I'm going to be working for Credit Suisse at their Uetlibergstrasse office. I would really value some guidance as to the best place to start looking for an apartment, as I have no idea of what is what and where is where in Zurich.

I understand that public transport is excellent in the city, so a commute would be fine. My agency has me temporarily booked into a serviced apartment in Kloten, but I'd like to try and get a bit closer than that!

The idea of finding somewhere in a lower cost area (accommodation and taxes!) is appealing. Ideally, I'd like a 2 bedroom place for when my family come to visit. I'd like to be near to some decent shops, but night life is not important to me. I've set a maximum budget of CHF2000. Do you think this is realistic?

Looking on Homegate, I see several properties which seem to fit this profile, but as I say I don't know whether they are in the back of beyond, or the thick of the night club zone! I've even seen some places advertised on Uetlibergstrasse itself, which sounds really handy. Anyone know what tax zone this would fall into?

Can you offer any advice on how you go about getting an apartment? I've read that it is really difficult, and all the more so for a non German speaker. Are there any short-cuts and tricks, or is it really just a case of being "lucky" or in the right place at the right time?

Finally, I hope to find a lively English-speaking church to attend some weekends. My home church in UK is Independent Evangelical. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.