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

6.7/ 10
Top 10% in SwitzerlandExcellent
Population
12,696
Commune type
Town

Living in Richterswil, a commune of 12696 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.7/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Education & Culture (9.5/10) and Nightlife & Dining (8.1/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
7.9
Air Quality
5.3
Public Transport
4.0
Education & Culture
9.5
Nightlife & Dining
8.1
Nature & Green Spaces
8.0
Healthcare
7.4
Taxation
5.8
Annual Sunshine
4.3
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Richterswil achieves a compatibility score of 6.9/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Young Professional profile (6.4/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Richterswil excels in Education & Culture (9.5/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues, Nightlife & Dining (8.1/10) — a rich selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment, Nature & Green Spaces (8/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (4/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4.3/10).

Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Richterswil 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

Museum "Alte Sagi"Museum
Heimatkundliche SammlungMuseum
Gemeindebibliothek RichterswilLibrary
Schulhaus Feld ISchool
Schulhaus Feld IISchool
Schulhaus SamstagernSchool
Kindergarten ReidholzSchool
Schulhaus BodenSchool

Public Transport

GrüenfeldTrain Station
SamstagernTrain Station
BurghaldenTrain Station
RichterswilTrain Station
FrohbergBus Stop
ObermattBus Stop
Untere SchwandenBus Stop
SagenbachBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Paracelsus ApothekeDoctor
Gartenhofpraxis RichterswilDoctor

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 Zurich as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in Zurich as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in Zurich in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in Zurich Close to Nature

Frequently asked questions about Richterswil

What's it like to live in Richterswil? Resident impressions and quality of life
Richterswil stands out as a nature-focused lakeside community with exceptional environmental quality. Its nature score of 8 and air quality rating of 6.4 reflect the peaceful, green setting that characterizes this Zurich-area commune. Noise levels are notably low at 7.9, creating a serene residential environment. However, transport connectivity scores just 2.6, meaning residents rely more on personal vehicles for commuting. Dining and restaurant options are modest at 3.8. The commune, with nearly 13,000 inhabitants, offers decent healthcare and education services. Neighboring communities like Wollerau and Wädenswil provide additional amenities. This profile suits nature lovers and families seeking tranquility over urban convenience, though those prioritizing public transit may find limitations.
How sunny and clean is the air in Richterswil?
Richterswil excels in nature access with a score of 8.0, making it an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Air quality is moderate at 6.4, reflecting its position within the Zurich agglomeration, though noise levels remain manageable at 7.9. Sunshine exposure, however, is limited at 4.3, typical for the region's geography and cloud patterns. Despite lower solar hours, the commune's strong natural environment and neighboring communities like Wollerau and Wädenswil offer compelling outdoor recreation. This profile suits nature lovers and families seeking lakeside living with accessible greenery, though those prioritizing abundant sunshine may find conditions less favorable.
How well-connected is Richterswil? Transport, schools, dining
Richterswil's connectivity reveals a mixed profile shaped by its lakeside location near Zurich. Transport accessibility scores notably low at 2.6, reflecting its suburban position without major transit hubs, though proximity to neighbors like Wollerau and Wädenswil offers alternative routes. Education services perform better with a score of 6, supporting families seeking solid schooling options. Dining and hospitality lag similarly to transport at 3.8, typical for quieter communes where residents often venture to urban centers for restaurant variety. The strength here lies elsewhere: nature access reaches 8 and air quality scores 6.4, making Richterswil most appealing to nature lovers and retirees prioritizing tranquility over urban convenience.
What are the neighboring communes of Richterswil and how big is it?
Richterswil is a mid-sized commune in Zurich's agglomeration, home to 12,696 inhabitants. Its neighbors are Wollerau, Wädenswil, and Feusisberg. The commune excels in nature and quietness, with scores of 8.0 and 7.9 respectively, reflecting its lakeside and forested setting. However, transport connectivity scores considerably lower at 2.6, limiting accessibility for commuters. Education and healthcare services are adequate at 6.0 and 6.5. Richterswil suits families and nature lovers seeking a calm, green environment near the city, though those prioritizing public transit should consider alternatives.
Is Richterswil a tax-friendly municipality?
Richterswil's fiscal profile reflects moderate tax competitiveness within the Zurich agglomeration. The municipality scores 5.8 on fiscal taxation, positioning it in the middle range rather than among the canton's most tax-advantaged communes. Neighboring Wollerau, Wädenswil, and Feusisberg offer comparable fiscal environments. However, Richterswil compensates through exceptional environmental qualities, with strong scores in air quality (6.4) and particularly nature access (8.0), alongside low noise pollution (7.9). These lifestyle benefits may offset moderate tax rates for those prioritizing natural surroundings. The municipality suits nature lovers and retirees seeking lakeside living with balanced fiscal terms rather than those seeking maximum tax savings alone.

Neighboring communes of Richterswil

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21.6 %20–64 years 59.1 %65 and over 19.3 %
Density
1,810 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+10.4 %
Vacant housing
1.3 %
New dwellings
4.6 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.2 %
Tertiary employment
63 %

Land use

Built-up area 41.2 %Agricultural land 50.9 %Forest 7.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2023, 8.6932
BFS Number
138
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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