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

6.7/ 10
Top 10% in Switzerland#1 in the cantonExcellent
Population
6,156
Commune type
Town

Living in Teufen (AR), a commune of 6156 inhabitants in Canton Appenzell A.Rh. — with an overall score of 6.7/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Healthcare (9.4/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.1/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.0
Air Quality
6.6
Public Transport
3.2
Education & Culture
8.3
Nightlife & Dining
6.7
Nature & Green Spaces
9.1
Healthcare
9.4
Taxation
4.6
Annual Sunshine
3.3
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Family
ExcellentTop 5% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Young Professional
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Good
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Teufen (AR) achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.9/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Teufen (AR) excels in Healthcare (9.4/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Nature & Green Spaces (9.1/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (9/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (3.2/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (3.3/10), Taxation (4.6/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Altes ZeughausMuseum
A. Vogel - Heilkräuter-GartenMuseum
Brücker Museum TeufenMuseum
Bibliothek TeufenLibrary
HechtremiseCinema / Theatre
LandhausSchool
Rotes SchulhausSchool
Sekundarschule HörliSchool

Public Transport

Teufen ARTrain Station
StofelTrain Station
Sternen bei TeufenTrain Station
NiederteufenTrain Station
LustmühleTrain Station
Teufen BahnhofBus Stop
VorderhausBus Stop
Sternen bei TeufenBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Augenklinik TeufenMedical Centre
Berit Klinik NiederteufenMedical Centre
Paracelsus Klinik LustmühleMedical Centre
Haus TMedical Centre
Haus MMedical Centre
SiRuDoctor
MedbaseDoctor
Hausarzt- und Vitalpraxen Appenzellerland GmbHDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Teufen (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 Teufen (AR)

What's it like to live in Teufen (AR)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Teufen offers an exceptional natural environment with a noise score of 9 and nature accessibility at 9.1, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility and outdoor spaces. Air quality is strong at 7.5, and healthcare services score 7.8, supporting resident wellbeing. However, public transport connectivity is limited at 1.9, requiring personal vehicles for mobility. Education facilities score modestly at 4.1, and dining and leisure options are somewhat sparse at 2.8. The commune borders Bühler, Schlatt-Haslen, and Speicher, offering access to neighboring communities. Tax conditions are moderate at 4.6. With its rural character and natural advantages offset by modest urban amenities, Teufen suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing peace and environmental quality over convenience and services.
How sunny and clean is the air in Teufen (AR)?
Teufen excels in environmental quality with an exceptional noise score of 9, reflecting a remarkably quiet setting. Air quality is strong at 7.5, supporting good respiratory health and outdoor enjoyment. However, sunshine levels disappoint at only 3.3, meaning residents experience limited bright days compared to sunnier Swiss regions. Health services score well at 7.8, though educational facilities lag at 4.1. The commune's pristine nature score of 9.1 complements its clean air, creating an environment rich in natural character. Located near neighbors Bühler, Schlatt-Haslen, and Speicher, Teufen suits nature lovers and those prioritizing tranquility over sunshine exposure.
How well-connected is Teufen (AR)? Transport, schools, dining
Teufen excels in environmental quality, with a nature score of 9.1 and air quality of 7.5, making it an appealing rural setting. However, public transport connectivity is notably limited at 1.9, which may challenge commuters relying on transit. Educational facilities score modestly at 4.1, suggesting limited schooling options within the commune itself. Dining and restaurant amenities are similarly sparse at 2.8. Healthcare services perform better at 7.8, providing reasonable medical access. Located near the St. Gallen agglomeration and neighboring Bühler, Schlatt-Haslen, and Speicher, Teufen offers opportunities for broader regional connectivity. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful surroundings, though young professionals and families may find transport and service limitations restrictive.
What are the neighboring communes of Teufen (AR) and how big is it?
Teufen (AR) is a small commune with a population of 6,156, nestled in Appenzell Ausserrhoden and part of the St. Gallen agglomeration. Its neighbors are Bühler, Schlatt-Haslen, and Speicher. The commune excels in nature and quietness, scoring 9.1 for natural surroundings and 9 for low noise pollution, making it an exceptionally peaceful setting. However, public transport connectivity is limited at 1.9, and restaurant options are sparse at 2.8. Education facilities also score modestly at 4.1. With strong environmental attributes balanced against limited urban amenities, Teufen suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquility over convenience.
Is Teufen (AR) a tax-friendly municipality?
Teufen achieves a fiscal score of 4.6, positioning it as moderately tax-friendly rather than exceptionally favorable. The commune's strongest advantage lies in its exceptional environmental quality, with noise and nature scores of 9 and 9.1 respectively, reflecting a peaceful rural setting. However, its fiscal competitiveness remains average, neither particularly attractive nor discouraging for tax-conscious residents. Air quality (7.8) and healthcare (7.8) are solid assets, yet transport connectivity (1.9) and educational facilities (4.1) lag considerably. Additionally, restaurant options (2.8) are limited. Neighboring communes like Bühler and Speicher may offer different fiscal profiles worth comparing. This commune suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility more than those prioritizing tax advantages or urban amenities.

Neighboring communes of Teufen (AR)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 19 %20–64 years 58.5 %65 and over 22.5 %
Density
417 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+10.7 %
Vacant housing
1.9 %
New dwellings
1.8 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.1 %
Tertiary employment
78 %

Land use

Built-up area 16.9 %Agricultural land 52.5 %Forest 29.6 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Appenzell Ausserrhoden (AR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3916, 9.3940
BFS Number
3024
Last updated
29 June 2026

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