Hi there and welcome to switzerland,

Given your international background and the fact you come from NY, I'd say you would feel more comfortable in Geneva. Lausanne (where I live) is nice and relax, but maybe a bit too quiet for you. However, the housing market in Geneva is so difficult that you may end up having no choice. Do you have a car or will you be relying on public transport?
Fdauphin, Feb 14, 2009 @ 12:27

Hi, Thanks for the feedback.  I don't have a car so I will be relying on public transport.  It seems like the trains are pretty reliable so a quick train ride to Nyon every morning wont be that bad right?
ccfc0123, Feb 17, 2009 @ 01:33

It might be easier to find an apartment around Nyon. Then buy a car and enjoy Geneva after work :)
Carol A, Feb 17, 2009 @ 09:46

i'm from new york city and when i came to lausanne, i decided that was the place i wanted to be. as you know, a 1 hr. subway ride is typical to get to work ( but check out the real distances of a 1 hr subway ride as compared to a 1 hr train ride here....it's mind blowing)

the lakeside is much nicer on this side.

i could have lived in gva many times as i worked there quite often, but didn't mind the train or car journey......

just my 2cts.
epicure, Feb 17, 2009 @ 09:51

I'd go for GVA, given your international background and age.

Geneva has more expats and more of an internation feel, and if you're looking to make more expat friends - then it will far easier in GVA.

Lausanne has a better night life than GVA, but once you'll get a circle of friends in GVA, you'll also find what to do here.

The distance from GVA/Lausanne to Nyon, by train, is not that relevant here. I'd prioritise the social aspect.

I'll also forward your mail to Jessica and Charles, 2 folks who just moved from the UK to the region to work for Yahoo, and were going throgh exactly the same questions as you.

Nir
Nir Ofek, Feb 17, 2009 @ 10:44

[quote]I'd go for GVA, given your international background and age.



Geneva has more expats and more of an internation feel, and if you're looking to make more expat friends - then it will far easier in GVA.



Lausanne has a better night life than GVA, but once you'll get a circle of friends in GVA, you'll also find what to do here.



The distance from GVA/Lausanne to Nyon, by train, is not that relevant here. I'd prioritise the social aspect.



I'll also forward your mail to Jessica and Charles, 2 folks who just moved from the UK to the region to work for Yahoo, and were going throgh exactly the same questions as you.



Nir[/quote]



Hi



and i would say the opposit



Geneva, place for expats who passes throgh the city, a lot of "Where are you from?" and "Thats really nice!" but nothing deep, people know that you are here for a couple of years and so are they, so why get to know the person?

There is almost no "swiss" feeling, its become to international. Its a big city, but when you are in NY or Paris you feel that you are in the US or France. In Geneva you could be anywhere on the planet.

When people go out in Geneva they go out to show who they are, or with, not to have fun. I have been out a couple of times in Geneva and then I went out in Lausanne and since that I havent been out in Geneva. Also, you dont really need to learn french in Geneva, know people who have been there for 20+ years and still dont know a word, english is more or less used everywhere (dont see this as a positiv thing, it will take you long long time to learn french and according to me you dont get the culture when you done have the language, and remember french is 65% english, just pronounced a bit different.)



Lausanne: much more local feeling, its good to learn french and you will do it rather fast. Much better clubs and night life, clubs like MAD and Amnesia where people go out to have fun. Somehow people are here for a long time and I personal feel that people care more and make an effort to get to know each other. Its a smaller city, but there is nothing I miss which is in Geneva. Its easier to get a table at the restaurants, less traffic ...



I started living in Geneva, then moved to Lausanne but traveled to Geneva, now it goes months before i visit Geneva. Except when i go to the airport, i just see no need to go to Geneva.



Nyon, I love Nyon, for several reason. Hard to find an appartment but right now I guess Nyon would be my first choice.



cheers
sandholm, Feb 17, 2009 @ 16:02

Thank you all for the great feedback!! All this information is helpful.  It seems like both cities have their pros and cons.  I'm definitely looking for good nightlife which seems to be more prominent in Lausanne.  But I am also used to big cities with a large international community like Geneva.  Tough choice. I think I'll probablly take a look at apartments in both cities and make my decision when I arrive in early March.  I might even settle in Nyon although I think it might be too quite for me.

Thanks again for all the help and I look forward to meeting people in March!!

Matt
ccfc0123, Feb 17, 2009 @ 18:00