I just accepted a job offer in Zug, so of course will be moving to Switzerland sometime mid November. Currently thinking Thalwil or Enge.
Anyway, I have been lurking on these forums since I discovered there was a chance that I would move. You guys are awesome, by the way.
A little about me: I am able to maintain a great mountain beard, I have been known to yodel quite well, I am a snowboarder, I love trekking, and water sports. My goals for my life in Zürich are:
1) swim across the lake (horizontally, like Enge to Seefeld, because I am not a fool).
2) ski 2 times per winter month
3) meet some like minded people who enjoy life
4) start brewing in small 4 liter batches, again
5) integrate in the country (unlike my 2 previous expat experiences)
Now, I am moving with my SO, who will not be working, but looking for a job. We are, somehow, in our late 20's. WILL WE BE OK WITH 120K FRANCHI SALARY!?!?!?!?!?!?! just kidding. I actually used the search function.
Thalwil is great for an easy train ride into Zug. May I ask why you are not considering Zug. I personally love it, hubby works in Zug, we live in Horgen. I work in SZ, so we are kind of in the middle and we have a lot of friends in the Enge to Wadenswil area because our child goes to the Intl School of Zurich.
Brewer, you should also be aware of the tax differences between cantons/Gemeinden.
Depending on your situation, ZG might mean significant savings over ZH, even over the lower tax ZH Gemeinden.
Yes rents tend to be higher in ZG, but perhaps on par or not that much higher than the silver coast areas you are considering. The ZH Gemeinden you are considering are among the more expensive in the canton. You might find that the slightly higher rent in ZG is more than offset by the lower taxes... or not, YMMV. Tax rates are progressive, so the savings will depend on your your individual circumstances. Look at Comparis for a quick and dirty calculation.
Zug is a lovely place to live. As is the silver coast. All are good options.
ETA:
Just saw your profile. As a dual US citizen, you will (generally) be paying at a minimum the total amount you would have paid had you remained a US resident, the difference in the lower CH tax going to the US. This might negate the tax advantage of living in ZG. But again, YMMV, depending on your individual situation.
Given US tax liability - get professional advice if taxes are a consideration in this move, including the impact of where you live on your tax situation.
ETA2
If you can maintain a mountain beard and yodel, why are you not looking at Schwyz? The beard alone scores you huge integration points - join the Jodlerverein and you will be embraced by the Eidgenoss, might even be invited to that holy of holies, the Stammtisch...
Hello! i am in a very similar situation and will be moving in mid Nov. with my SO, and she won't work at least for the first year. I see we have a similar like which is brewing - although i don't know too much about it it's something i've been wanting to pick up.
I just joined this forum after reading it for months as a guest. Hope all goes well. If you ever have time a brew in bellevue would work - given it all work out for both of us!
Congratulations on the job! I really enjoy living here but am in the process of moving to CA if you like "big city" lifestyle I would consider staying closer to Zurich. I will be moving out of my apartment soon and will get rid of my furnitures...let me know if you need anything.