from Geneva, I could suggest Nyon. It's a biggish town about a seven minute drive from Gland, has quite a large English speaking population and a fun nightlife there too- lots of bars and cafes around!
Brogsta, Dec 5, 2006 @ 12:54

Although I live in Geneva, not Gland, my suggestion is to spare yourself the daily commute, especially if you're considering driving. If you want more of a city feel, I'd suggest living in Nyon, closer to your work and probably has a higher, if only slightly, vacancy rate then Geneva.

If you do decide to live in Geneva, be mindful that you will be living and working in two different cantons which may be an issue depending on your residency permit and taxes.
Riley, Dec 5, 2006 @ 12:58

i dont yet have a visa. should i just not even think about geneva then? or look into special visa/tax issues?

i am staying in nyon right now and am having a really hard time even finding a restaurant open at 7pm besides mcdonalds - the city seems dead at night. where is it better?
lcridd, Dec 5, 2006 @ 13:17

the lake area- there's heaps of great little cafes and things along the lake, quite a good mixture of nationalities, Portugeuse, Italian etc.
For some ok bars, try Cactus Jack's opposite the rail way station, the Dolce Vita opposite Printemps car park or for a more laid back pub experience, the Fisherman's down by the lake.
For good restaurants, the Auberge by the Chateau is also great.
Brogsta, Dec 5, 2006 @ 13:44

My husband’s employer applied for our residency permits. When we received them, we found out that they only allow us to live in the Canton of Geneva but I don’t think it would have been a problem to change that. You just need to be mindful of it.

If Nyon is too small, you have the option of Geneva or Lausanne. If it’s nightlife you’re looking for, Lausanne has a better reputation but, having said that, I enjoy living in Geneva. I think your biggest considerations will be the commute and apartment availability.

In Geneva, The Paquis is probably the easiest place to get an apartment. It's the liviest part of the city, but also the sleaziest. Champel is where the more upscale neighbourhoods are located. It's very family oriented but the downside is that it's slightly boring and more pricey.

Good Luck.

Riley, Dec 5, 2006 @ 16:49

that sounds great, thanks for giving me the low down on someof the neighborhoods. how did you find your flat? is it best just to post on websites like this? are there real estate agents that can be of help?


lcridd, Dec 5, 2006 @ 16:56

....my experience was slightly traumatic and hopefully not the norm. We spent six months living in a one room sublet before getting a four room apartment. In hindsight, we would have spent money on a real estate agent (which can be quite expensive) but even then, I’ve been told, it’s not easy. The problem is lack of affordable accommodation and heavy competition.

For Geneva, my advice would be to get a real estate agent (perhaps your employer can do this for you) or if you want to try looking for yourself, go to the marketplace at GOL or the classifieds at www.wrgfm.com (World Radio Geneva). A free local paper called GHI is also available every Wednesday and it advertises apartments, among other things.

Some Regis (realtors) also post vacancies on their individual websites. I have a list of over twenty of them. If you’re interested just email me and I’ll pass them along.

Riley, Dec 6, 2006 @ 00:46

Hi there Riley! Could you send me the list of Regis that you mentioned? I am struggling to find a place to rent as well!

Shazeera Ahmad Zawawi, Sep 1, 2013 @ 18:40

Here are some links:

http://www.les-regies-a-geneve.ch/

http://www.geneveimmobilier.ch/gi/RegiesMembres.aspx

http://yellow.local.ch/fr/q/Gen%C3%A8ve/R%C3%A9gies.html

http://www.les-agences-immobilieres.ch/1201/25/list.htm

Free, Sep 1, 2013 @ 21:01

You can also sign up with immo-cagi. This is how  we found lodging in Geneva. Good luck and be ready to spend lots of money on rent!

Isabelle Boutet, Sep 9, 2013 @ 20:16