Hi Hanna,

first of all, Geneva is very small, so even if you live in a quite area, you will be in the center in 15mins.

A good area is Plainpalais, the area between av. du mail and Bd Carl-Voigt (check it in google maps), this is the student area with a lot of cafes and bars. There is a direct Tram to Place de Nations which is next to WIPO.

A lot of people will recommend you Eaux-Vives which is a bit overrated if you ask me.

Don't move to Paquis, this is the Redlight district, also a lot of bars and cafes but not so nice to walk through alone at night.

Personally I live at Petit Saconnex, the area where some of the embassies are. A bit quiter, save neighbourhood, nice cafes and walking distance to WIPO (and my organization) in 10 minutes. It is between Airport and City center, both I can reach in 10 min per bus or car.

Let me know if you want to meet some nice people at WIPO, I have some friends there.

Yannik

I have to partially and respectfully disagree with Yan. The rule of thumb is to live on the same shore ("rive") of the lake/river as your work. For you that would be "rive droite", check the map. If you don't it means that you need to cross a bridge every day and there are always traffic jams on those at rush hour. It's especially bad if you want to drive at some point but they affect the tram as well. So that would rule out Plainpalais and Eaux-Vives.

There is also nothing wrong with Paquis, it's very central, happening, bohemian. The red light thing is limited to a couple of streets and I know girls who live there and love it. Its is not unsafe. So if I were you I woul look up Petit Saconnex, Grand Saconnex, Rue de Lausanne, Cornavin, Paquis, Avanchet, Cointrin, anything "rive droite" really.

You have to remember though that housing is scarce in Geneva so you might need to go for the best thing you can find within your budget and timeframe.

I would recommend Plainpalais or Eaux Vives. Both are close to the centre (Geneva is not exactly big either ).

Plainpalais has a few clubs and lots of bars and some good restaurants.

Eaux-vives has a few cool bars and good restaurants walking distance to the central shopping area and lake.

I work at the UN and make the 35 - 45 minute commute from Eaux Vives daily. I have plenty of friends who live further out of Geneva but really it depends on your budget. Eaux Vives is not cheap.

Nothing wrong with the paquis if you're at the right end...a few senior colleagues of mine live there, so it can't be all that bad, can it?. Plus there's plenty of good restaurants and nightlife in the Paquis. Not my cup of tea but in Geneva you can't be too too fussy.

Personally I would check out the facebook pages for WIPO interns and UN Geneva Interns - there's always a lot of activity around housing for interns.

Good luck

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your input and advice about looking on the FB UN Geneva Interns page!

I am so thanksful for glocals.com, I don't know what I'd do if all of you weren't around :)

Yannik-- yes, I'd love to meet some nice people at WIPO! I think it would be great to live walking distance, since that would save a bit on transportation costs, but I am definitely open to other options as well. 

I will keep you posted to see what I find, but yes, there doesn't seem to be a ton out there.

Thanks again, everyone!

I agree with Catalin: try to live at the same side of the lake as where you work. If you can avoid crossing the Mont Blanc bridge every day that make your life easier.

Because Geneva is so small and public transportation is so convenient, you don't need to live in the center; especially if you intend to use a car you may want to pick an area with easy parking (i.e. not the center). 

Any thoughts on pont ceard /versoix area? is it too far up north and inconvenient for social events?

안녕 Hanna,

Versoix is good for families with children and a car. Without a car you could take a train to Geneva which takes just some minutes.

Still you couldn't just step out of your appartment and have a drink with friends so I wouldn't recommend this area since it is not necessarily cheaper than areas better connected.

As Edward said, you don't need to live in the center, but try to find something which has a good connection to public transport. This is the area between WIPO and the airport for example. Also the area between Servette and Saint Jean Charmilles.

Still consider the Plainpalais area, since the direct connection with the tram is very convenient and it is a nice area.

Too far, it will take you around 1h to get to Geneva, trains and buses don't run after midnight and if you need to catch a taxi it will hurt your pockets.

Good point guys! Thanks!  I guess I forgot to mention in my original post that I will not have a car and will have to rely on public transporation.

And you could also consider buying a bike in that case, no traffic jams and you can go anywhere you like without having to wait for trams and/or buses.