Locarno has been identified as the most attractive municipality in the Ticino region of Switzerland, according to a recent study conducted by UBS.
The study took into account factors such as housing costs, infrastructure, and leisure offerings, which are important for families seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Tenero-Contra and Muralto followed Locarno in the rankings, with Lugano coming in fourth.
The study found that medium-sized towns are increasingly preferred over larger cities due to high housing burdens in urban areas.
The study used a residential attractiveness indicator based on 35 variables and focused on rented accommodations for a family with two children across different income and wealth categories.
The results showed that smaller municipalities often have more allure than larger cities, despite the prestige and lower tax rates associated with the latter.
The study also highlighted the burden of housing costs in Swiss municipalities, although some manage to combine high living standards with low housing expenses.
In Ticino, the rankings varied depending on income brackets, with Locarno and Tenero-Contra maintaining their top positions for families with lower incomes.
For wealthier families, Locarno remained in first place, followed by Lugano and Muralto.
The study emphasized the importance of affordability in residential choices and noted the shifting preferences of families based on their financial situations.
The findings are relevant in the context of Switzerland's real estate market, where housing demand exceeds supply in many urban centers.
Overall, the UBS study provides insights into the evolving preferences of families in the Ticino region of Switzerland, highlighting the increasing desirability of municipalities that offer a combination of quality of life and affordability.