I work in Luzern, and agree with everyone about the transport and living statements. One thing is you should look into is the tax situation, each city and each canton has different tax rates. Luzern is not far from Zug canton, and you may find not only the apartment rent being cheaper, but the year end taxes as well. Luzern is actually quite small, in my opinion. Being in say Rotkreuz, Zug, or Baar, and Baar only being 20 minutes away by train, would put you closer to more towns, and closer to Zurich, and cheaper over all. Google SBB timetable, and an english page will come up that will show you travel times and how much it will cost you.
I wouldn't worry about feeling alone, this part of Switzerland is unlike any other country except maybe the UK, when concerning english speakers and foreigners. I have lived in Paris, France elsewhere, and Portugal, and you will never hear so much english as you will where you are heading.
I personally love the east coast, and even though the architecture and the culture are different, I think you will find places like Luzern and Zug to be quite interesting.