't remember when I was there many years ago. Probably many has changed in terms of culture.
But raising a family there =) nop... I am on the best place to raise a family (I reckon). =) no bias at all LOL
Switzerland:
Sounds like wonderful place to start a family. /s
I had to laugh when my friends told me about the trouble they got into when they packed their paper disposals in the wrong containers. Quite surreal.
But then again, so many big cities look like dumpsters. When I was in Paris for 2 years, I grew so tired of it. So if I had to choose then I would rather pick the city where they enforce strict recycling and keep the city clean.
I do agree that there are many places in the world that are more friendly,but having now travelled to 61 countries, I find that there are always trade offs. No places Re perfect with regards to everything, so one just have to choose what are the most important factors to one's own well being. Luckily, there's a lot to choose from.
beautiful city, I hope someday I can jump the pond and go visit it
Yep probably one of the best cities!
I live in Venezuela and I would love to visit and, if possible, stay and live there. For example, I would like to get to know Italy and specifically Rome, Napoli and Venice, as well as visiting Hungary, the Czech Republic, in short, almost all of Europe.
nice photos and places
beautiful place. The architecture is similar to the city of PUNDA, CURACAO, with cafes and shops in an old and picturesque style
Hi @fredrikaa , great post about Zurich, i was living there 25 years, and known all this places.
But, i have another question, about the WP ExxP Plugin: is this project dead? Because, no one seems to update the plugin, and it is not working on couple of my sites. I have asked this in plugins page, but no answers there. So i try here, maybe you can give me more information's about this plugin, if it is dead, and if will be supported in future?
Many thanks.
Regards