Region: Europe
Extremely expensive but offers pristine quality of life, safety, and scenery. Excellent healthcare system.
Climate type: temperate. Average temperature: 48°F (°C).
Healthcare quality rating: 5/5. Safety rating: 5/5. Overall rating: 5/5.
Primary language: German. English proficiency: High. Expat community rating: 4/5.
Retirement Permit
Zurich grew from early settlements on the shores of Lake Zurich into a trading hub within the Swiss Confederation, its location supporting commerce across Alpine routes. The old town preserves medieval and later architecture, including guild houses and churches that mark its merchant past and role in the Protestant Reformation. This heritage contributes to a culture of order and precision visible in the city's layout, public spaces, and daily routines. Its development as a center of finance and learning has long attracted international residents, creating an established expat presence that supports a measured pace of life. Retirees encounter lakeside walks, accessible cultural venues, and local food traditions shaped by Swiss and neighboring influences, all within a compact setting that balances historic character with modern convenience.
Melted cheese pot for dipping bread - Switzerland's iconic communal dining experience.
Zurich has nonstop flights from JFK. The efficient Swiss rail connects the airport to the main station in just 12 minutes.
Total travel time: ~10-12 hours total