Aarau, Switzerland

Capital City

Living costs in this well-heeled canton capital run high, though lower than Zurich 58km away. With a population of 22,710, it's a government town that swells to over 24,000 workers daily as civil servants and commuters pour in from surrounding areas.

The historic center is architecturally distinctive for its painted gables, earning Aarau the "City of Beautiful Gables" moniker. The old town forms an irregular square, with most buildings dating to 16th century renovations. Key landmarks include the 13th century Schlössli castle, the oldest structure in the city, and a justice fountain relocated in 1905 due to increasing traffic.

While once known for textiles and precision instruments, Aarau's economy now revolves around government administration, media (including one of Switzerland's largest newspapers), and regional banking. The city struggles to maintain economic independence from larger neighbors Basel and Zurich, leading to discussions of merging with suburbs. Unemployment sits at just 2.35%, but affordable housing is increasingly scarce as the urban core expands.