Moving to Geneva

[MuniS]

We are deciding to move to Geneva with our 2 year old toddler, purely because I am a teacher and love the education system being a lot more independent and outdoor based as well as starting at 7 years in comparison to the rigid, competitive, mentally draining structure of education in the UK.

Can anyone give any advice on areas worth looking into to settle as a family where there are good public, primary schools. We are visiting in July so would like to consider a few places. I'm a teacher and my partner is an accountant. We would also look into buying a property with a garden. Any advice on weather, lifestyle, people, socialising, cost of living. All advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lucky you - I love Geneva!
I live just over an hour away, but in France, although I work in Geneva.

Do you have jobs lined up? You won't be able to get work permits or residence permits otherwise. The Swiss are very bureaucratic and the rules are extremely specific and inflexible!

How big is your budget for buying a property? Are you familiar with prices in Switzerland? The cost of living is much higher than most of the rest of Europe (although salaries are, too), so your budget probably won't go anywhere near as far as it would in the UK...

School starts at 4, not 7.

Buying a property is expensive, you need 25% deposit in cash. We just bought in Vaud and the house prices are over 1M for a 3 bed house.

Do you speak French? There are jobs in international schools for teachers but salaries are considerably lower than state schools. Accounting jobs are available for non French speakers.

Childcare generally between 2-3k chf per month depending on income and if it's private or not.

Cost of living is expensive for everything. Food, transport, health insurance etc.
Would recommend at least one person having a job before moving.

The weather is good! Apart from at the moment...

It's a fantastic place to live but can take some getting used to. The Swiss are quite closed. But Geneva is very international.

Lived in Geneva for four years and loved it. DD1 started school there and DD2 went to nursery. We are still in the French speaking education system, albeit in SE Asia.

DD1's school was a bilingual primary. Happy to chat over a PM if you want.