Hello. I am considering moving to Lugano Switzerland, if offered. Before I make such a life altering descision, however, I would like to learn as much as I can about Lugano, before visiting.

It is obviously a beautiful city situated in a remarkable landscape. A good place to visit, certainly, but what is it like to live there. Learning the answer to this question is my reason for joining this forum.

Never lived in Lugano, but we have visited.

The first to be said is that it is a LOT smaller than New York with all the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. If you are an avid (clothes) shopper, you might be disappointed - however, Milan is not too far away so you can always go there for the day. What you will probably enjoy is the quality of food. In addition, Lugano, being south of the Alps, is the "Sonnenstube" meaning the sunny part of Switzerland. It is also very beautiful.

Do you speak Italian?

Well, don't stress that much!
If you dont like it, well it will reinforce your feelings for NY or give you opportunity to have a new experience and make you realise even more what you like/dont like.

Also, you will be in the middle of Europe, quite some opportunities to travel to bigger city if you dont like "Lugano". For example Zurich, or anything close by plane! I suppose London is hardly 2hours flight away.

But yes I suppose its very small and can be quite a shock compared to big cities.

Hi and welcome. How do you compare The Apple with grapes and oranges? Lugano and NY are so vastly different, a comparison is bordering on the ridiculous. It just depends on YOU and what you enjoy. Lugano is just stunning, surrounded by the most amazing lakes and countryside, with a definite Italian flavour - as said above you can drive or take the train, to Milan, Florence, the Genoa Riviera for the week-end - or head to the Swiss or Italian Alps with fabulous skiing, hiking, etc. There is a lot going on culturally too concerts, theatre, festivals, etc - but no NY it ain't. Without knowing a lot more about you and what you enjoy, it is hard to advise.

Thanks for the welcoming comments. Don't imagine me some "Sex in the City" type. I moved to NYC after college to enter the publishing industry, and immediately feel in love with Brooklyn's brownstones, waterfront, and laidback attitude. Manhattan and it's neighborhoods are wonderful, but so is the modern silk road known as Queens and the formidable fortress known as the Bronx.

At any rate, as much as I love the place, NY can brutalize you on a daily basis. This is part of the reason a move is on my mind.

I know what you mean but I still love NY ...

Lugano is a small city; if you don't understand (and ev. speak) italian I imagine it could be very boring to live there and a N.Y. could feel very lonely there.

Lugano can offer a peaceful, quiet life, which can be a welcome break from the life in a city like N.Y. But the reverse of the medal is that you'd have to give up all the commodities and fascinating things you can enjoy in the Big Apple.

Unfortunately, I don't live in Lugano, coz id' love to exchange my flat with you and go to live in New-York..for a while.

Good luck

It depends on your phase in life. Are you now with husband and family?
If so, Ticino might be a good alternative for you.

If you are a swinging single, I think it would be BORING.

Forced to make an answer without more details, as you are seriously considering it, I would say definitely go for it if offered. Don't forget your sunglasses! Very nice place to be for a more gentle introduction to Switzerland.

More about me. I am indeed married with a small child.

Love the song/video

Fantastic footage. Thank you.

I am a new member to the EF and have enjoyed Switzerland now for many years visiting in and around the Zurich canton. I am looking to move permanently and leave my old life and career to acquire a whole new swiss adventure. Can anyone advise me as to where is the best place to look for a management role in health related industry? All help welcome

I have found that Switzerland is generally a good, relaxing place to bring up kids. I would have no hesitation in moving to Lugano. I have applied for jobs there on a couple of occasions. Great playground by the lake, good weather, a beach of sorts, nice friendly people.

Ciao from The South

Can you come up with some practical questions / issues that you can think of?
The american families / individuals I personally know all seem to enjoy it here. They eventually return to USA once or twice per year, eventually get some stuff via Amazon or whatever, some choose to "integrate" (i.e. befriend the locals).
Consider your living here as a pleasant "downshift", and ask yourself - is this what I want?

Anyway - if I can be of any help, just feel free to write / PM me.

Ciao

Paul
(almost local since most of my life, LOL)

You musta be kidding, Sir!
Have you ever seen just how many come to this side of the alps (from neighboring Italy) just for our nightclubs?

P.