Zurich, known for its exceptional quality of life, attracts people from all over the world. The city offers a wealth of attractive neighborhoods, ranging from historic to modern urban areas. Choosing the right residential area (District 1-12) is especially important for temporary residents to make the most of their stay in this diverse city.
Table of Contents:
- Overview of Zurich’s Residential Areas & Accessibility by Public Transport (ZVV)
- Ideal for Short-Term Rental
- Choosing the Right Residential Area
- Safety in Zurich’s Districts
- Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Areas & Short-Term Rental in Zurich
- Conclusion
Overview of Zurich’s Residential Areas
Zurich is divided into 12 districts, each with its own identity and characteristics. Here is a brief overview of each district:
District 1: Old Town
Characteristics: Historic center of Zurich. Above and below the Limmat River, near ETH and the University.
Highlights: Includes the Old Town with its picturesque alleys, the Grossmünster, the Town Hall, and the banking district. Also home to the popular shopping mile on Bahnhofstrasse with world-renowned shops such as Chanel, Gucci, Jelmoli, Confiserie Sprüngli, Breitling, Hublot, Cartier, Lacoste, Prada, to name a few.
District 2: Enge/Wollishofen/Leimbach with its own Enge train station
Characteristics: Quiet and green, near Lake Zurich. With lakeside promenade and bicycle paths along the lake.
Highlights: Popular with families, offering Riedpark with a museum and recreational areas, as well as bathing facilities.
District 3: Wiedikon
Characteristics: Popular new residential area that offers a mix of urban life and quieter residential areas. Near Lake Zurich, Allmend is directly adjacent.
Highlights: Good infrastructure and transportation links with its own Wiedikon train station, attractive for young professionals.
District 4: Aussersihl
Characteristics: Young, multicultural, and dynamic with nightlife and many bars.
Highlights: Known for its nightlife and cultural diversity.
District 5: Industriequartier
Characteristics: Zurich’s emerging trendy district with many bars and restaurants, such as Frau Gerolds Garten, CLOUDS, Les Halles, Piû Schiffbau, LaSalle, and many more.
Highlights: Formerly an industrial area, now known for art, culture, and design.
District 6: Unterstrass/Oberstrass
Characteristics: A mix of residential and university neighborhoods.
Highlights: Home to ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, and quiet residential areas.
District 7: Fluntern/Hottingen/Hirslanden/Witikon
Characteristics: Upscale residential area with plenty of greenery near Zurich Zoo, University Hospital Zurich, Balgrist, and Hirslanden.
Highlights: Offers views of the city and is close to Zurichberg.
District 8: Riesbach (Seefeld)
Characteristics: Exclusive, located directly on Lake Zurich with an attractive lakeside bath.
Highlights: Sought-after residential area with many boutiques and restaurants.
District 9: Altstetten/Albisrieden
Characteristics: A versatile and growing district with a mix of residential and business areas.
Highlights: Rapidly growing and developing, with excellent transportation links. Numerous bike paths and its own Altstetten train station.
District 10: Höngg/Wipkingen
Characteristics: Quiet, family-friendly area.
Highlights: Offers plenty of green spaces and an idyllic location on the Limmat River.
District 11: Affoltern/Oerlikon/Seebach
Characteristics: A mix of residential, industrial, and business districts.
Highlights: Home to the Messe Zurich and Hallenstadion, close to the airport.
District 12: Schwamendingen
Characteristics: Once a village, now an urban residential district.
Highlights: Characterized by its village-like character, proximity to nature reserves, and beautiful forested areas.
Each of these districts offers unique housing options and its own atmosphere, making Zurich a diverse and exciting city.
Districts and Neighborhoods in Zurich – Ideal Areas for Short-Term Rental
- Wiedikon (District 3): Popular among young professionals. This district offers excellent connectivity and a vibrant neighborhood with bars and restaurants.
- Enge (District 2): Provides a quiet yet central location with good infrastructure and proximity to the lake with various restaurants and bars.
- Seefeld (District 8): Very central location with excellent public transportation access. Numerous restaurants and bars can be found in Seefeld.
Choosing the Right Residential Area
Tips for Selection
- Location and Accessibility: Consider how important proximity to your workplace, public transportation, and recreational opportunities is to you.
- Lifestyle and Needs: Take into account your personal lifestyle and what matters to you in a neighborhood—whether it’s cultural offerings, tranquility, or shopping opportunities.
- Budget: Remember that rental prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood.
Safety in Zurich’s Neighborhoods
Are there any dangerous neighborhoods? Zurich is a very safe city. There are no explicitly dangerous neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Areas & Short-Term Rental in Zurich
How does short-term rental work in Zurich?
Short-term rental in Zurich is a convenient option for individuals who need to stay in the city for a limited period due to professional or personal reasons. Here are some important aspects:
Rental Duration: Short-term rentals in Zurich are typically available for periods ranging from a few weeks to several months. The exact rental duration may vary depending on availability and the landlord’s terms. Registration with the city, at the district office, is required.
Furnished Apartments: Most short-term rentals come fully furnished, meaning they include all necessary furnishings and often also bedding, dishes, and household appliances.
Costs: The costs of short-term rentals can be higher than long-term lease agreements. Please note that these offers may include additional services such as furniture, cleaning, and all utilities are included: electricity (EWZ), water (EWZ, EZR), cleaning, internet (Sunrise).
Availability and Booking: Short-term rentals can be found through specialized real estate portals, housing boards, or directly through providers such as Apartment-Service, Vision Apartments, and similar. Many providers allow easy online booking.
Flexibility: One of the main attractions of short-term rentals is their flexibility. Tenants can often move out with short notice, which is ideal for individuals with uncertain schedules.
Contract Terms: It is important to carefully read and understand the contract terms, especially regarding notice periods and any potential additional fees.
What are the rental prices in Zurich’s neighborhoods?
Rental prices in Zurich vary widely, with more expensive areas like the Old Town (1), Enge (2), Wiedikon (3), Unterstrass/Oberstrasse (6), Seefeld (8), and the Old Town, and more affordable options in more distant neighborhoods.
Is it easy to find an apartment in Zurich?
The housing market in Zurich can be challenging, especially in popular neighborhoods, so an early and thorough search is recommended.
Conclusion
Zurich offers a wide range of housing options to meet diverse needs. From historic neighborhoods to modern, vibrant districts, each neighborhood has its own charm and character. High safety, excellent infrastructure, and overall high quality of life make Zurich an ideal place for both temporary and long-term residents.