Areas and Suburbs in Geneva
Living in Geneva gives an expat access to a very high standard of living. Geneva has many parks, the Rhône River, the gorgeous lake and is surrounded with two mountain chains (the Alps and the Jura). It is a pretty small town but offers everything you will find in a big city. 45% of Geneva inhabitants are foreigners so expats usually love the multicultural experience.
Before looking at the best areas in and around Geneva to live, there are some factors to consider:
Geneva is a very pleasant place to live in, but unfortunately there is a shortage of accommodation as the demand is very high. Rents can be very expensive and often choice is limited. More and more people share flats, or take on short-term sublets while looking for long-term accommodation.
Transportation
Geneva has a very good public transportation system so even people who don’t live in the center don’t waste too much time commuting. Parking is also expensive so taking the tram, cycling or walking are always better options!
Living in neighboring France
A lot of expats choose to live in France, just 10Ks away from the center. Ferney, Gex, Divonne, Annemasse, Evian and Saint-Julien surround the city and offer cheaper rents. Basically the further you go, the least expensive it gets, and it is usually easier to buy a place in France than in Switzerland.
Before looking at the best areas in and around Geneva to live, there are some factors to consider:
Shortage of flats
Geneva is a very pleasant place to live in, but unfortunately there is a shortage of accommodation as the demand is very high. Rents can be very expensive and often choice is limited. More and more people share flats, or take on short-term sublets while looking for long-term accommodation.Transportation
Geneva has a very good public transportation system so even people who don’t live in the center don’t waste too much time commuting. Parking is also expensive so taking the tram, cycling or walking are always better options!
Living in neighboring France
A lot of expats choose to live in France, just 10Ks away from the center. Ferney, Gex, Divonne, Annemasse, Evian and Saint-Julien surround the city and offer cheaper rents. Basically the further you go, the least expensive it gets, and it is usually easier to buy a place in France than in Switzerland.
Geneva neighborhoods and suburbs
Centre: on the left bank
- Old Town: in the beautiful historical heart of Geneva, probably one of the most expensive neighborhood to live
- Eaux-Vives: close to the lake, with a lot of shops and restaurants
- Plainpalais: the very pleasant and lively student neighborhood with the University of Geneva
- Jonction: this neighborhood is currently being modernized and offers great apartments near the Rhône River.
- Acacias: lots of companies, a bit more ‘industrial’
- Champel / Malagnou / Florissant: residential area, very quiet, and very expensive
Centre: on the right bank:
- Pâquis: the ‘hippy’ area, the liveliest and most international neighborhood
- Charmilles/ Saint-Jean: residential, convenient if you work close the airport or companies in Meyrin.
- Servette/Petit-Saconnex/Sécheron: residential, usually convenient if you work close to the UN and other international organizations.
- Grottes/Saint-Gervais: a village in the town!
A bit further out you will find:
- Cologny: the “Beverly Hills” of Geneva…panoramic view on the city, big houses with big swimming-pools…
- Chênes-Bougeries / Thônex: residential and cheaper
- Meyrin: where a lot of companies relocate, close to big stores
- Grand-Saconnex: residential but still close enough to the center
- Veyrier/Vessy: lots of nice houses
- Carouge: a real picturesque village – lots of terraces, outdoor market
- Lancy/Bernex/Onex: residential, more countryside-like
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