When looking at where to live in Turkey, potential expats have many choices. The country offers diversity and variety on every doorstep and decent living costs compared to other places, especially those in Europe. From west side coast cities to smaller towns to laid-back rural communities, the attractions of living in Turkey bring in foreigners from everywhere. Reasons why people move to Turkey vary from job opportunities for young professionals to family-friendly areas, rich history, winter sports, and beach lifestyles. Indeed, Turkey offers much, so let’s look at the best places to live in Turkey.
Where to Live in Turkey
The Best of the Modern City of Istanbul
Beautiful Istanbul, a modern city with an intriguing cultural heritage, is Turkey’s beating heart. Many people still assume Istanbul is Turkey’s capital city, despite losing that status 100 years ago. But Istanbul excels in international living as Turkey’s best city. Rather than consider Istanbul a single city, 39 unique districts cover the Asian and European sides.
European Istanbul thrives in tourism, economy, and business. The historical Sultanahmet district attracts visitors who flock to landmarks like the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque left by the Ottoman empire. Meanwhile, many people in Asian Istanbul commute daily to the European side, but this area has risen in popularity with expats in recent years for more affordable prices. Digital nomads also like Istanbul because of the best coworking spaces in Turkey.
Istanbul boasts the best collection of international cuisine in Turkey, thanks to thousands of restaurants. The city also invested millions into an impressive transport network, from metro lines to bridges, highways, ferries, and buses, making it easy to get around without a car. Lastly, Istanbul offers international schools with global curriculums for families, and most working expats head to this area of Turkey for opportunities. So, when looking at big cities, Istanbul consistently ranks as the best.
Antalya City Centre – Popular Tourist Place
Centrally located, Antalya city centre belonging to the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, offers a more laid-back city atmosphere. Backed by the Taurus Mountains range and fronted by crystal blue Mediterranean waters, there must be something special about this small city because nearly 15 million international tourists visit Antalya’s city centre every year. Moreover, as Turkey’s top beach holiday destination, thousands of foreigners annually buy holiday homes in Antalya city centre or even move there to join large expat communities.
Worldwide cultures and traditions present cosmopolitan places catering for everyone living there, young or old. Antalya’s Mediterranean climate means warm summers and mild winters, so residents enjoy outdoor weather for at least 300 days. Even though temperatures drop in winter, they still enjoy getting about. People who move to Antalya love the sandy beaches of Konyaalti and Lara. However, in recent years, low housing supply has promoted house buyers and renters to look at living in the nearby Altintas area.
Antalya’s cosmopolitan ambience welcomes every nationality, while expats enjoy hobbies, beachside lifestyles, socialising and charity work. Antalya’s claims to fame include being Turkey’s citrus capital, Turkey’s golfing capital of Belek, adventure sports, and the pivotal Turkish Riviera place.
Izmir Port City on the Aegean Coast of Turkey
Sitting in Aegean Turkey, Izmir city centre has wowed both Turks and foreigners for decades, and there are plenty of neighbourhoods when considering the best places to live. Indeed, first-time visitors to Turkey, aware of the country’s religion, often express surprise at the non-conservative atmosphere in Izmir. Non-conformity and leisure shine in this large city, whether socialising with friends, exploring tourist attractions, or pursuing hobbies. Long prompted as a forward thinker and leader of western trends in Turkey, Izmir attracts many foreigners for tourism, living and foreign house sales.
Solid reputations for diversity and excellence stretch back into the Roman empire, and even during Ottoman rule, Izmir led in trade and economy. These days, Izmir excels in business, education, and tourism. Those who work often end up in international schools. As Turkey’s third big city, anyone living here can expect an urban but active lifestyle, and nomads can enjoy various coworking spaces. For living in cities, Izmir is also worthy of consideration.
Yalikavak on Bodrum Peninsula in Aegean Turkey
For the best luxury lifestyle in Turkey, look to Yalikavak, home to mega yachts and where Saudi royalty spends their summer holidays. This resort on the Bodrum peninsula has drastically transformed over 20 years from a small fishing village to a luxury town with modern architecture and living standards. Making pleasure the priority of average days and carefree lifestyles makes Yalikavak the best for anyone with a higher budget. In addition, the marina lifestyle offers some of Turkey’s best restaurants, with high-profile chefs cooking to perfection.
Outside of glamorous Yalikavak and Palmarina, other Bodrum towns attract young families looking for comfortable living. The laid-back lifestyles of western Turkey easily lure expats of various nationalities, some of whom live in Bodrum town centre year-round. However, the peninsula also attracts many first-time buyers who want various lifestyles to suit budget or luxury, expat or holidaymaker. Neighbourhoods like Gumbet, Ortakent, and Turgutreis offer different experiences from the busy city centre. Hence, they are known as the budget places of the Bodrum peninsula.
Live in Fethiye City on the Mediterranean Coast
Sitting on Turkey’s southern coast, Fethiye city captivates everyone. Fethiye entices enormous pleasure and low living costs. Of course, everyone loves stunning landmarks and historical sites like Butterfly Valley and the Blue Lagoon. Yet, expats move there for other reasons. If Fethiye’s main town centre doesn’t appeal, consider seaside resorts like Calis Beach, Hisaronu, Ovacik or mountainous Uzumlu village as somewhere to live.
Locals and expats speak various foreign languages, while lively social scenes and leisure daytime groups make finding like-minded people with shared interests and beliefs easy. So Fethiye boasts gorgeous landscapes, low living costs, beachside life, a safe city centre, and excellent property prices. As a result, Fethiye has an esteemed travel and expat reputation with the best outdoor and relaxed lifestyles. Don’t worry about language barriers either because English is widely spoken.
Alacati for Turkish Seaside Vibes
Sitting on the western coast, upmarket Alacati, Turkey’s surfing capital, is a high-end holiday place. However, despite growing international fame, Turkish social circles have always loved the town. For decades, elderly Turks and high-flying workers from inland cities of Turkey have purchased homes in Alacati as retirement properties or summer retreats.
Sitting within an hour’s drive from Izmir city centre, Alacati sits next to Cesme, and collectively, both boast stunning beaches. Claims to fame include windsurfing, and traditional stone cottages make Alacati a tourist hotspot. Two storeys, whitewashed stone homes with traditional blue shutters and doors line both sides of cobbled paths overbrimming with colourful bougainvillaea plants.
Even run-down houses renovated in line with heritage themes highlight days as a Greek fishing village. While other places in Turkey abandoned their cultural roots and built large, concrete, urban landscapes, Alacati kept the cultural heritage and carefully combined tradition with upmarket boutique shops and modern restaurants serving fine seafood cuisine.
Mild winters averaging 20 degrees and sizzling hot summer explain why foreigners live in this part of Turkey all year round. However, affordable property prices compared to other districts surprise many people. In addition, the self-sufficient town includes an enormous range of shops, nightlife and restaurants.
If you are inspired to explore living in Turkey, let Aegean Locations assist you. Our expertise in helping foreigners find their perfect home ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. Contact Aegean Locations today to start your journey towards a new life in one of these amazing Turkish destinations.