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

6.4/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
5,166
Commune type
Town

Living in Obfelden, a commune of 5166 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 (8.8/10) and Noise (8.2/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.2
Air Quality
5.6
Public Transport
5.0
Education & Culture
8.0
Nightlife & Dining
4.6
Nature & Green Spaces
8.8
Healthcare
7.5
Taxation
5.2
Annual Sunshine
4.4
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Obfelden achieves a compatibility score of 6.8/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.8/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Obfelden excels in Nature & Green Spaces (8.8/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (8.2/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Education & Culture (8/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (4.4/10), Nightlife & Dining (4.6/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

Considering buying property in Obfelden 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

Bibliothek ObfeldenLibrary
Sekundarschule Obfelden-OttenbachSchool
Sekundarschule Obfelden-OttenbachSchool
Lernwerkstatt BickwilSchool
Schulhaus SchlossächerSchool

Public Transport

GessnerstrasseBus Stop
ToussenBus Stop
BickwilBus Stop
UnterlunnernBus Stop
HölibachstrasseBus Stop

Guides to read for this area

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

Frequently asked questions about Obfelden

What's it like to live in Obfelden? Resident impressions and quality of life
Obfelden stands out with an exceptional nature score of 8.8, reflecting abundant green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. Yet the commune faces challenges with limited dining options, scoring just 2.2 for restaurants. Quiet surroundings are a major asset, with a noise rating of 8.2, though public transport connectivity lags at 3.5. Healthcare services rate solidly at 6.7, while air quality is moderate at 6.5. Education infrastructure scores lower at 4.4, and tax conditions are average. Located near Ottenbach, Affoltern am Albis, and Maschwanden in the Zurich agglomeration, Obfelden appeals most to nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful, scenic surroundings away from urban bustle.
How sunny and clean is the air in Obfelden?
Obfelden boasts a strong nature score of 8.8, reflecting its environmental appeal. However, sunshine levels are moderate at 4.4, suggesting fewer bright days than some alternatives. Air quality fares better at 6.5, indicating reasonably clean air for the region. The noise environment is particularly noteworthy at 8.2, creating a peaceful setting despite moderate sunlight. Located in the Zurich agglomeration with neighbors including Ottenbach, Affoltern am Albis, and Maschwanden, Obfelden offers solid environmental conditions. This commune suits nature lovers and those seeking quiet surroundings, though those prioritizing abundant sunshine may find the sunlight levels underwhelming.
How well-connected is Obfelden? Transport, schools, dining
Obfelden scores 8.8 for nature access, making it exceptionally well-positioned for outdoor enthusiasts. However, public transport connectivity remains limited with a score of only 3.5, suggesting reliance on personal vehicles for commuting. Educational facilities score 4.4, indicating moderate provision, whereas dining and restaurant options are particularly sparse at 2.2. The commune sits near Ottenbach, Affoltern am Albis, and Maschwanden, which may offer some additional services. Healthcare access is reasonable at 6.7, and air quality is satisfactory at 6.5. Obfelden suits nature lovers and those seeking rural tranquility over urban convenience, though families and young professionals may find infrastructure gaps challenging.
What are the neighboring communes of Obfelden and how big is it?
Obfelden is a small commune in Zurich with a population of 5,166 residents. Its neighbors are Ottenbach, Affoltern am Albis, and Maschwanden. The commune excels in nature quality, scoring 8.8, and noise management at 8.2, making it notably peaceful and green. However, restaurant availability is limited at 2.2, and public transport connectivity scores just 3.5, reflecting its rural character. Healthcare and air quality are moderate at 6.7 and 6.5 respectively. Education and sunshine scores remain below average. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility, though those dependent on urban amenities may find it constraining.
Is Obfelden a tax-friendly municipality?
Obfelden's nature accessibility stands out at 8.8, making it attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the commune's fiscal score of 5.2 indicates moderate tax-friendliness rather than exceptional advantages. Air quality is respectable at 6.7, yet transport connectivity remains limited at 3.5. Healthcare services score 6.5, supporting resident well-being. Educational facilities lag at 4.4, which may concern families. Sunshine exposure is average at 4.4. Restaurant options are minimal at 2.2, limiting leisure amenities. Thus, while not particularly tax-advantaged, Obfelden offers reasonable fiscal conditions alongside strong environmental benefits. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking quiet surroundings near the Zurich agglomeration, though families should weigh educational limitations carefully.

Neighboring communes of Obfelden

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 23.6 %20–64 years 59.6 %65 and over 16.8 %
Density
759 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+22.1 %
Vacant housing
2.2 %
New dwellings
7.3 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.6 %
Tertiary employment
71.2 %

Land use

Built-up area 24.3 %Agricultural land 49.1 %Forest 21.4 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2630, 8.4261
BFS Number
10
Last updated
29 June 2026

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