Would be very grateful for anyone out there to give us some general info about Baden. House/Apartment prices, amenities, transport links e.t.c
Get in to more girly things later, like where can I get my hair done!!
Thanks in anticipation.
xxx
Hi everyone, brand new to the Forum this morning! My husband and I may be moving to Baden in the very near future, guess I'll then be known as a trailing spouse!
For apartments, you can check out http://www.homegate.ch
When you click on the apartment that you might be interested in, there
is a tax calculator.
Yes. The income tax rates vary by the community in which you live.
You can also check out www.sbb.ch for train/bus schedules to
for shopping, getting to work, etc.
Baden is called a city, but is more like a large village. No highrise buildings, many buildings older than 300 years.
It has a car-free zone in the shopping area, and most of the main-stream shops that you get in Zurich (or other places in Switzerland) albeit with less variety. In 15 minutes you are however in Zurich by train.
(I never take a car when going into Zurich)
Many people ride their bikes, though there are a lot of cars that go through Baden every day, and they are always talking about revising the traffic system.
There are public playgrounds for the kids, quite a few restaurants, a few nite clubs and bars, and many people come in from neighbouring villages to "go out" in Baden. One movie centre with about 5 cinemas. About 5 fitness centres.
Obviously there is this site .
The coolest thing about Baden is the panoramic elevator.
Hi Hullabaloo,
I moved to Baden (actually Wettingen, the next town over) in December 2010. After living in downtown Toronto for three years, Baden seemed like a little village at first. Now, as others have said, it is my main go-to place for just about everything. My 4 yo son even goes to school there.
Having just secured our apt. after 3++ months of looking, I can tell you that it is a difficult task. There is almost nothing available across different price ranges. It really helped me to work with a good relocation agent. Find out if your husband has this as part of his relocation agreement. It will make a big difference! Beware though of some relocation agents who charge by the hour. Sending you a 2 line email quickly becomes a 20chf charge.
My experience with Swiss people has been very positive. I have found them to be friendly and kind. When I take my son to the playground, they will approach me (after they hear us speaking English) and strike up a conversation in perfect English. They have sometimes even invited me to their house for coffee.
I don't know how old your children are, but there are places called toy libraries (ludothek) where you can check out toys while waiting for your container to arrive. Also, the Baden library has a not huge section of English children's books for babies to young adults. There is also an adult English section, though it is mostly Ruth Rendell and Danielle Steele. You do have to pay for membership at libraries, which was a little odd at first.
Just keep an open mind as you discover the different way of doing things - like asking your religion on a rental application. The most important thing for me settling into a very different way of life has been keeping my sense of absurdity on the forefront.
Lastly, as someone else mentioned, Baden has really fantastic playgrounds. Everything wood and rope. Even a mom can enjoy what they have to offer!
Good luck with getting here!
Thanks for the info so far. Have been checking out EF for about a month and decided this morning to register. So glad I did. What a friendly bunch!