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

6.1/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
23,523
Commune type
Town

Living in Wädenswil, a commune of 23523 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 6.1/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9/10) and Noise (8.1/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.1
Air Quality
5.8
Public Transport
1.7
Education & Culture
7.6
Nightlife & Dining
5.6
Nature & Green Spaces
9.0
Healthcare
7.2
Taxation
5.7
Annual Sunshine
4.4
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Wädenswil achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.3/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Wädenswil excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (8.1/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Education & Culture (7.6/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (1.7/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (4.4/10).

Considering buying property in Wädenswil 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

ZHAWUniversity
WeinbaumuseumMuseum
Stadtbibliothek WädenswilLibrary
SeesichttheaterCinema / Theatre
Schloss KinoCinema / Theatre
Theater TicinoCinema / Theatre
Fuhr / RotwegSchool
Zurich International SchoolSchool

Public Transport

WädenswilTrain Station
AuTrain Station
MühlestaldenBus Stop
GisenrütiBus Stop
ZweierhofBus Stop
TanneBus Stop
BeichlenBus Stop
Schönenberg DorfhuusBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Praxiszentrum GlärnischMedical Centre
Medizin am BahnhofMedical Centre
Oberdorf PraxisDoctor
Pill Apotheke OberdorfDoctor
Hausarztpraxis EidmattDoctor
Praxis für TCM Ying Xu LindauerDoctor
GraeserDoctor
TettamantiDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Frequently asked questions about Wädenswil

What's it like to live in Wädenswil? Resident impressions and quality of life
Wädenswil offers a notably different living environment compared to its neighbors Richterswil, Wollerau, and Menzingen, particularly in environmental quality. The commune excels in nature access with a score of 9, and noise levels remain low at 8.1, creating a peaceful setting for residents. Air quality scores a respectable 6.9. It is worth noting that public transport connectivity remains limited at 0.9, which may require car dependency for commuting. Educational facilities score modestly at 3.7, and dining options are similarly sparse at 2.3. Healthcare and taxation are adequate but unremarkable. This profile suits nature lovers and families seeking tranquility over urban convenience, though those prioritizing walkability and local amenities may find the infrastructure constraints challenging.
How sunny and clean is the air in Wädenswil?
Compared to neighbors like Richterswil, Wollerau, and Menzingen, Wädenswil presents mixed environmental conditions. Air quality stands out as a notable strength, scoring 6.9 and reflecting relatively clean atmospheric conditions—worth noting given the commune's proximity to the Zurich agglomeration. Nature access is exceptionally strong at 9, underscoring the area's lakeshore and woodland assets. Conversely, sunshine exposure is more modest at 4.4, suggesting frequent cloud cover typical of the region. It is worth noting that the combination of good air quality and abundant natural surroundings makes Wädenswil particularly appealing to nature lovers and retirees seeking a balance between environmental quality and outdoor recreation without excessive sunny days.
How well-connected is Wädenswil? Transport, schools, dining
Wädenswil trails its neighbors Richterswil, Wollerau, and Menzingen significantly in connectivity. Public transport accessibility stands out as the commune's weakest dimension at 0.9, presenting a notable challenge for commuters. Educational facilities score modestly at 3.7, while dining and restaurant options are limited at 2.3. It is worth noting that despite these constraints, Wädenswil offers compelling strengths elsewhere—particularly its exceptional nature score of 9 and excellent air quality at 6.9. The commune suits nature lovers and those prioritizing environmental quality over urban convenience, though potential residents should carefully assess whether limited transport and amenities align with their lifestyle needs.
What are the neighboring communes of Wädenswil and how big is it?
Wädenswil, home to nearly 24,000 residents, sits alongside Richterswil, Wollerau, and Menzingen in the Zurich agglomeration. Compared to these neighbors, Wädenswil stands out for its exceptional natural environment, scoring 9.0 on nature quality, and benefits from notably low noise levels at 8.1. It is worth noting that education services lag somewhat, with a score of 3.7, reflecting fewer institutional facilities relative to its size. The commune's strong environmental profile and peaceful setting make it particularly appealing to nature lovers and families seeking quieter lakeside living without urban congestion.
Is Wädenswil a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to nearby Richterswil, Wollerau, and Menzingen, Wädenswil shows moderate tax positioning with a score of 5.7. It is worth noting that taxation ranks neither as a standout strength nor a significant concern for this lakeside commune of 23,523 residents. The municipality's genuine strengths emerge elsewhere: nature access scores exceptionally high at 9, and air quality is solid at 6.9, reflecting its location on Lake Zurich's shores. Educational infrastructure lags at 3.7, representing a weaker dimension. For prospective residents prioritizing both fiscal considerations and natural amenities, Wädenswil appeals primarily to nature lovers and those seeking balanced environmental quality, though tax expectations should remain realistic relative to comparable Zurich-region communes.

Neighboring communes of Wädenswil

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 19.8 %20–64 years 59.9 %65 and over 20.4 %
Density
691 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+5.9 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
2.5 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.4 %
Tertiary employment
79.7 %

Land use

Built-up area 19.3 %Agricultural land 63.3 %Forest 15.1 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2038, 8.6527
BFS Number
293
Last updated
29 June 2026

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