I am not rich enough on my UK government pensions to live in Switzerland, so I live just South of Lac Leman, in France, but close enough to the border to visit Switzerland (and Northern Italy) regularly. There is no difference in the beauty of the Alps - after all, the borders are merely man-made.
I spent seven weeks with my daughter and her family in New Zealand (South Island, near Nelson) in February and March, cleverly managing to have two summers this year. The mountains are lakes are very similar to those near my home. I will go to live with them when I feel I have had enough of visiting the beautiful, historic towns and villages of Europe - the only thing that NZ lacks for me. (Oh, I am not sure I can get UK TV there - I have Freesat in France).
I suppose a lot depends on where you have family, what you can afford, where you are able to work, and where you are comfortable with the language.

New York City. I miss the energy

I've lasted 18 months, but I'm looking at the door!

So I'm posting this in case it might help someone with the same situation as I had

Requirements were:
1. High income
2. Partytown
3. Retirement prospect

Background
Have lived in London, Berlin, Sydney
Work in investment banks (business analysis)
Single, no children, no fixed overheads

(a) Work and money
Sydney has a shortage of experienced staff in my profession so getting a well paid job (AUD 200/CHF280) is very easy and Zürich was the same. But although salaries look higher in reality this is offset by everything being so bloody annoyingly expensive. Especially if you like meat or flying around the world

(b) Party
Zürich is a cemetery compared to London, Berlin or even Sydney
And the locals speak their own version of German that is totally different to any hochDeutsch that you might have learnt. Women here look great but smoking is way too widespread. Although Zürich is in the middle of Europe flying to other nearby places for parties last minute is extortionate compared to london eg CHF 400 to fly 90 mins to Amsterdam/Vienna. Special mention for those that like eating out: don't bother. London/Berlin/Sydney superior on price and choice

(c) Retirement
Costs are high, so you can commit to living here (means pouring money into the pension system) or move somewhere remote or try to buy (v expensive) property

Personal Verdict:
expensive and boring

From my point of view Vienna sounds more fun (but fewer job opportunities)
and Toronto sounds better for work and fun
but net income will be much lower and the visa might be problematic (skilled worker visa takes 14+ months (WITH a job offer), temp working visa 4+ months IF at all (profession not in demand))

Found this thread and thought it is timely seeing there are many discussions currently in the forum about wanting to come to Switzerland but not sure it is a good move. My personal take is that for entry to middle level, the whole package (salary, working hours etc.) you got here is still very good compared to other much interesting places like London. But if you don't care the money then life can be a bit dull here seeing the lack of choices etc.

And I think the higher you climb career-wise, the benefit of living in Switzerland becomes less and less apparent...the opportunities are now in the emerging markets...or what do you think?

I am Indonesian and have been leaving in Zurich for the past 3 years. Now I'm moving to Singapore. Having experienced the high quality of life here, and given my Asian background, Singapore is the only place I want to live next. Plus, if you are considering employment, Singapore is the only Asian country with comparable salary level compared to Switzerland, plus low income tax ( 10-15 % )

US State of Virginia...German State of Baden Wurrtemburg...Southern tip of Norway...

The middle of the gobi desert in mongolia is a nice place no rules to worry about either