Re: Thinking about moving to Geneva
Post 7
Well on the positive side, I would say that Geneva is a safer place to live. One can walk at night in most places, and can feel fairly safe here. Also, not all, but many people speak English as its very international, so if one does not know French, its easier to live in Geneva. Also, the transportation system is much better in Geneva (compared to France), and one can get around easily without a car.
On the negative side, accomodation is a huge problem here. Because of their housing policies (should I say socialistic?), there is very little new accomodation being built, and they are many international workers coming here, consequently there is very little housing available, and talking six months or more to find accomodation is common. So if you are coming, make sure that the employer is supportive - e.g. they can provide temporary housing for at least six months, or some kind of arrangement until you find a place. Also, I found that regies (housing agencies) only work during the day, which means that you have to constantly take time off from work to go get the keys from the regie and check out apartments, at least that was my experience, so you want an employer who is supportive, or if you are a couple, and only one person works, the other can check apartments during the day. Personally, I feel the accomodation situation is completely outragous, and I find it fascinating how people accept this as normal, but I digress. Once you find an apartment, things become much much easier and stress free. Also, in Geneva the way the apartment system works, its very beneficial to know people. People who have the right connections usually find very nice apartments quickly. If you know someone who is leaving from their apartment they can recommend you, or even better if you have a friend in a regie, then you have it made. Also, in Geneva be expected to comprimise and accept apartments and conditions that you may not have accepted in London... at least I found I had to be more comprimising here. That said, I know people who were lucky and found an apartment in the week they arrived...
If you don't speak French, I would advice against going to France. Few people speak English there, and Brits have told me that often people in France will refuse to speak to them in English, even if they know the language.
Also, if you want to send your children to an international school in Geneva (where diplomats and business workers send there children), its more expensive than French speaking schools. Though this might be more of an issue when your children grow up. I am not sure about the cost difference in early childcare, or how it compares with London.
Also in France, the Goverment is very beaurocratic and less helpful. For example, my permit from the French authorities took more four months to arrive, where in Geneva it took approximately three weeks... I have not owned a car and have lived in Geneva, so I cannot make a fully informed comparison based on personal experience on Governance between the two countries.
Also, if you live in nearby France, then I would strongly recommend a car, as their transportation system is not as good as Geneva.
Personally, I would prefer London, but my situation is different than yours. Perhaps, the safer environment is better for the children when comparing the two cities.