HouseScoutFinding an apartment in Zurich Oerlikon
Oerlikon, in the north of Zurich (Kreis 11), has grown from an industrial area into one of the city's busiest neighbourhoods. It offers a major railway hub, plenty of new buildings and often more space for the money than the centre. Here's what to know before you start searching there.
What Oerlikon is like
Oerlikon has its own centre around Marktplatz and the station, with shops, restaurants and a weekly market, so it feels like a small town within the city. Neu-Oerlikon, on the former industrial land north of the tracks, is a large modern district with parks and new apartment buildings. The Hallenstadion and Messe Zürich, the exhibition centre, are here too.
The housing mix is broad: older blocks near the centre, large modern developments in Neu-Oerlikon and family-friendly streets towards Affoltern and Seebach, which also belong to Kreis 11.
Getting around
Zurich Oerlikon station is one of the busiest in Switzerland. S-Bahn and long-distance trains reach Zurich main station in a few minutes, and the airport is a short train ride away, which makes Oerlikon popular with people who travel for work. Trams and buses connect it with the rest of the city.
Searching in Oerlikon
Because there are many new buildings, flats here often have modern kitchens, a washing machine in the flat and a lift, features that are rarer in older central districts. New developments sometimes let many flats at once, which creates short windows with more choice. Watching for new listings closely pays off.
Oerlikon is a good option if your budget doesn't stretch to central districts or if you want more space. Nearby Schwamendingen (Kreis 12) and the towns just outside the city, such as Wallisellen, are worth considering too.
As anywhere in Zurich, prepare a complete application file before you start, so you can apply on the same day you view a flat.
A practical plan for Oerlikon
Set your budget, minimum rooms and move-in date first, and decide how far from the station you are happy to live: a few minutes on foot from Zurich Oerlikon station makes a big difference if you commute daily. Prepare your application file as a single PDF. Respond to new listings on the day they appear and ask for a viewing slot in your first message. If a large new development is letting, apply early: the first applicants usually get the widest choice of floors and layouts.
Visit at different times of day if you can. Around the station and the exhibition halls it can be busy on event days, while the streets towards Affoltern and Seebach are noticeably quieter.
How HouseScout Radar helps
Radar emails you every new flat that fits your brief, the best within minutes of HouseScout finding them, with a price check against similar flats. Choose "Oerlikon, Affoltern, Seebach (Kreis 11)" as your area, add budget, rooms, size and must-haves, and see how many flats matched in the last 14 days before you pay.
Can't attend a viewing? A Scout Visit (CHF 100) sends a scout with photos, a video and a written report the same day. Prefer to hand over the whole search? The Full Search starts at CHF 390.
Our three services
- Radar: every new flat that fits your brief, by email. The best within minutes, with a price check. CHF 39 for 15 days or CHF 59 for 30 days.
- Scout Visit: we view a flat for you and send photos, a video and a written report the same day. CHF 100 per property.
- Full Search: we run your whole search, from shortlist to signing. CHF 390 to start, success fee only if you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
Is Oerlikon a good area to live in Zurich?
Many people choose it for the fast train connections, modern flats and its own local centre. It's especially practical if you commute or fly often.
How far is Oerlikon from Zurich main station?
A few minutes by train; Zurich Oerlikon is one of Switzerland's busiest stations.
Which areas does Kreis 11 include?
Oerlikon, Affoltern and Seebach. In Radar you can choose them together as one area.
How much does Radar cost?
CHF 39 for 15 days or CHF 59 for 30 days, no subscription.
What documents do I need to apply?
Usually the application form, passport or ID and residence permit, an employment contract or recent payslips, and a recent debt register extract (Betreibungsregisterauszug).