We will be moving soon with an infant and are trying to best understand what Kreis/Districts/Postal Codes are ideal to live in. Here is what we are looking for:

* Area with other families - ex-pats
* Park or grassy knolls nearby
* Walking distance to train stop
* Apartment housing is fine
* Walking distance to grocery, dinner, etc would be nice too
* Don't need to be in the middle of the city centre with lots of bars/nightlife but a few nearby would be ok - just don't want to be living above one

As of now, we don't have a budget for a place, we are trying to narrow the location and go from there. Walking distance to the train station is a must as is having grassy areas nearby to take the dog on potty-breaks

I have researched other posts and it seems Kreis 7/Seefeld seems to be family oriented but I cannot seem to locate a Postal Code that is walking distance to the train station? Oh and husband will be taking the train every day to the airport for work -- just to give you and idea of distance and it would be nice if he didn't have to transfer trains - not sure how possible that is.

Any insight is appreciated!

Have a look around Bahnhof Stadelhofen, or the area Hottingen. Direct trains go to the airport the whole time from here. There are some small parks around, and the lake is not far away, as is the forest for longer walks. There seems to be quite many expats around, don't know about the kids. We have also walking distance to the city.

We are very happy about living in this area and can recommend it a lot!

Postal code 8032 is what you are looking for. Nice area, lots of expats, family friendly, lots of shops/restaurats etc.

Seefeld is 8008. We lived there for two years and it was great. Fantastic public transport, nice parks, close to the lake, lots of supermarkets etc. The only problem for us was that as our daughter got older (she is now 4) we realised that we would never be able to open the door and let her go and play outside with other kids by herself. If you live right next door to a park then you're okay but otherwise the roads can be very busy.

Having said that, though, it is a great area, but unfortunately that is also reflected in the price of apartments and the number that actually become available. But it's worth having a look if you decide you like the area.

Kate

I live in Wiedikon (Postal code 8045). We've got trams (Nos. 13 & 5) as well as the train station "Saalsporthalle" within spitting distance, with the lake or downtown just minutes away. To the rear of the apartments is the Allmend Brunau (huge open green area with a river, woods, picnic areas, dog walkers, horse riders etc.), shopping centres Brunaupark and Shilcity within 2 mins. walking distance, and a kind of "multi-culti" neighbourhood with lots of children, which I like.
It's not the smartest of areas in Zurich, but it certainly is lively, friendly and affordable (nice 5.5 room flat, 2 parking spaces in garage, huge cellar with washing machine/dryer and all extras: around Fr. 3'200 per month).
Your husband would have to change trains at the main station, but it's only a 7-minute trip to the main station with the S4 train from your doorstep.

Depending on the breed of dog, you might find an apartment less than an ideal choice. If both spouses are going to work all day, is there someone at home with the infant and dog? Landlords are going to ask you these questions so you best be prepared to face some opposition. A dog left alone all day confined to an apartment is not going to work. Most dog owners will opt for a house with a fenced garden. My advice is for you to consider looking outside the city for a more dog-friendly option. In my experience, clients have a budget before we start a house search. What you can or can't afford will often determine where you can look.

There are many families here who are not expats, but on local contracts, here on a long term basis. They are sending their children to local schools and they can be living just about anywhere.

Oerlikon it the best place in Zurich to live. All shops you need. All trains (7mins to Zurich, 7 mins to airport) you need. All the trams and buses you need. Schools. University. Parks. Hills. Restaurants. Cycle paths. Young families and couples. Great Farmer Markets. Mix of Ethnicities. No snobs and pretencious downtowners. Supermarkets (2 Large Coop, 2 Small ones. 2 Denners, 1 Large Migros, Aldi, Lidl...) Various Turkish groceries...

Pm me if you need a tour!

You make a great point -- however I will be home all day. We are moving for husband's work and our dog is only 10lbs. He doesn't shed and is well trained/house broken. He's one of your foofoo dogs but has quite a fun presonality

Hello there!

I live in Wiedikon in a Complex called "Zurich Binz" which is super family oriented (there are Krippes and Kindergarten on the ground floor, playing areas and so on).

We are 2 minutes from the Zurich Binz train station, 5 minutes to main station. We also have 4 trams in walking distance 5, 13, 9 and 14.

In the nearby area (all walking distance) you have all that you are looking for (grocery stores, pharmacies, some restaurants, big shopping centres, pediatricians, etc etc)

It is not as glam as some of the other area (but upside is that is it also not as expensive )

Postal codes for Wiedikon are 8045 and 8055.

Ciao
K

I live in 8046 Affoltern it is great here with so many things to do and look at, and for the more serious side of things we have a great Dr for our Daughter who speaks English, I resonantly had complications with a pregnancy an saw a wonderful Dr in Oerlikon, which is 7 Min away by train 10 by car, transport is fab.
There are allot of child care facility´s everywhere and you will find one for your needs. It seems that it you look around this postal area it is a good place to go.
When we were moving here I went to this site to find everything (i have put the link on 8046) it tells you what is near:

http://map.search.ch/8046-zuerich.en.html
have a look.
Regards
Amy

I agree with the previous post... oerlikon, especially the neu-oerlikon area is very child friendly and there is even a community center with an english speaking baby play group etc. Also, you will find that the price of a good apartment here is significantly lower than in the center of town. I assume that you you also want a lift and underground parking if you have kids... tough to find in Zurich center. Let me know if you need more info.

Good luck.