Best Places to Live in Turkey for Expats
Turkey has much to offer all foreigners looking to live in the country permanently. An overhaul of lifestyle trends in the last 15 years means it can match any developed country regarding infrastructure and standard of living, with the added bonus of a lower cost of living.
Some of the best places to live in Turkey for expats have sizable communities of foreigners who have moved here for various reasons, including safety, English-speaking locals, low prices, and beautiful scenery.
Retiring expats generally prefer the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, as well as the large city of Istanbul. The northern coastline is slowly attracting foreign property buyers, but expat communities are much smaller and less established compared to the west and south coasts.
Likewise, very few expats venture to the southeast, as it is more conservative and lacks beach access. Let’s explore towns, villages, and cities worth considering if you plan to move to Turkey.
5 Places To Live In Turkey For Expats
1. Didim: Affordable Home Comforts
For budget buyers who want a low cost of living, the small town of Didim ticks all the boxes. Also called Altınkum, it is a popular holiday resort in summer and has a large expat community attracted by its British vibes and affordable property prices, starting at £35,000 for an apartment.
Dining out is also incredibly affordable. Despite its reputation as a “Little Britain,” certain neighborhoods maintain their traditional Turkish ambiance, and a variety of beautiful beaches are close by. Thanks to its ideal combination of Turkish and British vibes, Didim is an excellent choice for first-time property buyers in Turkey.
2. Fethiye Town: Stunning Scenery
Enjoying a different climate zone compared to the Aegean coast, winters in Mediterranean Fethiye are distinctly mild. Its biggest attraction is its reputation as one of the most beautiful places to live in Turkey.
Global publications frequently feature Fethiye’s stunning landscapes, including the Blue Lagoon in the Ölüdeniz district, Turkey’s most photographed beach. Other popular spots include Butterfly Valley, a rustic community within a green canyon, and the Kayaköy ghost village, known for its crumbling hillside houses.
Fethiye is a buyer’s market with a range of budget and luxury properties for sale. If the hustle and bustle are too much, consider the smaller surrounding coastal resorts like Çalış Beach, Ölüdeniz, Hisarönü, and Ovacık.
3. Yalikavak: A Socially Unconventional Lifestyle
Yalikavak on the Aegean coast has long attracted expats looking to get away from social conformity. Known for its artistic vibe, Yalikavak is a favorite destination for artists, celebrities, musicians, and anyone seeking to find themselves. The community’s philosophy revolves around the idea that life is what you make of it.
Yalikavak was one of the first destinations in Turkey to embrace tourism, so most locals speak English. Expats get the best of both worlds—luxury living is prominent, but it’s also easy to stick to a budget if needed.
If Yalikavak feels too busy, the Bodrum Peninsula offers many other smaller resorts worth exploring. Neighboring Gümlüsük offers a more modest, close-knit community, while Türkbükü is an upscale hub of the Turkish Riviera with a more relaxed atmosphere.
4. Istanbul: City Living in All Its Glory
Many working expats choose to live in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and a hub of tourism, finance, business, economy, and industry. Istanbul is to Turkey what London is to the UK or Paris is to France. It also offers the best access to educational facilities and an impressive transportation network.
Of course, as a major city, the cost of living is higher, but current trends show people buying property in the outskirts of Istanbul. This allows them to enjoy lower property prices while still being a short drive away from the city’s heart.
Although there are many properties for sale on the Asian side of Istanbul, many expats settle on the European side for quicker access to amenities, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, and the new airport currently under construction. Up-and-coming neighborhoods worth exploring include areas around the Basin Express road such as Bağcılar, Küçükçekmece, and Avcılar.
5. Antalya: The Best City to Live in Turkey
On the western Mediterranean coast of Turkey lies Antalya city, known for its tourism, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Although it is a bustling city, Antalya has a distinctively relaxed ambiance that attracts expats from all over the world.
Lara and Konyaaltı beaches are the main attractions during summer, but unlike the Aegean coast, Antalya’s tourism scene stays active year-round, thanks to its mild winters. The excellent transport network and D400 highway make it easy for expats to explore other regional destinations like golfing in Belek, the historical ruins of Side, or the traditional charm of Kalkan.
Conclusion
Turkey offers a wide variety of lifestyle options for expats, from bustling city living in Istanbul to peaceful coastal vibes in places like Didim and Fethiye. Whether you’re looking for affordability, stunning scenery, or a culturally rich experience, Turkey has the perfect destination for you. If you are considering moving to Turkey, take the time to research these areas and find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Interested in relocating to Turkey? At Aegean Locations, we provide professional assistance in finding the ideal property to fit your lifestyle, from city apartments to stunning coastal villas. Contact us today to start your journey toward living in Turkey!