Living in Lugano, Bellinzona or Locarno: How to Choose the Right Spot in Ticino

Knotted
Jun 16
4 min read

There’s a corner of Switzerland where the Alps meet palm trees, where cappuccinos are sipped slowly under arcades while trains glide toward Zurich or Milan in under two hours. That place is Ticino—Switzerland’s southernmost canton, a region that offers expats the unique chance to live between two worlds: the orderly precision of Switzerland and the warm, expressive rhythm of Italy.

Whether you’re thinking of relocating to Lugano, looking for a slower pace in Bellinzona, or dreaming of lakefront living in Locarno, choosing the right spot in Ticino is not just a practical decision—it’s a deeply personal one. Each town, each valley, each lakeshore comes with its own character, its own tempo, its own flavor of life.

Culture, Cuisine and the Italian Soul of Switzerland

Ticino may be a small canton, but it has a big cultural heart. The Locarno Film Festival brings cinema lovers from across Europe, while events like Estival Jazz fill Lugano’s piazzas with music and energy. There are open-air concerts, theatre seasons, and a never-ending celebration of food and wine through the seasons.

Italian is the language spoken, but it’s more than just words—it’s a whole way of life. You’ll feel it in the architecture, in the long Sunday lunches, in the friendliness of small-town shopkeepers. Food is a ritual here, whether it's a creamy risotto, a steaming plate of polenta, or a slice of local salame shared under a pergola. And if you haven’t yet tasted Ticinese Merlot, you’re in for a discovery: the local wine culture is rich, rooted, and proudly artisanal.

An Economy That Offers Stability and Opportunity

Moving to a new country also means considering your future. In Ticino, you’ll find a stable economic environment, with roots in private banking, insurance, and financial services. But the story doesn’t end there. In recent years, the region has also become a hub for pharmaceuticals, biotech, digital innovation, and design.

For entrepreneurs, consultants, and remote professionals, Ticino offers a rare mix: Swiss-level infrastructure, competitive tax rates, and easy access to both Swiss and EU markets. The presence of a large international community—nearly one-third of residents are foreign nationals—means that English is widely spoken, and services are increasingly tailored to global citizens. Still, learning some Italian goes a long way in making deeper connections and feeling truly at home.

Finding Your Place: The Personal Side of Choosing a Town

So where should you live in Ticino? The answer depends on who you are and what you’re looking for.

Lugano is the obvious choice for many—it’s the economic and cultural heart of the canton, a place where you can find international schools, lakeside apartments, high-end shopping, and a buzzing professional scene. Yet, despite its size, it retains a human scale. People greet each other in elevators. Cafés remember your usual order. It’s urban, yes—but also warm.

Then there’s Mendrisio, often overlooked but quietly remarkable. Nestled among vineyards and gently rolling hills, it’s a town where quality of life comes before noise and status. With its art academy, wine cellars, and strong local identity, Mendrisio is perfect for those who want to be close to Lugano without living in the city itself. It’s a place for thinkers, artists, and families looking for authenticity and community.

Bellinzona, the political capital of Ticino, is unlike anywhere else in Switzerland. Its three UNESCO-listed castles dominate the skyline, but its soul is local, friendly, and deeply proud. With a strong sense of identity and a central location that makes it easy to explore both north and south, it’s a great choice for those looking to balance career and calm.

And then, of course, there’s Locarno. Nestled between the lake and the mountains, Locarno is where you go if you want to feel inspired every day. With a vibrant arts scene, open-minded residents, and a palpable sense of freedom, it’s the creative soul of the canton. Wake up to sunshine, sip espresso by the lake, and end your day watching arthouse cinema under the stars—Locarno makes it all feel natural.

Ticino: A Place Where Expats Feel at Home

To live in Ticino is to experience the best of both worlds: the security, organization, and infrastructure of Switzerland, wrapped in the charm, warmth, and flavor of Italy. It’s a place where your children can grow up speaking multiple languages, where you can walk to the lake after work, and where the line between living well and working hard becomes beautifully blurred.

Whether you’re coming here for work, planning to retire, or simply looking for a place that aligns with your values and lifestyle, Ticino offers a promise: a life that feels good to live.