Hello, It is my first post here; I have been lurking the forum for quite a while (been 10 years in Switzerland).
Few words about me: I'm in my thirties, IT engineer, married, with 3 kids and I am seriously considering moving to Vallorbe from Nyon region. The main motivation is housing market in the area; after renting for 10 years I'd like to invest in a property and for the price of a dated, 4.5 room apartment in Gland I found a marvelous house in Vallorbe, which is quite well communicated with Lausanne, where my spouse works (with some modernization of Vaud railway system, a trip to Lausanne takes 40 minutes; 2 trains per hour soon).
I know Vallorbe as a nice village/small town from my weekend excursions to Vallee de Joux but I am wondering if anybody has some experience with living there; schooling and security in the context of asylum seekers center.
Hi and welcome. Well Vallorbe is very different to the Nyon coast- with all the pros and cons that entails. It is well positionned as you can go in so many directions from there, and the trains are excellent- with TGV to Paris as well (the station is very impressive). Not many expats, for sure, and yes, quite a few immigrants due to the Centre there, but no problems generally. And it has got quite a few independent shops, etc, as well as Migros. + of course quick drive up to France for supermarkets in Jougne (open Sunday morning too), and skiing at MeĢtabief + restaurants, etc. Small classes, but need to go to Yverdon for Gymnase post 16 (as you say, train is easy). Amazing countryside for all outdoor activities in all seasons too. Great to learn French too, as it will be more important there due to less expats. Great lakes too, Lac de Joux, the beach in Yverdon, Lac St Point in nearby France (with sailing, windsurfing, paddle, canoe/kayak school and hire).
But the main advantage is space, larger houses with land, at a really reasonable price compared to the Riviera. I'd say it depends very much on your spouse's attitude and French (or willingness to learn)- as she will be there on her own week days. I have many friends there who would not wish to be anywhere else in the world, and laugh at the ridiculous Riviera prices, to rent or buy.
PS- does your wife drive? Despite the great train links to Vallorbe- I would not wish to live in Vallorbe without access to a car. My friend who has a music school in Vallorbe only uses the train, but for me it would be too limiting.
Thank you for your kind reply. We both speak french and my wife works (at 80%, half from home) and drive ;-)
We have quite a lot need to ponder about, living in Gland/Nyon makes it easier when it comes to organizing children's after-school time (especially for a working wife) but it seems there are quite a lot of local activities/clubs in Vallorbe, which doesn't look like a typical "dormitory" village.