Hi Jan, 

I would say Onex, Lancy or Plan-les-ouates are ideal for families. I wouldn't recommend city centre, especially stay away from Paquis region.

We live in Chene-Bourg - great area with all amenities and straight tram line into town. Also close to shopping in France if desired.

Many people chose to live in France, rather than Switzerland as it is so very much less expensive: additionally, housing in the Geneva area is at a premium and is one of the dearest cities in the world. A short while ago, there was a vacancy rate of 1% only.

We live further along the lake where the properties are half the price, the education system is more structured for young children [in that they go to school at regular times each day, not irregular times as in CH] and commodities, noticeably food, are also far less expensive. But then it all rather depends upon whether your husband's company is giving you a housing allowance/food allowance, in which case none of the above apply. Happy moving anyway

Yes, it's cheaper to live in France than in Switzerland. Kinda like it's cheaper to live in Mexico than living in Los Angeles. My point is: you cross the boarder and you 'll immediately be able to tell the difference. 

Schools in CH are much better than in France. In fact, people finishing highschool in France willing to go the the University in Geneva must pass special exams to prove they have the recquired level for Switzerland.

Public school have regular times in CH. 8 to 11.30 then 1.30 to 4

If your husband works in the center, check the public transportation system. Driving into the city has become a nightmare.

Concerning what area, I'd suggest surrounding areas as well, Meyrin, Plan Les ouates, Lancy, Onex , Vernier.

www.activerelocation.com might be able to help you if you re willing to pay to get settle down properly.

good luck

Hi.

I'd suggest Canton of Vaud.

The villages Coppet, Mies,Tannay and Nyon . From here you have train to Geneva.

Good luck and welcome to Geneva area.

Maybritt

Dont exaggerate that much.

Geneve local people tend to think that everything is so much better here - like the public transport vs public transport in Paris, NY etc. That is a joke....

It is still a small town with approx. 400 000 inhabitants and although you get used to it after a year or two, you cannot critisize the French part for example on housing....

A big part of the houses in Geneve are not even having double glazed window - while in France (e.g. Ferney) you can have recently built appartments.

Come on. Be a bit frank even if you are a proud Genevoise.

if youre already moving in a month I will have to assume you already have a place to stay?

Its not like the UK here where you can find something in a week or two... it can take months to find the right place... and certainly a month to find "a place"...

depending on your permit, Vaud is a good option... also look at places like Collex Bossy near the french border... its a 20 min commute to the centre.

Other areas have been mentioned already.

Good luck

It definitely takes at least one month to find a flat, I spent one and half month in hotels. And it is really annoying.

Hello Janette,

Was reading your forum and I am so free to offering you our services..

House hunting services offered;

How we work is very simple. We know that it takes time to find apartments in Geneva and sorting through the paperwork needed and coordinating the visitation of potential apartments can quickly become a hassle, especially when you have just arrived in Geneva and are not familiar with the area. Our services take the time consuming and guessing out of the whole process.

We will:
• Search for apartments according to your personalized criteria
• Accompany the client to visit the selected accommodations
• Prepare and liaise with the client to make sure we have all the necessary paperwork in order to expedite the house hunting process
• Accompany you through the house inspection process (following a successful application)
• Connect you to our in house insurance agency for the establishment of a liability insurance for housing that is compulsory in Geneva
• Have an open line of contact during the whole process should the client have any questions during the process
• Connect you with our partners who will assist you with moving and setting up furniture (ex: pick up furniture from IKEA and set up in apartment, painting, electrical wiring etc…
• Assist you with the process of setting up house phone and electricity contracts

We are a one stop shop in getting the hassle out of settling down in Geneva.

Should this be what you are looking for, then we look forward to meeting with you both to discuss your criteria and needs. Feel free to contact us at anytime for any further inquiries.

Also ask us for apartments that are coming up for rent that are off market..

Kind regards,
Raymond

www.harmelingconsultancy.com

Carouge

I agree.. the poster is so late in the apartment hunt, that I think the best option is to hire a "house hunter". Meanwhile, there are reasonable hotels and apartment hotels in France.

Hi Raymond

Thanks for your post..  My husband's work are already providing us with a relocation specialist based in Geneva - I just wanted to get a general feel of where people who actually live there prefer to live, particularly as a family with children.  

Thanks again

Jan 

France definitely better than Switzerland in every aspect, housing, services, opening hours, choice of goods.

@reka1123

btw the city of Geneva has not even 200´000 inhabitants, maybe you are talking about the canton :o)

France, Ferney-Voltaire or Gex, for example, is good, rent is at least 25% cheaper, which is to be offset against the additional French tax "taxe habitation". Food is cheaper than in CH, but not by that much. The daily commute to Geneva will test your patience, if you are driving - that is, if you even have a parking spot at work. Settling along the major bus/tram lines may be advisable. In Ferney, there is an international high school (Lycee).

For social life, it is obviously better near the center. In general, people do not speak English in France (you'll be surprised sometimes), but a lot of people do understand it, so with a little French some basic conversation is possible.

Also, time spent outside CH will not count towards a C-permit, as far, as I understand it.