Quality of life in Greifensee (Zurich) — scores, review and neighborhoods

6.8/ 10
Top 10% in SwitzerlandExcellent
Population
4,852
Commune type
Village

Living in Greifensee, a commune of 4852 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.8/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Education & Culture (9.4/10) and Healthcare (9.3/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
7.6
Air Quality
6.1
Public Transport
3.7
Education & Culture
9.4
Nightlife & Dining
7.6
Nature & Green Spaces
7.9
Healthcare
9.3
Taxation
5.8
Annual Sunshine
4.0
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Family
ExcellentTop 5% in Switzerland
mediantop
Young Professional
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Greifensee achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (6.3/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Greifensee excels in Education & Culture (9.4/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues, Healthcare (9.3/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Nature & Green Spaces (7.9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (3.7/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4/10).

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Schul- und Gemeindebibliothek GreifenseeLibrary
KUK TagesschuleSchool
Primarschule BreitiSchool

Public Transport

TumigerstrasseBus Stop
Im HofBus Stop
StädtliBus Stop
Im LangacherBus Stop
PfisterhölzliBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

APODRO ApothekeDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Greifensee or moving to Canton Zurich? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Greifensee

What's it like to live in Greifensee? Resident impressions and quality of life
Greifensee stands out in environmental quality compared to its neighbors Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, and Volketswil, offering notably strong natural surroundings at 7.9. However, public transport connectivity remains limited at 2.4, requiring reliance on personal vehicles for mobility. The commune compensates with good air quality at 6.5 and low noise pollution at 7.6, creating a peaceful residential setting. Educational facilities score more modestly at 5.8, matching taxation levels, while dining and recreation options are sparse at 3.4. Healthcare services perform well at 7.5, though sunlight exposure is average at 4. Worth noting, Greifensee presents a classic rural-suburban tradeoff: serene natural environments and clean air offset by limited transport options and fewer urban amenities, suiting those prioritizing tranquility over accessibility.
How sunny and clean is the air in Greifensee?
Compared to neighbors Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, and Volketswil, Greifensee presents a mixed environmental profile. Air quality stands at 6.5, moderately clean but not exceptional for the Zurich agglomeration. Sunshine levels lag noticeably at 4, suggesting frequent cloud cover or topographic shading that limits outdoor enjoyment. It is worth noting that noise pollution is well-managed here, scoring 7.6, creating relatively quiet surroundings. Nature access compensates somewhat at 7.9, offering strong green space despite limited direct sunlight. The tradeoff is clear: residents enjoy peaceful, natural surroundings but should expect modest sunshine and moderate air quality rather than the brighter, cleaner conditions found in neighboring communes.
How well-connected is Greifensee? Transport, schools, dining
Greifensee faces connectivity challenges compared to neighbors like Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, and Volketswil. Its transport score of 2.4 is notably weak, limiting ease of movement to regional hubs. Educational facilities score moderately at 5.8, matching the canton average but offering fewer specialized options than larger agglomerations. Dining and leisure amenities are similarly constrained at 3.4, reflecting the commune's rural character within the Zurich agglomeration. It is worth noting that Greifensee compensates with strong environmental quality—nature scores 7.9 and air quality 6.5—appealing to residents prioritizing green space over urban convenience. The core tradeoff here is clear: those seeking integrated services and transit access should look elsewhere, while those valuing quietude and natural surroundings will find Greifensee well-positioned despite limited regional connectivity.
What are the neighboring communes of Greifensee and how big is it?
Greifensee borders Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, and Volketswil within the Zurich agglomeration. With a population of 4,852 residents, Greifensee is a small commune that offers distinct environmental advantages. It scores notably high on nature at 7.9, reflecting strong access to green spaces and outdoor amenities. However, its transport connectivity lags considerably at 2.4, which may limit commuting convenience for residents. The commune balances solid health services at 7.5 against modest educational provisions at 5.8. Air quality remains respectable at 6.5, though restaurant and dining options are limited at 3.4. Worth flagging: Greifensee's main tradeoff centers on rural tranquility and natural character versus limited public transport and commercial amenities—a profile suited to those prioritizing nature over urban convenience.
Is Greifensee a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to neighbors Schwerzenbach, Fällanden, and Volketswil, Greifensee presents a moderate fiscal profile. The municipality scores 5.8 on tax-friendliness, placing it in the middle range rather than among the most advantageous options. Worth flagging, this moderate tax rating contrasts with stronger environmental performance: Greifensee excels in nature access (7.9) and noise levels (7.6). However, education and healthcare services score similarly to taxation at 5.8 and 7.5 respectively. Transportation infrastructure remains a notable weakness at 2.4, offsetting some fiscal appeal. It is worth noting that restaurant and leisure options are also limited at 3.4. For prospective residents, Greifensee presents a tradeoff between moderately competitive taxation and quality-of-life factors, where environmental quality outweighs fiscal advantages as the municipality's primary strength.

Neighboring communes of Greifensee

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 22.5 %20–64 years 56.6 %65 and over 20.9 %
Density
2,372 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+5.6 %
Vacant housing
1.1 %
New dwellings
0.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.5 %
Tertiary employment
66.2 %

Land use

Built-up area 48.9 %Agricultural land 34.4 %Forest 9.3 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.3658, 8.6806
BFS Number
194
Last updated
17 July 2026

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