Hello, I am new to this thread but have been trying to follow the various conversations regarding where to live in Zurich. I apologize if my question is redundant with an earlier post.

I have been reading the forum with interest as I will be on a 4-6 month work assignment in Zug. My assignment will start in April 08 (Wanted to get the lay of the land earlier rather than later). My wife and 1 yr old son will be joining me. I would like to be near shops, restaurants and parks - not interested in nightclubs etc.

I will have a vehicle (as much for weekend/holiday travel as a potential commuter) which if worse comes to worse can be parked in my company parking lot if parking too difficult to access or find. For some context, I currently live in Southern California and my commute to and from work in traffic is about 45 minutes each way.

Can handle my current commute time of 45 min in Switzerland to insure my wife and child are in an enjoyable and pleasant area. I have driven frequently in Europe and am fine with driving but also not opposed to in utilizing the excellent public transportation.

For Zurich I am interested in:

Kreis 8 - Sounds like a nice quaint area close to the city center. However, my wife and I are both laid back and friendly and not interested in snobby people. More importantly, I am trying to figure out the commute. How's traffic at 6:30-7:00 AM and long would it take drive to Zug? I figure if I took the train from Stadlelhofen it would take about 40mins each way.

Kreis 1 - Probably a long shot - I'm guessing parking impossible but if near Zurich HB might work - Limited selection of apartments etc. Any thoughts?

Kreis 2 - Would probably try to be close to the lake and more North than South. How would commute be to Zug living in Kreis 2 vs 8?

I am open to other areas such at Kreis 7 but that seems like it might be really a difficult commute?

Thank you for any advice of suggestions you can provide.