Any recommendations on living in Lugano?

You starting from scratch or moving from somewhere else in the vicinity?

Be ready to spend lots and lots and lots and lots of money. But what a joy of a place to live. Enjoy!

Girlfriend wants a place there, she says it's a good base for European adventures.

She's right.....if you have lots and lots and lots and lots of money.

Just here to say I am thoroughly jealous. What an amazing place to consider living.

100% on it being a good base.

You got good train access to airports in Zurich and Milan.

6-hrs or so to Frankfurt airport by train.

Connected by rail to Venice and Ancona that gives you access to ferries across the Adriatic and Croatia.

Good deals on Intraeurope flights out of Milan.

That place is a top tier base in every way possible,

But my biggest rec would be if you leasing a place long term, find a 100% solid local agent in Tnicino canton that's rock solid in Swiss german and Italian. Dealing with that process as a non-local and non-native speaker is perilous. Short term rentals no prob but I'm talking if you signing any kind of lease.

I don't know if it would be better, but definitely look at Milan as an alternative that might be cheaper.