Residents of Zurich enjoy an extremely high quality of life with safer streets, better healthcare, less pollution, state-of-the-art amenities, plenty of job opportunities, and high salaries, just to name a few. Additionally, Switzerland's largest city is situated in a scenic area with many rivers and lakes, a beautiful landscape, and convenient proximity to the Swiss Alps. Needless to say, Zurich has become one of the top destinations for expatriation from the UK and other parts of the world.
As Switzerland's financial centre, Zurich is ideal for ex-pats looking to work in banking and insurance. The economy is also strongly service-oriented, with over three-quarters of all employees working in the service industry. Tourism, aerospace, IT, engineering, health and life sciences, and the creative industries also offer plenty of job opportunities to those looking to work in Zurich. There are also vacancies for teaching English as a second language. Various multinational companies, including Google, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Renault, Volvo, Bayer, Pfizer, and PWC, have offices in this city and are also the biggest employers. The best part is ex-pats can expect a good remuneration package that will likely afford them a high standard of living.
The housing market in Zurich is in high demand, which has led to rising rental and buying costs. Renting is more prevalent in Zurich, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing about 1,995/month CHF. A three-bedroom apartment goes for about 3,680/month CHF. The good news is Zurich has a range of neighbourhoods and nearby villages to suit every budget and taste. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods to consider are Seefeld, Langstrasse, Niederdorf, Lindenhof, and Greifensee.
Zurich has an extensive and excellent public transportation system, provided by a network of buses, trains, and trams. All public transportation here is safe, clean, punctual, and available at close intervals, so you can catch one wherever you are. One-way tickets cost about 4.00 CHF while a monthly pass goes for about 85.00 CHF. There are several discount cards, including the Swiss travel pass, the Zurich card, and the junior card for kids, which daily commuters can take advantage f to minimise costs.
As for making the most out of your spare time, Zurich has no shortage of things to do and see. Popular sites include the 871-meter Uetliberg, Lake Zürich and Bürkliplatz, Kunsthaus Zürich, Swiss National Museum, Town Hall, Zurich zoo, Zurich Opera House, Limmat River, Confiserie Sprüngli (A Confectioner's Café), and Rieterpark.