Quality of life in Grub (AR) (Appenzell Ausserrhoden) — scores, review and neighborhoods

6.0/ 10
Good
Population
910
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Grub (AR), a commune of 910 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 6/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9.3/10) and Healthcare (9/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.9
Air Quality
6.7
Public Transport
1.8
Education & Culture
7.5
Nightlife & Dining
5.7
Nature & Green Spaces
9.3
Healthcare
9.0
Taxation
3.1
Annual Sunshine
2.3
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Family
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Good
mediantop
Young Professional
Good
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Grub (AR) achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.1/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Grub (AR) excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9.3/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (9/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Noise (8.9/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (1.8/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (2.3/10), Taxation (3.1/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Basisstufe WeiherSchool
Basisstufe DorfSchool
Schule Grub ARSchool

Public Transport

KrähtobelBus Stop
Grub DorfBus Stop
HeilbadBus Stop
Ebne GrubBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Arztpraxis GrubDoctor

Guides to read for this area

Four guides by lifestyle profile and three analyses of this area's strongest criteria.

Considering buying property in Grub (AR) or moving to Canton Appenzell A.Rh.? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Grub (AR)

What's it like to live in Grub (AR)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Grub (AR) is a small commune defined by exceptional natural surroundings and low noise levels. With a nature score of 9.3 and air quality of 7.6, residents enjoy a countryside setting ideal for those seeking environmental tranquility. However, public transport connectivity scores only 1, making a car essential for most daily needs. Educational facilities rate at 4.1, meanwhile dining and restaurant options are limited at 2.1. Healthcare provision is solid at 8, yet sunshine hours score just 2.3, reflecting the region's climate patterns. Tax conditions rate 3.1, offering moderate fiscal appeal. Grub's main tradeoff is clear: those prioritizing natural beauty and quiet living will thrive, whereas residents requiring robust public services and urban conveniences should consider neighboring communes like Rehetobel or Heiden.
How sunny and clean is the air in Grub (AR)?
Grub stands out for exceptional natural quietness and air quality, scoring 7.6 for air purity in a region known for clean environments. The commune's air quality reflects its rural character and proximity to nature. However, sunshine is markedly limited, with an ensoleillement score of only 2.3, among the lowest regionally. This shortage of bright days is typical for communities in the northeastern foothills. By contrast, the air remains notably fresh, supported by the area's strong nature score of 9.3. The main tradeoff here is straightforward: residents enjoy pristine air quality but must accept considerably reduced daylight hours throughout the year.
How well-connected is Grub (AR)? Transport, schools, dining
Grub's limited connectivity is its defining characteristic. With a transport score of just 1, this tiny commune of 910 residents offers minimal public transit and road infrastructure, making car dependence unavoidable. Education facilities score modestly at 4.1, reflecting constraints typical of rural areas, yet dining options are similarly sparse at 2.1. By contrast, Grub excels in environmental quality, boasting exceptional air purity at 7.6 and outstanding natural surroundings at 9.3. Health services score well at 8, offsetting some isolation concerns. Positioned between neighbors Rehetobel, Eggersriet, and Heiden, Grub effectively trades connectivity for pristine countryside and cleaner air—a tradeoff that suits those prioritizing rural tranquility over urban convenience.
What are the neighboring communes of Grub (AR) and how big is it?
Grub is a small commune in Appenzell Ausserrhoden with just 910 inhabitants, bordered by Rehetobel, Eggersriet, and Heiden. Its principal strength lies in exceptional environmental quality, with a nature score of 9.3 and air quality rating of 7.6. However, transport connectivity remains severely limited at 1.0, reflecting its rural position outside major urban centers. The commune scores modestly on education (4.1) and dining options (2.1), meanwhile offering solid health services at 8.0. Grub presents the classic rural tradeoff: pristine natural surroundings and clean air come at the cost of minimal public transit and sparse amenities typical of small alpine settlements.
Is Grub (AR) a tax-friendly municipality?
Grub is not a particularly tax-friendly municipality, with a fiscal score of 3.1 that places it below average for Swiss communes. This small rural community of 910 inhabitants struggles with taxation competitiveness, yet it compensates through exceptional environmental assets. Air quality scores 7.6, and the commune truly excels in nature preservation with a remarkable 9.3, alongside excellent noise management at 8.9. By contrast, education opportunities remain limited at 4.1, and public transport connectivity is minimal at just 1. Healthcare provision is solid at 8.0, though dining and cultural options are sparse at 2.1. The fundamental tradeoff here is clear: Grub offers those seeking natural tranquility and clean surroundings an appealing haven, but prospective residents prioritizing fiscal efficiency or urban convenience will find limited appeal.

Neighboring communes of Grub (AR)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 19.1 %20–64 years 60.1 %65 and over 20.8 %
Density
241 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-0.4 %
Vacant housing
2.5 %
New dwellings
0.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.9 %
Tertiary employment
64 %

Land use

Built-up area 12.1 %Agricultural land 56.7 %Forest 31.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.4401, 9.5031
BFS Number
3031
Last updated
29 June 2026

Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM — Scores normalised 0-10