Will you want to be living in central Geneva or on the outskirts? We live in a lovely apartment in a village 15mins away from Geneva for the fraction of the price!

We want the outskirts, for sure.   I don't mind a long-ish commute, would prefer the peace and quite and lower price for a  bit longer into work!

It's a while to go so we'll see what they suggest nearer the time.

Then you had best be THIS side of the border, i.e. in France. Much cheaper, more availability, lower cost of living and far wider ranging choice of housing.

If you need more help or advice, PM us here in Evian

When planning get the Geneva public transport map in front of you. Make sure you have an easy access in to the city via public transport, traffic ain't worth it. 

We live in Challex, and are lucky to have a direct train link that takes 18 minutes to city centre. I have drove the same in 1hr 10. 

food for thought..

Better check with your employer in case of location limitations,i.e. geographic restrictions. If you do not move in with a very minty perfect place from the begining with children, could be better as rental price be cheaper and you might do refreshments & wall paintings according to your landlord's authorized rules.

Surprised you were not tipped by your relocation agent with the whole prefered expat list of villages in Geneva canton.

The whole rule thing, I believe it can not be more than a third (and pretty sure they say this is from your gross salary - randomly). Sure there can't be a limit as to a minimum % of your salary that sounds a little insane, even for Switzerland! 

As for location, it often depends on your nationality and work permit. For example some work colleagues have to live in Canton Geneve. As Milford points out i'm sure your agency will help provide advise and give a tour for the day. 

Welcome to Switzerland! 

Still at the early stages .. The agent will take us around, show us a dozen places, tour around etc etc ..  I have no real restrictions on which side of the border i live - however i work for a bank and I'll be on call some nights. I couldn't remote access from the 'other side' and would have to go to the office.. So that's a big consideration.

KatieB .. Yeah my initial questionnarie with the agent asked me for my desired price range --- Then explained in brackets that it must be between 1/3 and 1/4 of gross salary.. So kinda daft question i thought.

Definitely check transport links as mentioned above.  Obviously good links will make a huge difference to your wife getting out and about with the children, some of the more 'remote' villages might only have one bus an hour during the day.  Unless of course she will have a car.

With kids and for commuting into Geneva city try:

Ferney & Gex
Coppet
Nyon

As for the relocation agent..  be SPECIFIC about what you want or you'll go gallivanting all around. 

For us, it would depend upon how old are the children: Swiss schools tend to have very irregular hours for little ones. Might be better to put them in French schools but of course this decision is entirely up to you.

'Surprised you were not tipped by your relocation agent with the whole prefered expat list of villages in Geneva canton.'

Can you tell me what you are referring to in this statement?

TX

Isabelle,. Thks for asking. If interested you ought to know an experienced relocator knows his/her marks in Geneva,and near by La Cote, Vaud region, which knowledge developed over the years.

A list of prefered places and spots plus villages was then completed for cheking with the new expat/assignee with family and match her/his strong wishes and musts to relocate successfully . The relocation agent aims to satisfy most and compromise as little as possible. Should you have a current problematic issue please post a PM to my inbox.