Hi folks,
We plan to move from Zurich to Geneva or Canton Vaud over the next couple of months, but are really unfamiliar with the area. We´re considering Nyon, but know relatively little about it. Does anyone live there and would you recommend the place? (We´d be living there but working in Geneva). Likewise, if you can recommend any reasonable districts in Geneva itself to live, we´d appreciate any suggestions. Also, does anyone know any good property brokers who could help us find a place to rent? Many thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

Hi there - I am in the EXACT same position as Neonfish (ok, very similar position)! I'm moving to Geneva in the next couple of months, and would appreciate similar advice!

I would love to find some area with new development - some nice new condominium buildings. I am not even sure if this sort of high-rise development exists in Geneva as I know European architecture is quite different to that of North America.

Thanks in advance!

Let me reassure you - real estate in Geneva is at its worst and has been worsening for the past ten or more years. I could count the "new condominium buildings" on the fingers of one hand. New developments are to be found here and there if you are willing to put up with a 30-40 minute commute.

EEK! Could you recommend a couple of areas where i may be able to find some "new developments"? 30 to 40 minute commute may be a bit too much daily - especially in rush hour traffic (but i am assuming that rush hour traffic is not as bad as it is in some north american cities).

Do you have any suggestions if a 30 to 40 minute commute is a bit too much? I wouldn't mind just a nice little pad where i can have a few people over now and then...

BTW,

EEK! Could you recommend a couple of areas where i may be able to find some "new developments"? 30 to 40 minute commute may be a bit too much daily - especially in rush hour traffic (but i am assuming that rush hour traffic is not as bad as it is in some north american cities).

Do you have any suggestions if a 30 to 40 minute commute is a bit too much? I wouldn't mind just a nice little pad where i can have a few people over now and then...

BTW, thanks for your reply!

Neonfish when you say we are you meaning that you are moving with a family, ie children. It will affect my answer.

Hi wannabe+

By "we" I meant two adults and two small cats. If you have any suggestions for this threat it will be good because there seems to be some more interest now.

Actually, I've found a flat in Morges (on the main line between Lausanne and Geneva) that suits my needs.

Just as a general hint to others who are interested in living in Canton Vaud: If you don't have a car and travel into Geneva by train, have a look at Nyon and Morges, both are nice cities. Nyon is probably nicer overall, but Morges seems OK too.

During my initial search I also looked at other places such as Perroy and Gland, but transportation connections to and from those places are not ideal (unless you've got a car).

Example: When I was at the train station in Gland on a weekday at 8:15 pm (ready to visit the apartment) I dialled the number of the taxi company advertised on a board at the station. The taxi company told me that they had stopped for the day! Can you imagine that....

Not only that, the streets next to the station were badly lit. It was very very quite, I didn' meet anyone for a long, long time. It felt like a ghost town. Not to be recommended (unless you know exactly where you are going in the darkness).

Well, that's the thing - there is no area where the new builds would be concentrated, owing mostly to the fact that pretty much all available land in Geneva (the city) has been built upon. A new condo will sprout up from time to time, but the whole administrative process is so long and tortuous that new developments have trickled down to a standstill. It's pretty much down to luck and knowing the right people. Nice areas to live would be Florissant - Malagnou (rather upscale), Eaux-Vives ( a nightmare if you have a car and no garage for it ). Carouge is very nice and lively, plenty bars restaurants and such. The right bank (Servette, Lyon, UN) is considered more "popular" however some great appartments (high ceilings, mouldings, massive wood floorings etc) can be had at times in the old buildings.

Actually it is, since traffic is fed downtown through just a few main roads which in the morning and evening are chock-a-block with cars. Securing parking downtown is another (expensive) story.

Concur with the remark on Perroy and Gland. Most of the small towns will not have a dedicated service, but rather some sort "shuttle van" which hangs around when trains arrive.

Personally I would take Nyon over Morges - but that is only because I know Nyon far better and the commute is shorter. Then again, Morges is closer to Lausanne and its more vibrant nightlife.

I absolutely agree on the above points. Nyon is really great but it does tend to be on the expensive side. Morges is just as great but not as expensive. If you wanted to get even closer to Lausanne then I would check out Ouchy and Pully to which are great. St. Prex also is a good one. But you are right looking for somewhere with good rail access as my hubbie works in Geneva so i know what it is like. You can end up in a town where it takes you two trains to get home which you dont want.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you come up with

Hey!

Thanks for the pointers! I noticed you live in Geneva. Are you on www.genevaonline.ch? I'm starting to really like that site, but people are much more helpful here (or atleast, i find that so far)!

Thanks again for pointing out the areas i will look around Carouge, or the right bank first. If no luck, then i'll search the other areas.

Talk soon!
Gee