The year-round lifestyle, sublime weather, and natural beauty easily attract those looking to move to Çeşme and start a new life. But can a family with young kids make a successful move? Sarah and John Miller, from the UK, moved to Çeşme with their small children. The children are now five and seven years old, and their experiences enable other families to discover the good and bad of moving to Çeşme with kids.
Çeşme has much to offer in terms of location, from the Alaçatı district known for its windsurfing to the charming town centre and the upscale Dalyan area. Exploring is great fun with places of interest like small villages in the Çeşme area, the ancient city of Erythrai, and the stunning beaches of Ilıca and Altınkum. Let’s not forget the lifestyle from alfresco dining in seaside restaurants, expat social groups, private swimming pools, private yacht hire, gorgeous beaches, and stunning landscapes. Indeed, Çeşme is a great place, but how easy is it to live there with kids? Let’s find out.
About Moving to Çeşme
Pro: Expat Community in Çeşme When the Millers researched potential destinations to raise their young family, they discovered many expats live here. They say while they were determined to integrate into the Turkish culture, the expats living here helped them in the first few months. Through other expats, the couple arranged playdates, navigated red tape, made contacts, and forged friendships. Unlike other more holiday-focused places, expat communities in Çeşme are more settled. Holidaymakers come and go, but most expats who made Çeşme their home attend events for expats and locals. Many expats find it easy to make friends and have an active social life.
Pro: The Low Cost of Living in Çeşme A big plus for the family was property prices. Selling up in the UK allowed them to buy a property in Çeşme outright, significantly reducing their daily expenses. Living in Çeşme is also cheaper day-to-day due to lower household bills. The family lives in a four-bedroom house with a pool and a large garden. The kids love it, spending afternoons in and out of the pool with friends. They also visit family-friendly bars and restaurants, finding them very affordable.
Con: Working in the Çeşme Region Getting a work visa in Turkey is difficult. John runs an IT consultancy from home and travels for his job. Being mortgage-free also means low costs, allowing them to survive on one income. Sarah, who spent the first few years raising the children, now wants to start teaching again. While their jobs allow for remote work, job opportunities in the region are limited.
Pro: Daily Life and Culture in Çeşme The Miller family enjoys their primary location in Çeşme, a quiet street where the children can safely ride their bikes and play with friends. Attractions are nearby, and getting around is easy. They’re a five-minute drive from Ilıca Beach, a short walk to the nearest shops, and Çeşme Town and school are 15 minutes away. The community is welcoming, and family time is valued in Turkish culture.
Con: Learning the Turkish Language While Turkish citizens are accustomed to foreigners and many know some English, the language barrier is real. The kids learned Turkish quickly, but John and Sarah struggled. They have language lessons twice a week and try to engage with locals as much as possible. Friendly Turks are endlessly tolerant of language mistakes and appreciate the effort to learn their language.
Pro: Raising Bilingual Children in Turkey Because the Millers moved to Turkey when their children were aged three and under, the kids grew up with the language. John says they both speak Turkish, which has come naturally to them. Knowing two languages is beneficial for their development, helping them make friends and potentially enhancing future job prospects. A Turkish tutor helps them consolidate their school learning.
Pro: Safety in Çeşme The Miller family appreciates the lower crime rates and quieter streets of Çeşme. John says it feels like a more wholesome place to raise a family, with less emphasis on drinking and drug use compared to the UK. The lifestyle in Çeşme allows kids to be kids for longer.
Pro: Weather and Outdoor Lifestyles of Turkey Çeşme enjoys 300 annual days of sunshine, perfect for an outdoor family. Swimming, sailing, exploring other areas, and hiking are regular weekend activities. The family spends time outdoors in the sunshine, and the kids enjoy these new experiences. They also play organized group sports like tennis and football and often head to Altınkum Beach to watch the beautiful Mediterranean sunsets.
Pro: Schooling in Çeşme Both Miller children attend a Turkish state school in Çeşme town with a varied and exciting curriculum. They plan to send their children to a private school emphasizing the English language and an international curriculum with globally recognized qualifications.
Con: Distance from Family The children miss their grandparents, uncles, aunties, and cousins. While they talk on Skype frequently, it’s not the same as being together in person. Fortunately, frequent flights make it easier to visit the UK, and living in a holiday destination means they often have visitors. Despite the distance, the family feels that Çeşme offers a better quality of life.
About Çeşme – Turkey
Expat Guide to Çeşme: Çeşme and the larger Izmir province attract many foreigners for various reasons. Many have purchased homes in Çeşme for use as holiday homes, year-round living, or tourism real estate investment. This guide will help anyone considering living in Çeşme.
All About Çeşme: Çeşme, situated on the Aegean coastline, is a central sailing hub of the Turkish Riviera and a sailor’s playground. The region’s sandy beaches, international cuisine, nearby ancient ruins, and gorgeous climate attract many holidaymakers and expats.
Property in Çeşme: If you are considering moving to Çeşme or investing in the Turkish housing market, contact us today. See our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale in many areas of the Çeşme region, including the city center, Alaçatı, Dalyan, and more. Our local agents at Property Turkey have helped many people buy property and realize their dream of living abroad by assisting them in moving to Çeşme.