7 Best Places to Live in Turkey, According to Expats

This article provides an overview of the different places to live in Turkey, including Istanbul, and the most popular coastal spots for retiring in the sun.

Turkey has long been a popular holiday destination for people looking for a sunny getaway that also offers great food and fun cultural experiences.

So it's no surprise that it caters to all of these needs, and even more to people interested in moving permanently.

There are still many places in Turkey that retain their traditional charm, although some of the larger cities have adopted a more modern and urban vibe.

Turkey's low cost of living and diverse cultural scene make it an attractive destination for people looking to move abroad. If that sounds appealing to you, here are some of the best places in Turkey to make your home.

1. Istanbul: the City Most Expats Choose to Live in

Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in all of Turkey for those looking for work, especially in the business sector. Since it contains the history of the country in addition to the economy and culture, doing business in this field is very lucrative.

With some of the most advanced internet infrastructure in the world, Istanbul is another city highly recommended for digital nomads.

Not surprisingly, the cost of living in the region is significantly higher than the rest of Turkey; however, you can get around this if you're willing to find an apartment in the suburbs for your commute.

It has everything you would expect from a major city of its kind, including a lively nightlife, plenty of shopping, excellent local and international schools and of course attractions like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and more.

The weather in Istanbul is pleasant and does not reach unbearably high temperatures even in summer (typically highs around 24°C). However, winter can sometimes be very cold.

If you do not have sufficient knowledge of Turkish, living in Istanbul is a good option for you as there are many people there who speak English fluently.

2. Antalya: Tourism-related Business Opportunities

Being such a popular tourist destination, Antalya is an excellent choice for anyone considering starting a hotel or restaurant business. While this job is only available at certain times of the year, there are still plenty of opportunities.

Antalya and other coastal cities in the region attract large numbers of expats eager to enjoy all the splendor that life on Turkey's emerald coast has to offer.

The town itself is clean and risk-free, and is home to a weekly food market, which contributes to the low overall cost of living in the town. If you're thinking about finding a job, moving to a city is the best option for you due to the superior internet speed and public transport network.

Peaceful Retirement

The coast of Antalya is an attractive place for retirees. It has a lot to offer for those wanting a certain lifestyle such as natural beauty, fishing villages and great country walks.

If you love the outdoors, try the route from Antalya to Fatty, one of the longest singletrack routes in the world. Due to its 320-mile length, it may take several attempts to complete the course.

Konyaalti and Lara are considered the two largest beaches in Turkey, both located in Antalya. In addition to these well-known attractions, there are also a large number of lesser-known attractions that are equally fascinating.

Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the overall climate is milder, with significantly fewer strong temperature fluctuations. Temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in winter, while summer temperatures often reach highs of around 28 degrees.

The cost of living in the city or the suburbs will be higher than elsewhere in Antalya County; however, a family can live comfortably in the city for less than you might expect. It’s not hard to see why the coastal region is one of the most popular regions in Turkey for selling property to retirees from other countries.

In our travel guide you will find more information about expat life in Antalya such as: B. Average cost of living and advice for the community.

3. Bodrum: A Luxurious Lifestyle

In the 1960s, Bodrum became home to several well-known foreign writers and artists, contributing to the city's meteoric rise as a sophisticated metropolis.
In modern times, it has become a popular tourist destination, especially among celebrities. Many celebrities, including Kate Moss, Bill Gates, Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks, have lived in and around the area.

In larger counties, more rural areas are suitable for retirement, such as Gumusluk, Turkbuku and Gumbet. This option is recommended for those interested in water sports.

There are plenty of great hotels along the coast, but if you look closely, you'll eventually find some incredible house and villa deals.

It is worth mentioning that Gumusluk International Classical Music Festival is held every year in Bodrum. It brings together a large number of talented musicians and classical music lovers from all over the world. The celebration takes place at the stunning ancient Koyunbaba quarry, which is over 2,500 years old.

Due to its location on the Aegean Sea, Bodrum has the highest average temperature in the world. In summer, the temperature rarely rises above 34C, but it has been known to go up to 45C! If you don't like the cold, this is a good choice, because the coldest temperature in winter is only 15 degrees.

When you're here, you're close to all essential amenities. If you're looking for a job or starting a family, this city is for you. On the other hand, if you want to spend your later years away from city life, larger areas offer a wide range of possibilities.

4. Bursa: A Legacy of the Past

Izmir is one of the best cities in Turkey to retire to, so if you move there, you'll be in a much better place. Given its status as one of the largest cities in Turkey, it offers all the amenities one would expect from a place of this size.

Importantly, it offers excellent connections to national and international transport networks and is a renowned port for cruise ships. If you don't want to take the bus everywhere, you can use many other modes of transportation within the city.

Greater Izmir includes the city itself. This includes a variety of more compact communities that can offer a more age-appropriate lifestyle.

Due to its location on the Aegean Sea, Izmir offers all the advantages one could expect. These include abundant opportunities for sailing and other water sports, as well as a pleasant climate.

Temperatures typically top out at 33C in summer and hover around 13C in winter. Precipitation is possible in winter, but this is usually a pleasant change from a dry summer.

If you're interested in getting away from the hustle and bustle of coastal cities, popular expat destinations in Turkey are Cesme, Kusadasi and Foca. If you're looking for a place to stay while exercising, Alacati, Turkey's surfing capital, might be a good choice.

As long as you are willing to spend some time researching, you can find some attractive real estate prices. It is also easier to communicate with real estate agents in Izmir than in other parts of Turkey, as the city is known for being one of the most westernized cities in the country.

6. Alanya: a Hotspot of Rapid Population Growth

Alanya Province is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most popular destinations for expats and is about 133 kilometers from Antalya.

Although it is considered a city, Alanya is not very big. Importantly, this shows that there are a large number of suburbs that have a rural vibe and offer some very attractive house prices.

It has a lot to offer for hiking and of course a lot of different types of water sports, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to lead an active lifestyle. In addition, various festivals are held every year, including a jazz festival and festivals celebrating international cultures.

A large portion of the province's population is made up of people who have moved there from other countries, most of them doing so for retirement. According to the latest census, more than 17,000 people living abroad own property in the city.

Many people may be attracted to Alanya due to the rural location, good amenities, low property prices and good connections with other countries. In short, if you are looking for a place to retire in Turkey, Alanya has almost everything you could ask for.

7. Marmaris: Paradise for Ocean Lovers

The city of Marmaris is located on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey. It comes with a certain exclusivity and lifestyle that can only be found in other Rivieras, that comes from such a prestigious name.

The city is a national center for sailing and diving and is a popular choice for boat owners looking for a place to spend the winter. It has plenty of beaches, and a variety of small marinas that are perfect for storing boats.

But if you're more interested in land-based activities, Marmaris has a place for you too. You can keep active with a variety of activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, safari safaris and cycling tours.

The area also has an interesting natural history to explore. A particular highlight is the Nimara Caves on Paradise Island off the coast of Marmaris. A visit to this place is highly recommended as it has been used for religious purposes for thousands of years.

Marmaris also has a large number of historical attractions, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. It was an important place for the Ottoman Empire and there are many monuments on the island such as Marmaris Castle.

The weather is perfect here, rest assured you won't be disappointed. Temperatures in winter can drop to around 15 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures can reach into the high 30s. Although winter is the rainy season, it is a good place to escape from the hot summer.

Marmaris is a popular destination for tourists, receiving approximately 400,000 visitors per year. Depending on your point of view, this may or may not be a positive development; however, it does point to an opportunity to start a travel-related business if you are interested.

Significant cultural differences can also be expected in regions of Turkey that are considered more western. It's important to do a lot of research to make sure the culture and language of the area is right for you, as all but the most touristy areas have kept their traditions.

Whether you are interested in working or retiring in Turkey, there are plenty of ideal properties to choose from.

Contacting someone who is currently living in the country as an expat is a great way to get the information you need to get your questions answered. Both native Turks and expats who live there will tell you that their country has a culture of hospitality.

You can find some neighborhoods with expats living there, take the time to see other parts of the country, and consider renting. This will give you a good feeling about the neighborhood.

Considering you are looking for a place to call home in the future, this is not a choice to be taken lightly. However, if you make the effort to prepare well, you will have a wonderful new life in Turkey.