Within the next 6 months, I'll be leaving my home for 30 years in London and move to either Barcelona in Spain or Zurich in Switzerland. It may sound strange but true.<BR><BR>The principle reason for leaving is that I am now in a position that I can... We are a couple with a child of 4 years old.<BR><BR>My work is internet based and so theoreticslly I can work from a suitcase. I speak English, so that in itself should not pose a problem in either city.<BR><BR>I have shortlisted these 2 cities from all the major cities in Europe and trust me I have visited them all from Amsterdamm to Zermatt.<BR><BR>I guess when one is one's late thirties with a family ,one perspectives and priorities change. I now seek a secure environment to bring up my child in a civilised yet soulful place.<BR><BR>There is some truth in the cliche that Barcelona is creative,colourful,full of vitality,passionate and inspirational.Where art and culture fuse effortlessly at the expense of rising crime and political zeal. <BR><BR>Zurich on the other hand affords stability, cleaniless,mountain air,chocolate and tax breaks.<BR><BR>I require the real truth from barcelonians or swiss. The good, bad and ugly...<BR><BR>Can any of you recommend either city and why to LIVE in, rather than just VISIT and/or another city of your choice.<BR><BR>I need to know about habitation and schools as oppose to beaches and mountains.<BR><BR>My destiny could well lie in your hands.<BR><BR>Please help. I will reply if you wish me to.<BR><BR>Thank you so much. Over to you now...<BR><BR>

I have been in several cities and towns in Switzerland, but never to Zurich, so I can't help you there.<BR><BR>About Barcelona, let me put it this way... If somebody told me "here, take this job in what you do that pays 70% of what you currently make, but you have to work in Barcelona", I would say yes, go to the street, hail a cab, and go to the airport!<BR><BR>IMHO, I'd get bored after a while in Switzerland. Don't get me wrong, I love Switzerland and cherish every moment I've been there, but so much precision (on everything) can get on my nerves after a while. Maybe Zurich will be a bit sedated for you after London. Barcelona, OTOH, is a vibrant, changing and exciting place. Has a good airport, great weather, good food, and it is just chaotic enough to make it exciting...

have you considered the medical/dental care avaible in these places?? my bet would be switzerland would be better all around. we were not impressed with the overall fod in barcelona and the crime rate is increasing. im not ssure of the qulity of the schools but that i would check into also. good luck in your quest

Hello,I'm Patty and I'm from Barcelona. I have never been to Switzerland but of course I think Barcelona could be a nice city to live. <BR>I'm sure you know that we have a nice weather all year round, the food is really healthy and delicius. <BR>You have beatiful beaches (less than 1 hour by you get the Costa Brava).<BR>You can get everything, life is no expensive (much cheeper than Zurich).<BR>I Don't Know Barcelona is exciting you can never get bored here.<BR>I really love my city so I think I cannot be objective. <BR>Sorry for my english I've tried my best.<BR>Good luck in your decision !!<BR>Patty