Areas and Suburbs in Geneva
With its many parks, its beautiful bodies of water and its surrounding mountain chains (the Alps and the Jura), Geneva boasts plenty of areas and suburbs that can provide the perfect living environment. That said, there's certainly some factors to consider before choosing accommodation in a particular neighbourhood of the city.
►Shortage of flats
Geneva is a very pleasant place to live, but unfortunately there is a shortage of accommodation. Rentals 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 that even people who don’t live in the centre don’t waste too much time commuting. Parking is also expensive, so taking the tram, cycling or walking are always better options.
►Living in neighbouring France
Many expats choose to live in France, which is just 6 miles (10 km) away from Geneva's centre. Ferney, Gex, Divonne, Annemasse, Evian and Saint-Julien surround the city and offer cheaper rental properties. Basically, the further you go the less expensive rent gets, and it is usually easier to buy a place in France than in Switzerland.
►Shortage of flatsGeneva is a very pleasant place to live, but unfortunately there is a shortage of accommodation. Rentals 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 that even people who don’t live in the centre don’t waste too much time commuting. Parking is also expensive, so taking the tram, cycling or walking are always better options.
►Living in neighbouring France
Many expats choose to live in France, which is just 6 miles (10 km) away from Geneva's centre. Ferney, Gex, Divonne, Annemasse, Evian and Saint-Julien surround the city and offer cheaper rental properties. Basically, the further you go the less expensive rent gets, and it is usually easier to buy a place in France than in Switzerland.
Geneva neighbourhoods and suburbs
Centre: on the left bank
- Old Town: in the beautiful historical heart of Geneva, probably one of the most expensive neighbourhoods to live in
- Eaux-Vives: close to the lake, with a lot of shops and restaurants
- Plainpalais: the very pleasant and lively student neighbourhood, close to the University of Geneva
- Jonction: this neighbourhood is currently being modernised 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 ‘hippie area', the liveliest and most international neighbourhood
- Charmilles/ Saint-Jean: residential, convenient if you work close to the airport or for companies in Meyrin
- Servette/Petit-Saconnex/Sécheron: residential, usually convenient if you work close to the UN and other international organisations
- Grottes/Saint-Gervais: a village within the city!
A bit further out you will find:
- Cologny: the 'Beverly Hills of Geneva'; panoramic view of 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 centre
- Veyrier/Vessy: lots of nice houses
- Carouge: a real picturesque village – lots of terraces, outdoor market
- Lancy/Bernex/Onex: residential, more countryside-like
