A family recently made the bold decision to relocate from the United States to Switzerland, drawn by the country's unique lifestyle and attractive geographical location. Nestled between Germany and France, Switzerland offers easy access to cross-border shopping, providing residents with the opportunity to purchase goods at lower prices than within the country itself. However, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living, which affects everything from groceries to utilities.
Switzerland is renowned for its cultural emphasis on enjoying nature and outdoor activities. According to Erin, a member of the family, the community in Switzerland is "wonderful," offering a sense of belonging that enhances their experience. Despite the high expenses, they find value in the lifestyle and opportunities available in their new home.
"After just a short time, we were already missing this lifestyle here and living here," said Erik.
The family acknowledges that while the cost of living in Switzerland is significant, it represents more than just a financial burden. They perceive it as a cultural phenomenon where citizens willingly pay premium prices because they understand the benefits of residing in Switzerland. This understanding extends to taxes, which are seen not merely as financial obligations but as contributions to maintaining the quality of life in the country.
“So that’s why I think, for those things, the price tags are higher also.” – Erin
Erin notes that certain elements of life in the US have been successfully implemented, such as promoting children's independence. She appreciates these aspects but finds Switzerland's approach uniquely appealing. For instance, Swiss school children return home for lunch and then walk back to school, fostering a sense of autonomy from an early age.
“I will say that’s one thing maybe that the US has done right,” – Erin
The family has also adjusted to the linguistic landscape. While Swiss German is predominantly spoken, it is not a written language, adding an interesting layer to communication for newcomers. Erin admits that mastering Swiss German remains a challenge, likening her current proficiency to that of a toddler. Yet, she remains optimistic about improving her skills over time.
“And I haven’t gotten to the point where I’m good at that or comfortable with that yet… Because right now, I feel like I speak like a toddler.” – Erin
Despite these hurdles, both Erin and Erik express no regrets about their move. The allure of fresh food available daily is another highlight for Erin, although she sometimes misses the convenience of larger grocery runs typical in the US.
“I also appreciate buying fresh food every day… It’s just something that sometimes I miss when I’m going out for maybe the third time because I forgot something.” – Erin
Switzerland's educational system has also left a positive impression on Erin. She observes that children are encouraged to explore career interests early on, with schools facilitating resume creation and field-specific interviews at a young age. This proactive approach aligns with the family's values and aspirations for their children's future.
“This is something very different for her. They’re already starting to work on resumes and having interviews in different fields that the kids are interested in. So that’s way early.” – Erin
While the cost of living presents undeniable challenges, the family's choice reflects their prioritization of safety and quality of life over financial considerations. Erik emphasizes that their decision was not about escaping but about finding assurance in Switzerland's neutrality and stability.
“It wasn’t escaping. But it was a feeling of assurance that we’re making the right decision because of the safety involved in the country there. And being a neutral country…” – Erik
