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Quality of life in Schönengrund (Appenzell Ausserrhoden): scores, review and neighborhoods

5.4/ 10
Average
Population
512
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Schönengrund, a commune of 512 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh.. With an overall score of 5.4/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.5/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.1/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.5
Air Quality
6.4
Public Transport
1.1
Education & Culture
4.0
Nightlife & Dining
7.9
Nature & Green Spaces
9.1
Healthcare
5.1
Taxation
2.8
Annual Sunshine
3.1
Cantonal average

These scores summarise the living environment where residents actually live, not across the whole municipal territory. The map, by contrast, colours the territory: a highly rated commune can still show large, often uninhabited areas with weaker values.

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Good
mediantop
Young Professional
Fair
mediantop
Retirement
Fair
mediantop
Family
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Schönengrund achieves a compatibility score of 6.6/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Schönengrund excels in Noise (9.5/10, a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus), Nature & Green Spaces (9.1/10, a green environment with many accessible green spaces), Nightlife & Dining (7.9/10, a rich selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment).

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (1.1/10, limited public transport connections), Taxation (2.8/10, a higher tax burden than average), Annual Sunshine (3.1/10).

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Guides to read for this area

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

By lifestyle profile

Family
Where to Live in St. Gallen as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in St. Gallen as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in St. Gallen in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in St. Gallen Close to Nature
Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Schönengrund 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 Schönengrund

What's it like to live in Schönengrund? Resident impressions and quality of life
Living in Schönengrund means trading urban convenience for exceptional quiet and nature. The commune's weakest dimension is transport, scoring just 1.1, so a car is effectively essential here. Fiscal pressure is also notable at 2.8, and sunshine sits low at 3.1. However, the strengths are striking: noise levels score 9.5, among the calmest settings imaginable, while nature reaches 9.1 and dining options rate 7.9. Air quality is solid at 6.4. Neighboring Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Waldstatt provide nearby rural context. With only 512 residents, daily life stays intimate and slow-paced. This profile best suits nature lovers and retirees seeking stillness, though families accepting limited services and commuting trade-offs may also find it workable.
How sunny and clean is the air in Schönengrund?
Schönengrund's weakest environmental dimension is sunshine, scoring only 3.1, so expect frequent cloud cover and grey days. Air quality, however, is a genuine strength at 6.4, helped by the commune's small population of 512 and its position within the St. Gallen agglomeration. The surrounding landscape also scores 9.1 for nature, which supports cleaner air across the valley. Neighbouring communes such as Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Waldstatt share similar conditions. Transport access is very limited at 1.1, so residents rely heavily on cars. Overall, this profile suits nature lovers and retirees who value peace and fresh air over sunshine hours and connectivity.
How well-connected is Schönengrund? Transport, schools, dining
Schönengrund is a quiet Appenzell Ausserrhoden village where connectivity is the clear weak point. Public transport scores just 1.1, so a car is effectively essential for commuting or reaching larger centres. Education is also limited at 4, and fiscal attractiveness sits at 2.8. What the commune does offer is calm and setting: noise scores 9.5, nature 9.1, and dining 7.9, with air quality at 6.4. Neighbouring communes Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Waldstatt provide the nearest alternatives for services and connections. However, with only 512 residents, amenities remain minimal. This profile best suits nature lovers and retirees who value tranquillity over daily convenience, rather than young professionals or families needing frequent transport links.
What are the neighboring communes of Schönengrund and how big is it?
Schönengrund is a small Appenzell Ausserrhoden commune of 512 residents, neighbouring Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Waldstatt. Its weakest dimension is transport, scoring just 1.1, so car dependence is likely. However, the commune compensates with exceptional quiet, rated 9.5, and strong nature access at 9.1. Air quality is decent at 6.4, restaurants score 7.9, and healthcare sits at 5.1. Education (4.0), sunshine (3.1) and fiscal attractiveness (2.8) are more modest. With only 512 inhabitants, Schönengrund remains a genuinely rural setting within the St. Gallen agglomeration. This profile best suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquillity rather than young professionals or families prioritising schools and public transport connections.
Is Schönengrund a tax-friendly municipality?
Schönengrund is not a tax-friendly municipality, with a fiscalite score of only 2.8 out of 10. That weak fiscal position is the commune's clearest drawback. However, Schönengrund compensates with exceptional strengths elsewhere: a noise score of 9.5 and a nature score of 9.1, both among the highest values in its profile. Air quality reaches 6.4, while transport sits at just 1.1, reflecting the commune's remote, quiet character. With 512 residents in the St. Gallen agglomeration, Schönengrund borders Urnäsch, Schwellbrunn and Waldstatt. The combination of low noise, abundant nature and weak public transport links means this commune best suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquillity, rather than young professionals or families prioritising connectivity and low taxes.

Neighboring communes of Schönengrund

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 23.1 %20–64 years 58.1 %65 and over 18.8 %
Density
102 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+6.5 %
Vacant housing
2.1 %
New dwellings
5.8 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.3 %
Tertiary employment
53.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 4.6 %Agricultural land 65.2 %Forest 30.2 %

Source: FSO, Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3218, 9.2332
BFS Number
3003
Last updated
7 October 2026

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

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