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

6.4/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
20,636
Commune type
Town

Living in Horgen, a commune of 20636 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.4/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9/10) and Noise (8.3/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.3
Air Quality
5.9
Public Transport
1.5
Education & Culture
7.7
Nightlife & Dining
6.2
Nature & Green Spaces
9.0
Healthcare
8.3
Taxation
6.0
Annual Sunshine
4.8
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Horgen achieves a compatibility score of 6.9/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Horgen excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (8.3/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Healthcare (8.3/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (1.5/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4.8/10).

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

Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

BergwerkmuseumMuseum
AgentenhausMuseum
Johanna Spyri MuseumMuseum
Ortsmuseum SustMuseum
Besucherzentrum Wildnispark ZürichMuseum
Gemeindeblibliothek HorgenLibrary
Schulbibliothek HirzelLibrary
Schule startklarSchool

Public Transport

SihlbruggTrain Station
Horgen OberdorfTrain Station
HorgenTrain Station
SihlwaldTrain Station
HinterklausenBus Stop
VorderklausenBus Stop
WührenbachBus Stop
WidenbachBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

See-Spital HorgenHospital
PoliclinicMedical Centre
Nephro am SeeMedical Centre
Pill Apotheke WaldeggDoctor
TopPharm Apotheke zum ErzbergDoctor
Kinderarztpraxis Central HorgenDoctor
TCM SinoSanDoctor
Nephro am SeeDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Frequently asked questions about Horgen

What's it like to live in Horgen? Resident impressions and quality of life
Horgen stands out as a lakeside commune in the Zurich agglomeration where natural surroundings define daily life. With a nature score of 9, the landscape offers exceptional outdoor appeal, yet transport connectivity scores just 0.8, reflecting limited public transit options. Air quality is moderate at 6.7, and noise levels are notably low at 8.3, creating a quieter environment than many urban neighbors like Hausen am Albis and Oberrieden. Healthcare facilities score 7.3, supporting resident wellbeing. However, dining and restaurant options remain sparse at 2.8, and educational services lag at 4.1. The fiscal environment is balanced at 6. Horgen suits those prioritizing tranquility and nature access over urban convenience and services. Explore the full profile on the map to discover how these factors shape your potential experience here.
How sunny and clean is the air in Horgen?
Horgen boasts exceptional air quality with a score of 6.7, making it a notably clean environment. However, sunshine levels are moderate at 4.8, reflecting typical conditions for the Zurich region. The commune's air quality stands out among its neighbors—Hausen am Albis, Neuheim, and Oberrieden—contributing to its appeal for health-conscious residents. Yet cloudier days mean less natural light compared to sunnier Swiss locations. The strong air quality rating reflects Horgen's favorable position relative to major pollution sources, despite its proximity to the Zurich agglomeration. Explore the detailed environmental metrics on the map to understand how these factors shape daily life in the commune.
How well-connected is Horgen? Transport, schools, dining
Horgen's connectivity reveals a mixed profile for this Zurich agglomeration commune. Public transport scores notably low at 0.8, limiting convenient access to regional networks, yet the commune compensates with strong air quality at 6.7 and exceptional nature accessibility at 9. Educational facilities score modestly at 4.1, suggesting adequate but not comprehensive local schooling options. Dining and restaurant availability remain limited, scoring 2.8, which may require residents to seek meals elsewhere. Healthcare services perform respectably at 7.3, enhancing overall livability. Neighbors including Hausen am Albis, Neuheim, and Oberrieden offer potential alternatives for services. Explore the detailed map to discover specific amenities and transportation options that may serve your needs.
What are the neighboring communes of Horgen and how big is it?
Horgen is a mid-sized commune in the Zurich agglomeration with 20,636 inhabitants. It borders three communes: Hausen am Albis, Neuheim, and Oberrieden. The area excels in natural environment, scoring 9 for nature and 8.3 for low noise pollution. However, transport accessibility remains limited at just 0.8, which may challenge commuting needs. Education services score 4.1, whereas healthcare quality is stronger at 7.3. Dining options are modest at 2.8, yet the air quality of 6.7 provides reasonable living conditions. Explore the interactive map to discover location details and how Horgen compares with its neighbors.
Is Horgen a tax-friendly municipality?
Horgen's tax friendliness is moderate, with a fiscal score of 6.0 that places it in the middle range rather than among the most advantageous communes. The municipality offers reasonable tax conditions, yet residents should note that this score reflects neither exceptional savings nor particular burdens compared to peers in the Zurich agglomeration. What distinguishes Horgen more prominently is its outstanding nature score of 9.0 and excellent air quality at 6.7, making it attractive for those prioritizing environmental quality. However, public transport connectivity scores notably low at 0.8, which may affect overall cost-of-living calculations. Health services perform well at 7.3, though dining and cultural options are limited at 2.8. For a detailed comparison of Horgen's fiscal position against neighbors like Hausen am Albis, Neuheim, and Oberrieden, explore the interactive profiles on the map.

Neighboring communes of Horgen

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 20.8 %20–64 years 60.4 %65 and over 18.8 %
Density
746 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+9.2 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
3.3 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.8 %
Tertiary employment
81.7 %

Land use

Built-up area 18.5 %Agricultural land 38.9 %Forest 39.5 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2360, 8.5891
BFS Number
295
Last updated
29 June 2026

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