We are a family of 4 with 2 teenage kids and are moving to the Zug area in 2 weeks.
We have 2 properties in our final list, one in Walchwil and the other in Zug old town.
I would like to hear from the forum on which would be best for community feel, travel links, road conditions to the top of Walchwil in icy/snowy conditions,
For almost all consumables you will have to go to Zug anyway. Really the only advantage Walchwil has is that it has great view! Its no more icy or snowy than Zug but it is a bit of a bus ride (15 minutes).
But again...its only 15 minutes. Just depends on whether or not you and your family like to walk or not. Old town Zug is lovely.
I would choose the location that gives your teenagers easiest opportunities to go off and explore/meet contemporaries w/o parental taxi (or synching departure/arrival to a local bus that may only go once or twice an hour, and not past 20:00).
Hi Greg. This will also depend on your personal circumstances. Walchwil is very quiet, so if you have a partner who is not working, they may find it quite lonely. Where in Walchwil? Bottom or top? Bottom is great for easy access to the bus and train station. The top will mean a bit of a trek up some steep roads, but lovely view. This will not be an issue if you travel by car. There is a very close expat community in Walchwil and we often have social get togethers. Summer is particularly active for group BBQs and meet ups at the Badi (Swimming area of the lake). Walchwil is basically amazingly picturesque, but very quiet, while Zug will be more convenient and more buzzy, but less picturesque. I think you will be happy with whichever choice you go for, but it is down to personal taste at the end of the day.
Hi Greg. It depends on whether this is access by car or walking. Walking is a pain if you live high up and can be difficult as the routes are generally small pathways and may not be effectively cleared during winter. Regarding driving, the roads are generally always cleared well, so this should not be a problem, however, I would recommend an all wheel drive car regardless. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions on Walchwil or want to find out more.
Personally I would move to the old town in Zug. It may be small but it is still a city and will offer much more social things for you and the teenagers.
In Zug the teenagers tend to hang out by the Lake near the old town or in the field by the lake a bit nearer to the harbour.
You'll also be close to the "Golden Dragon" which is my favourite chinese restaurant in the area.
We live at the top of a hill, other side of lake. Getting in and out in bad weather depends on what time the snow falls, in relation to when the plough comes and when you leave the house. Fairly obvious yes, but if you are leaving early morning, or returning late at night (as I did recently) you might find it less than ideal.
Do your teenagers like walking up hills, in case they miss the bus?
Definitely Zug. I know several parents of ISZL students who regret moving to Walchwil - too quiet for the kids and quite a trip to Riverside campus (by Swiss standards). Zug has Meatli, which has a Starbucks where teenagers like to hang out. Also a cinema that shows English films. And shops...
I have not been to Walchwil so can't comment on that. In terms of Zug, I find it a lively little town and would think for teenagers it would be good to be in or on the edge of Zug. But the points mentioned by other writers are also relevant. One of those decisions for which there is no perfect answer, I guess, only a decision that one makes at the time and then has to experience. I live in Kanton Zürich near Baar and would have preferred to be in Baar but prices and flat availability did not work for me when I was looking. However, I have ended up in a village with the friendliest and most helpful neighbours and I probably say 'Gruezi' 20 times when I go to the shop as everyone greets each other here - including young children. Fun.
I also wanted to let your wife know about the International Women's Club ( http://www.ziwc.ch ) and you about the Men's Club ( http://www.imcz.ch ) which are great ways to meet people. Both offer meetups and events as you will see on their websites. All the best with the move.
The first rule of Meatli is...don't talk about Meatli. Oh, wait a minute....wrong show.
OP, it's Metali - a shopping center in Zug. Also, you will make lots of friends through the school, especially if you drop off and pick up your kids rather than let them take the bus.