Living in Buchs Switzerland: A Family & Expat Guide You’ll Actually Use (2026)
- Jan 14
- 7 min read
Moving to a new town in Switzerland can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming — especially when you’re doing it with kids, a partner, school decisions, and a long checklist of “adulting” things you didn’t even know you’d need to think about.
When we moved to Buchs, I quickly realized something interesting: plenty of people live here, but very few talk about what life here is actually like from a family or expat perspective. Most information you find online is either overly generic (“beautiful mountains!”) or written for tourists passing through.
So this guide is different.
This is the kind of article I wish I had when we were settling in — honest, practical, and written like I’d explain it to a friend over coffee. No glossy brochure talk. No pretending everything is perfect. Just real life in Buchs: what works beautifully, what takes adjustment, and who this town is genuinely well-suited for.
Why Families & Expats Are Choosing Buchs
Buchs doesn’t scream for attention — and that’s exactly its charm.
If you’re coming from Zurich, Zug, or even St. Gallen city, Buchs immediately feels calmer, greener, and more grounded. There’s less pressure to constantly “do more.” Life feels more structured and predictable — in a good way.
One of the biggest differences I noticed early on is how child-centric daily life is here. Children walk or cycle to school independently. Parents aren’t constantly hovering. Afternoons are slower. Evenings are quiet. There’s a rhythm to life that feels sustainable, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between.
What may surprise you is how international Buchs quietly is. Thanks to its proximity to Liechtenstein and Austria, you’ll find families who’ve moved here from across Europe — many because one partner works across the border, or because they wanted Swiss stability without big-city intensity.
People don’t move to Buchs to show off. They move here to live well.
Where Is Buchs, Switzerland?
What is the location of Buchs Switzerland?
Buchs is located in the canton of St. Gallen, right in the Rhine Valley, bordering Liechtenstein and not far from Austria. Geographically, it’s one of those places that quietly gives you excellent access without feeling busy.
From a practical point of view, this location matters a lot.
Zurich is reachable by direct train
Chur and Graubünden are close for weekend trips
Liechtenstein is literally minutes away
Austria is an easy drive
What I personally appreciate is that you get Swiss efficiency and infrastructure, but the landscape around you still feels open and natural — vineyards, mountains, and wide skies rather than dense urban blocks.
This makes Buchs ideal if:
One partner works in Liechtenstein or nearby regions
You want Swiss stability without city stress
You enjoy nature but still need strong transport links
Living in Buchs as a Family
What is family life like in Buchs Switzerland?
Family life in Buchs is refreshingly uncomplicated — and that’s probably its biggest luxury.
Day-to-day life here is built around routine and safety. Schools are nearby, streets are calm, and children gain independence early. It’s common to see kids walking home from school or heading to activities on their own — something that instantly reassures parents who’ve moved from busier cities.
Playgrounds are well maintained, green spaces are accessible, and there’s a strong sense that the town is designed for long-term living, not short-term convenience.
What stood out to me personally was how quickly life found a rhythm here. Groceries, school runs, appointments, activities — everything slots into a pattern that doesn’t leave you exhausted at the end of the day. It’s the kind of place where family life feels manageable rather than constantly rushed.
Schools & Education in Buchs
What are schools like in Buchs Switzerland?
Education is one area where Buchs genuinely punches above its weight — especially for expat families.
In addition to solid public schools, Buchs is home to the International School Rheintal (ISR), which is a fully accredited IB World School offering education from early years through high school — entirely in English.
This is a huge advantage for a town of this size.
Many families in Switzerland assume they’ll need to commute to Zurich or St. Gallen city for international schooling. In Buchs, that simply isn’t the case.
ISR offers:
English-language education from Kindergarten to Grade 12
The International Baccalaureate curriculum
A genuinely international student community
A modern campus and strong academic reputation
For families planning a longer stay in Switzerland — or who want educational continuity — this alone makes Buchs extremely attractive.
Public schools are also a strong option. They follow the Swiss curriculum, with German as the main language of instruction. Younger children, in particular, tend to integrate quickly, and language support is often available.
Many families I’ve spoken to choose a hybrid approach: starting in public school to integrate locally, or opting for ISR for academic continuity and an English-language environment.
Cost of Living in Buchs
What is the cost of living in Buchs Switzerland?
Switzerland is expensive — that’s no secret. But where you live within Switzerland makes a noticeable difference.
Compared to Zurich or Zug, Buchs is significantly more affordable, especially for families.
Rent is lower for larger apartments, which matters a lot once you move beyond one-bedroom living. Childcare and daily expenses also feel more manageable — not cheap, but more proportional to what you’re getting.
Another subtle factor is lifestyle: Buchs naturally encourages less impulse spending. There’s less pressure to constantly eat out, shop, or keep up with trends. Life here leans toward routine rather than consumption, which quietly helps with budgeting.
Housing & Neighborhoods
What is housing like in Buchs Switzerland?
Housing in Buchs is practical, family-oriented, and — by Swiss standards — relatively spacious.
Apartments tend to be well maintained, with thoughtful layouts and access to green spaces. Residential streets are quiet, and most neighborhoods feel safe and lived-in rather than transient.
One thing to note is that the rental market still moves quickly, so preparation helps. Having documents ready and understanding local expectations can make a big difference.
For families, Buchs offers something increasingly rare: space without isolation.
Healthcare, Internet & Daily Essentials
What are healthcare and essential services like in Buchs Switzerland?
Healthcare is one of those areas where living in Buchs feels reassuringly practical, especially for families.
While Buchs itself has many family doctors (GPs), dental clinics, pediatricians, and specialists, one major advantage is how close you are to Grabs, which is home to a well-known regional hospital. This means that for anything beyond routine care, hospital services are just a short drive away, not hours.
In daily life, most families rely on:
Local GPs (family doctors) for regular check-ups and referrals
Pediatricians nearby, which is a big comfort when you have young children
Dental clinics in and around Buchs, covering both routine and specialist care
Pharmacies that are easy to access and well stocked
Appointments are generally organized, waiting times are reasonable, and the overall system feels structured — something many expats come to appreciate very quickly after moving.
For parents, especially, there’s peace of mind in knowing that:
Emergency care is close by
Children’s healthcare is easily accessible
Specialist services don’t require long-distance travel
Combined with reliable internet, strong mobile networks, and efficient daily services, life in Buchs feels well supported, even though it’s a smaller town.
This balance — strong infrastructure without the stress of a big city — is one of the reasons many families choose to stay long-term once they settle in.
Expat Life & Integration
What is expat life like in Buchs Switzerland?
Buchs isn’t an expat bubble — and that’s both a challenge and a gift. But what really helps with integration here is that the town genuinely comes alive through local events and seasonal traditions, many of which are very family-friendly and welcoming to newcomers.
One of the biggest highlights of the year is Buchserfest, the town’s main summer festival. Streets fill with food stalls, music, rides, and activities for all ages. It’s one of those events where you suddenly realise how community-driven Buchs really is — locals, expats, children, teenagers, and grandparents all mixing together in the same space. For newcomers, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel included without trying too hard.
Throughout the year, there are also seasonal events that make life feel warm and familiar, even if you’re far from home:
Easter activities for children, often organized by schools or local groups
Summer events with open-air markets, music, and community gatherings
Halloween, which has become increasingly popular with families — especially in schools and neighbourhoods
Christmas markets and festivities, which bring that classic Swiss winter atmosphere without the crowds of bigger cities
What I appreciate is that these events don’t feel overly commercial or chaotic. They’re simple, local, and centered around families — which makes them much easier to participate in, even if your German isn’t perfect yet.
From an expat point of view, this rhythm of events helps with integration far more than formal networking ever could. You see the same faces. Children make friends. Conversations start naturally. Over time, you stop feeling like a visitor and start feeling like you belong.
Pros & Cons
Pros of living in Buchs Switzerland
Calm, safe, family-friendly environment
Strong schooling options, including an international school
Lower cost of living compared to major Swiss cities
Excellent location near borders and nature
Cons of living in Buchs Switzerland
Quiet nightlife and limited entertainment
Fewer international events than large cities
Slower pace may not suit everyone
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a place that supports family life without draining your energy, Buchs quietly delivers.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try to impress. But it offers something increasingly rare: a balanced, stable, and genuinely livable way of life — especially for families and expats who value peace, structure, and long-term comfort.
Related Guides You’ll Find Helpful
If you’re exploring life in Switzerland as a family, you may also enjoy these helpful guides from Top Stuff Review:
10 Best Stores & Online Shops for Families in Switzerland (2025 Guide) : A practical, family-tested list of stores and online shops that make everyday life easier in Switzerland. https://www.topstuffreview.com/post/10-best-stores-online-shops-for-families-in-switzerland-2025-guide
How to Save Money in Switzerland Without Changing Your Lifestyle (2025 Edition): Budget-smart tips from groceries to transport, tailored for Swiss family life. https://www.topstuffreview.com/post/how-to-save-money-in-switzerland-without-changing-your-lifestyle-2025-edition
Why Swisscom is the Most Trusted Mobile & Internet Provider in Switzerland: An honest expat perspective on tech connectivity — what works, what to watch out for, and why it’s reliable. https://www.topstuffreview.com/post/why-swisscom-is-the-most-trusted-mobile-and-internet-service-provider-in-switzerland
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