Although I don't live there, I wish people would stop bashing Kreis 4 in ZH; it's really no worse than any other metropolitan area in any other European country and I'd say not bad as a downtown neighbourhood in which to live. Certainly more desirable then downtown UK neighbourhoods. There are many positive factors to living in Kreis 4:

• parks (safe! no needles! Children playing!)
• fantastic appartments in beautiful buildings
• excellent cinemas
• bistros and restaurants
• clubs
• boutiques
• markets
• diversity
• street festivals
• excellent transport links
• inexpensive
• Somehow, a community feel. Shock.
• minutes from the river/main station/anywhere
• need I go on?

Obviously there are undesirable elements such as the drug scene, prostitution etc. but if you live in Zurich I challenge you to tell me those things don't go on in your neighbourhood. Seefeld is a hotbed, albeit somewhat gentrified. Drugs and prostitution are everywhere.

If you're expecting a Suburban environment, Kreis 4 is going to be a shock; to anyone from a city, it's really not bad If you feel young at heart, you'll die of boredom in Seefeld... unless you're another Yuppie

Try Kreis 4 for six months: you can always 'upgrade' if the environment is too vibrant for you. It's a good introduction to Zürich, and a friendly place to boot!