Top 12 best districts and communities to live in Zurich
Reading time — 6 minutes
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and one of Europe’s most important financial centres. Cosmopolitan, innovative and connected, it attracts an international clientele made up of business leaders, expatriates and wealthy families looking fora prestigious yet serene living environment.
Bordered by Lake Zurich and surrounded by green hills, the city combines urban dynamism, Swiss quality of life and close proximity to nature.
Not sure where to invest in luxury real estate in Zurich? With FGP Swiss & Alps, discover the 12 most sought-after locations.
1. Altstadt (Old Town): the historic and cultural heart of the city
TheAltstadt district is the historic centre of Zurich. Its cobbled streets, colourful medieval houses and lively squares make it a place of unique charm. This is where the cultural and historical heart of the city beats, with landmarks such as the Grossmünster, the Fraumünster and the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most luxurious shopping avenues in the world.
Living in the Altstadt means being fully immersed in Zurich’s heritage, while still enjoying a modern lifestyle. Flats here are often located in renovated historic buildings, with exposed beams, remarkable ceiling heights and sometimes terraces overlooking the Limmat.
Real estate supply is scarce, and demand is very high. Properties are selling fast, at prices that reflect the heritage value of this unique area.
The Altstadt embodies theperfect blend of tradition and urban dynamism, appealing to a cosmopolitan clientele.
2. Seefeld: lakeside elegance
Located on the right bank of Lake Zurich, Seefeld is one of the city’s most prestigious districts. Bordered by lakeside promenades, parks and a host of fine restaurants and cafés, it has an elegant and serene atmosphere.
The district is ideally located: close to the city centre, with good transport links, yet with a resort feel. Residents enjoy direct access to the lake for swimming, water sports and walking.
Seefeld offers luxury flats with lake terraces, contemporary penthouses and a number of exclusive villas. The scarcity of properties, combined with high demand, makes Seefeld one of the most competitive markets in Zurich.
Living in Seefeld means choosing an address that combines nature, elegance and urban proximity.
3. Enge: prestige and panoramic views
To the south of the centre, on the left bank of the lake, theEnge district is renowned for its historic villas, embassies and international schools. It is also home to leading financial institutions, making it even more attractive to an international clientele.
The streets of Enge are lined with opulent residences and luxury buildings. The proximity of Rieterpark and the Rietberg Museum contributes to the elegance of the district. Residents also enjoy exceptional views of the lake and the Alps.
The Enge property market is characterised by spacious flats, renovated town houses and exclusive villas. The heritage value of this area is extremely high, and properties are sometimes handed down from generation to generation.
Enge embodies Zurich’s residential prestige, combining culture, luxury and serenity.
4. Hottingen: refinement in the hills
Situated in the hills to the east of Zurich, Hottingen is an upmarket residential area, appreciated for its greenery, panoramic views and tranquillity.
Hottingen is also a cultural centre, home to the famous Kunsthaus Zürich, one of Europe’s largest museums of modern art. Its quiet, tree-lined streets are home to opulent villas, historic mansions and modern flats.
It is a popular area for families, particularly for its schools and proximity to cultural institutions.
The property on offer here is varied but always upmarket: traditional villas, modernised houses and prestigious flats with large picture windows overlooking the lake and the city.
Hottingen attracts customers looking forauthenticity and residential elegance, just a stone’s throw from the town centre.
5. Riesbach: a perfect balance between dynamism and serenity
Riesbach is one of Zurich’s most pleasant districts, located close to Seefeld but offering a slightly more residential atmosphere. Its residents enjoy a lifestyle that combines urban dynamism with close proximity to the lake and parks.
The architecture here is varied: Belle Époque-style buildings, opulent villas and modern residences. It’s a popular area for families and professionals looking for a quiet environment that’s still connected to the centre.
In terms of real estate, Riesbach offers spacious flats, often with balconies or terraces, as well as carefully renovated manor houses. Demand is constant, driven by the exceptional quality of life and proximity to the lake.
Living in Riesbach means choosing a balanced setting, combining residential elegance with cultural vibrancy.
6. Zürichberg: luxury in the hills
The Zürichberg district is synonymous with absolute prestige. Located high above the city, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Zurich, the lake and the Alps.
This residential area is bordered by forests and footpaths, ensuring a green and peaceful environment. It is also home to Zurich Zoo and renowned educational establishments, making it a sought-after address for wealthy families.
When it comes to real estate, the Zürichberg is dominated by luxury villas, historic homes and contemporary residences with generous volumes. The properties are rare, and their heritage value is among the highest in Switzerland.
Zürichberg embodies discreet residential luxury, where prestige and nature come together.
7. Küsnacht: the exclusive elegance of the Goldküste
Situated on the right bank of the lake, Küsnacht is one of the most exclusive communities on the famous “Goldküste” (golden coast).
Renowned for its sunshine, lakeside villas and refined atmosphere, Küsnacht attracts an international clientele made up of the rich and famous.
Villas in Küsnacht often feature private lake access, landscaped gardens and infinity pools. The architecture is a blend of traditional homes and sleek contemporary properties.
Demand far outstrips supply, making Küsnacht one of the most competitive markets in Europe. Living in Küsnacht means choosing absolute prestige on the shores of Lake Zurich.
8. Zollikon: exclusivity and panorama
Neighbouring Küsnacht, Zollikon is also a prestigious address. Situated in the hills, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and the city of Zurich.
The real estate market is dominated by modern villas and spacious residences, often with panoramic terraces. Properties directly on the lake are among the most sought-after in Switzerland.
Zollikon captivates with its proximity to Zurich and its peaceful residential atmosphere. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for an exclusive, panoramic setting.
9. Thalwil: prestige on the Silver Coast
On the left bank of the lake, known as the “Silver Coast“, Thalwil is an attractive community thanks to its accessibility and natural setting.
It offers a splendid view of the city and the Alps, while also boasting fast rail and road links to the centre of Zurich.
Thalwil attracts a varied clientele: families, expatriates and investors. The property on offer here is top-of-the-range, with modern villas, luxury flats and renovated traditional houses.
Thalwil combines accessibility with residential prestige, and is expanding rapidly.
10. Horgen: dynamism and authenticity
Further south on the Silver Coast, Horgen is a dynamic community with an appealing blend of authenticity and modernity.
It has a lively historic centre, modern facilities and a marina. Residents enjoy direct access to the lake and a wide range of cultural and sporting activities.
Horgen offers a wide range of properties, from modern flats to family homes and villas with lake views. Demand is growing strongly, driven by the attractiveness of the region.
Horgen embodies the balance between Swiss quality of life and urban dynamism.
11. Rüschlikon: exclusivity and innovation
Rüschlikon, located south of Zurich on the Silver Coast, is an upmarket residential community. It is renowned for its luxury villas and elegant atmosphere.
The presence of international companies makes it even more attractive to expatriates and senior executives.
Contemporary villas, spacious residences and properties with direct access to the lake dominate the local property market. Rüschlikon combines exclusivity and modernity, with a strong international focus.
12. Adliswil: greenery and accessibility
Adliswil, to the west of Zurich, is a residential community surrounded by green hills. Its natural surroundings and close proximity to the city make it an attractive place to live.
Adliswil attracts families and working people looking for peace and quiet without being far from the centre. Its modern villas, traditional houses and spacious flats offer a welcome variety.
With its direct links to Zurich, Adliswil is a green and accessible residential setting that is highly sought-after.
From thehistoric Altstadt to the prestigious Zürichberg, via the Goldküste (Küsnacht, Zollikon) and the Silver Coast (Thalwil, Horgen, Rüschlikon), Zurich offers an exceptional diversity of upmarket living environments.
The city and its surroundings offer a unique balance between urban excitement, unspoilt nature and exclusive real estate.
With FGP Swiss & Alps, you have access to the rarest and most prestigious properties in Zurich, thanks to a tailor-made and confidential service. Contact our experts to discover our exclusive offers and find the ideal address.
FAQ – Where to live in Zurich?
What is the most prestigious neighborhood in Zurich?
Zürichberg and the municipality of Küsnacht, on the Goldküste, are considered the most exclusive addresses.
Where to live in Zurich to enjoy the lake?
Seefeld, Enge and Küsnacht offer rare properties with direct access to Lake Zurich.
What are the most sought-after family-friendly neighborhoods?
Hottingen, Riesbach and Adliswil appeal to families for their greenery, schools and proximity to the city center.
What is the difference between the Goldküste and the Silver Coast?
The Goldküste (right bank, e.g. Küsnacht, Zollikon) is sunnier and more prestigious; the Silver Coast (left bank, e.g. Thalwil, Horgen) is more accessible and expanding.
Where to live in Zurich when working in finance?
Enge, Seefeld and the city center are preferred for their proximity to financial institutions and the Bahnhofstrasse.
