MOVING TO LUGANO WITH YOUR FAMILY: THE BEST HOUSING OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

10/08/2025

There’s a reason why more and more families, both from Switzerland and abroad, are looking at Lugano as the perfect place for a fresh start—and in fact, there’s more than one.

This city, nestled between the mountains and the blue waters of its lake, blends the high quality of Swiss life with the warm, welcoming charm of Italian culture, creating a rare and precious balance.

Living here means having access to an outstanding education system, ranging from excellent public and private schools to renowned international institutions such as The American School in Switzerland (TASIS) and Franklin University Switzerland, ideal for families who want to give their children an education that’s open to the world.

Beyond education, Lugano offers professional opportunities across strategic sectors—from finance to international trade, tourism, and innovative services. All of this within a safe, well-organised urban environment, with excellent connections both inside the city and to other Swiss and European destinations. Milan is just an hour away by train, while both the Alps and the Mediterranean are perfect for weekend getaways.

Family life here is well-balanced: wide green areas, bike paths, panoramic trails, and a rich cultural calendar. Add to that top-tier sports facilities, playgrounds, and first-class healthcare, and you have everything you need to raise a family in a stimulating yet protected environment.

Living in Lugano: neighbourhoods and lifestyle

Lugano isn’t a uniform city—each neighbourhood has its own personality, pace, and opportunities. For a family moving here, choosing the right area is almost as important as choosing the right home.

Montagnola, in the municipality of Collina d’Oro, is perhaps the first location that comes to mind for international families. Here, the beauty of the landscape blends with a tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere, featuring spacious villas surrounded by gardens and proximity to the prestigious TASIS. Living in Montagnola means enjoying space to host guests, for children to play outdoors, and to breathe fresh air—all while being just minutes from Lugano’s centre.

Paradiso offers a more urban vibe, with modern high-rises and panoramic apartments overlooking the lake. It’s perfect for those who want everything within walking distance—shops, restaurants, services—without giving up breathtaking views of Lake Lugano. Families here benefit from quick access to public transport and the train station, making daily travel easy.

Pregassona and Viganello are lively, well-equipped neighbourhoods with schools, sports centres, and supermarkets all within walking distance. They strike a good balance between price, services, and quality of life—ideal for young families wanting to stay close to the city centre but with more space and tranquillity.

Castagnola, on the other hand, offers a more exclusive and private atmosphere. The pace of life here is slower, the lake views among the best in the entire city, and properties range from stylish modern apartments to beautifully restored historic villas. It attracts those looking for privacy and scenic beauty while staying close to amenities.

Then there are areas like Breganzona and Sorengo, which feel almost like small villages but are fully integrated into the city. Here you’ll find larger homes at more accessible prices, perfect for bigger families or those wanting a detached house with a garden without moving too far from the centre.

Housing options: finding the right home for your family

Moving to Lugano with your family opens the door to a wide range of housing possibilities, and each type of home has its strengths and potential limitations.

A hillside villa offers privacy, generous space, and direct contact with nature. Children can play in the garden, host outdoor parties, and grow up in a healthy, safe environment. However, this choice often requires a car for daily commuting and can involve higher maintenance costs, especially for properties with a pool or large grounds.

A lake-view apartment, perhaps in a modern building in Paradiso or Castagnola, combines the charm of a stunning panorama with a strategic location. It’s ideal for families who love city life and want to minimise travel, with schools, services, and leisure all within easy reach. Space may be more limited compared to a detached home, and privacy lower, especially in large condominium buildings.

A modern penthouse in areas like Pregassona or Viganello strikes a perfect balance between space, modern design, and convenience. With panoramic terraces and bright interiors, it offers a contemporary living environment in a well-served residential area. The only drawback may be the lack of private green space, offset by nearby public parks.

For some families, semi-detached houses or homes in residential complexes with shared facilities and play areas can also be a great choice, especially for those wanting to live in a secure, community-oriented environment where children can socialise easily.

Why choose MDA Group for your family move to Lugano

Choosing the right home for your family in a new city requires more than just an online search. You need to know the market, evaluate neighbourhoods based on your needs, and have a trusted partner to guide you through every stage—from property selection to negotiation and paperwork.

MDA Group Real Estate, based in Lugano with deep knowledge of the local area, is the go-to choice for Swiss and international families settling in Ticino. With a curated portfolio ranging from exclusive villas surrounded by greenery to modern lake-view residences, and a fully personalised approach, MDA can find the perfect solution for every housing need.

Moving to Lugano with your family means embracing a lifestyle where work, education, and leisure intertwine harmoniously. With the right support, every step of the journey becomes smoother and more secure.