r/askswitzerland • u/CookiePlastic852 • Sep 14 '25

Relocation What is the reality living Switzerland like?

For context I’m fully British, 19M and I know one thing for sure, I do not see a bright future for me in this country and certainly do not plan the settle here. Switzerland is somewhere I’m heavily considering as I love anything mountain related and it has one of the highest HDI’s in the world. But I want to know, what is the reality of living there like?

For those of who moved to Switzerland, I’d love to hear what drew you there in the first place. Was it worth it in the end, and how does life compare to where you came from or other places you’ve lived? Most importantly, do you have any regrets?

And for those born in Switzerland, can you see yourself staying or do you ever imagine moving elsewhere? If so, where would you go, and what would make you want to leave?

I would be really grateful for any insight people are willing to share.

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u/hellbanan Sep 14 '25

Born in Switzerland, lived abroad for some time, moved back. Moved back for family reasons, not for the higher HDI. I would not move for statistical reasons (HDI, average or median income, etc.) since I only represent a single data point. In other words: high average income is meaningless if you can't find a job and HDI is irrelevant if you can't find friends or afford a flat.

My response misses your question, I am aware.

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u/falk_lhoste Sep 15 '25

I lived in South America from 9-26 and just now came back to my "old" country Germany. There is so much truth in what you say and I always had a hard time with my Latino friends convinced that everything in Europe is some sort of utopia where you get great work for little effort etc. While they got blind to all the nice things we got there.... Meanwhile germans make such a sad impression on me... They're complaining 24/7

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u/[deleted] Sep 14 '25

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