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

5.9/ 10
Good
Population
6,069
Commune type
Town

Living in Zell (ZH), a commune of 6069 inhabitants in Canton Zurich — with an overall score of 5.9/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9.3/10) and Noise (9.1/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.1
Air Quality
6.0
Public Transport
0.4
Education & Culture
7.4
Nightlife & Dining
5.7
Nature & Green Spaces
9.3
Healthcare
5.8
Taxation
5.3
Annual Sunshine
3.7
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Family
Good
mediantop
Young Professional
Good
mediantop
Retirement
Good
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Zell (ZH) achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Zell (ZH) excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9.3/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (9.1/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Education & Culture (7.4/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.4/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (3.7/10).

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Bibliothek Tibet-InstitutLibrary
Schulhaus LangenhardSchool
Schulhaus HirsgartenSchool
Primarschule ZellSchool
Schulhaus Engelburg Sekundarstufe ZellSchool
Schulhaus TösstalstrasseSchool
Schulhaus TösstalstrasseSchool
Privatschule Neue LernweltSchool

Public Transport

RikonTrain Station
Rämismühle-ZellTrain Station
KollbrunnTrain Station
Rikon BahnhofBus Stop
Rämismühle-Zell, BahnhofBus Stop
Kollbrunn BahnhofBus Stop
Zell HandBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

DurDentalDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Zell (ZH) 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 Zell (ZH)

What's it like to live in Zell (ZH)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Nature and quiet dominate life in Zell, with outstanding scores for natural surroundings (9.3) and noise levels (9.1), making it a serene village setting. However, public transport connectivity is exceptionally weak at 0.2, requiring a car for most journeys. Air quality rates moderately at 7.2, while educational facilities score lower at 4.3. Restaurant and leisure options are limited at 2.3. Healthcare and tax conditions are middling at 5.3 each, and sunshine exposure is modest at 3.7. Worth flagging: this 6,069-person commune sits within the Winterthur agglomeration alongside neighbors Schlatt, Weisslingen, and Wildberg. Zell suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban amenities.
How sunny and clean is the air in Zell (ZH)?
Zell (ZH) excels in noise levels with a striking score of 9.1, indicating a remarkably quiet environment. Air quality is respectable at 7.2, though sunshine exposure lags considerably at 3.7, suggesting frequent cloud cover typical of the region. The commune's natural surroundings score an impressive 9.3, counterbalancing moderate environmental conditions. It is worth noting that despite moderate sunshine, the combination of clean air and exceptional quietness creates an appealing setting for those prioritizing tranquility. Transportation connectivity scores critically low at 0.2, which may limit accessibility for some. Education and healthcare services offer middling support at 4.3 and 5.3 respectively. Zell suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful, well-preserved landscapes near Winterthur's agglomeration.
How well-connected is Zell (ZH)? Transport, schools, dining
Zell's transport connectivity stands at just 0.2, reflecting limited public transit options that may require a car for daily commuting. Education accessibility scores 4.3, suggesting moderate availability of educational facilities. Dining and restaurant options are similarly modest at 2.3, indicating fewer dining establishments within easy reach. It is worth noting that despite these connectivity constraints, the commune offers exceptional environmental quality, with nature scoring 9.3 and air quality at 7.2. The location within the Winterthur agglomeration provides some access to larger urban amenities, though residents should expect to travel to neighboring areas like Schlatt, Weisslingen, or Wildberg for enhanced services. This profile suits nature lovers and those prioritizing rural tranquility over urban convenience.
What are the neighboring communes of Zell (ZH) and how big is it?
Zell is a small commune in Zurich with a population of 6,069 residents, nestled within the Winterthur agglomeration. Its neighbors are Schlatt (ZH), Weisslingen, and Wildberg. The commune excels in nature and noise pollution scores, posting 9.3 and 9.1 respectively, reflecting its quiet, green character. However, public transport connectivity is notably limited at 0.2, and restaurant offerings are sparse at 2.3. Education facilities score modestly at 4.3. Worth flagging: healthcare and tax conditions both register at 5.3, sitting in the middle range. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban convenience.
Is Zell (ZH) a tax-friendly municipality?
Zell (ZH) scores 5.3 on fiscal friendliness, placing it in the middle range rather than among the most tax-advantaged communes. Transportation infrastructure is notably weak at 0.2, while education scores modestly at 4.3. Health services perform similarly at 5.3, matching the tax rating. It is worth noting that nature access is exceptional at 9.3, and noise levels are minimal at 9.1, suggesting a peaceful rural setting. Air quality is solid at 7.2, though restaurant options remain limited at 2.3. This commune appeals primarily to nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility rather than those prioritizing tax optimization or urban convenience.

Neighboring communes of Zell (ZH)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21.6 %20–64 years 60.2 %65 and over 18.1 %
Density
486 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+17.6 %
Vacant housing
0.8 %
New dwellings
5.1 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
3.2 %
Tertiary employment
60.2 %

Land use

Built-up area 14 %Agricultural land 41.2 %Forest 42.4 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Zurich (ZH)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.4477, 8.8096
BFS Number
231
Last updated
29 June 2026

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