Where to find a happy place to live
 

Hello
I will be relocating to Lausanne to live close to my daughter. I will be buying an apartment but looking at the prices in Lausanne they are just out of my price range. Where could I find a more affordable 2 bed apartment within commute distance and where the village or town has a community feel. I am 63 years old and this will be my final resting place so require close to transport and maybe a village and local community feel . I wouldn't want to be too far away from central Lausanne as my daughter will be settling there and the hope of grandchildren on the way.
Would really welcome and appreciate any suggestions. I am not in a hurry however maybe end of 2021 .

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

I dont know where you are located now, but taking a weekend to look at the villages around Lausanne might be a good idea.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

Vevey or Morges could be very nice but I don't know if they would be much cheaper.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

Vevey is indeed a nice place.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

What is your price range? Perhaps that can give us a bit of needed info on where you could find that happy place. :)

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

If you want more affordable places, move away from the shores of the lake.

Some good candidates could be the villages along the LEB train line which stops at Flon i.e. centre of Lausanne. Especially desirable if your daughter has something to do with EPFL.

Also interesting are the villages along the train lines which go from Lausanne train station to Vallorbe (northwest) or Palézieux (northeast). Depending on what you consider as commutable distance, you may even want to go as far as Moudon or Yverdon.

P.S. I don't have information about individual villages and their agreeableness.

P.S.S. I like this property search portal: https://www.immomapper.ch/

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

Yes, can second Yverdon-les-Bains, it is more affordable compared to other nearby cities & a nice place to live with a lovely spa.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

The reasons for buying in Switzerland are much different than in other countries. Some minimal tax advantages (and a complicated system). You will need at least a 20% downpayment, and mortgages can be difficult to get - particularly if you do not have a regular income.

If you haven't already I would get some professional advice on if buying makes sense for you and if you could get a mortgage at a reasonable rate.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

I would say Ouchy or Lutry. Both are perfect for a restful life.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

To be honest you will probably struggle to find something based on your criteria. Realise that all property here is very expensive and most people rent. The only bargains are way out in the sticks so to say, because any decent communuting distance places are already bought up. Decide if being close to Lausanne or affordability is more important. Probably makes sense to rent for a year to get a feel for the place and what is desirable in terms of distance. Places like Vallorabe may be affordable but not desirable for example.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

But certainly not for affordable prices.


Yes, you need to look away from the Riviera and towards the foot of the Jura. Yverdon would definitely be a good bet, lake with nice sandy beach, nice medieval centre, all the shops, bars, restaus, spa and a little train to take you to St Croix up on the mountain when you feel like a change. Much more affordable.


Train is 22 minutes. Last train from Lausanne to Yverdon is 23.54, or 00.17 - so can easily spend the evening with daughter and return.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

Happiness is where the heart is.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

Try Le Mont sur Lausanne. Not far from the city and reasonably good public transport. No idea of house prices though.

Re: Where to find a happy place to live
 

In my case, my goats. Seeing them chomp on the green grass makes me happy :D