Best Places to Live in Turkey for Foreigners
When considering the best places to live in Turkey, foreigners can expect a wide range of choices, from natural beauties to major cities and popular tourist destinations. Some offer rich history or vibrant social scenes, while others offer beautiful beaches. Some, like Istanbul, are destinations where working expats head to further their careers and access international schools for their children. The choice is there, since each place offers something unique.
Many places offer expats an attractive lifestyle, regardless of their background, and Turkey matches any developed country in terms of infrastructure, liveability, low crime rates, affordability, and utilities. Indeed, some places have drawn sizable communities of foreigners who live in safety, among English speakers, with low prices, ideal weather, and beautiful scenery.
Retiring expats generally prefer Aegean and Mediterranean destinations and often reside in residential complexes. At the same time, overseas workers tend to gravitate towards large cities. Digital nomads head everywhere there is good internet! So, let's examine towns, villages, and cities worth considering.
12 of the Best Places to Live in Turkey
1: Fethiye Region for Gorgeous Beaches
Enjoying a different climate zone from the Aegean coast, mild winters in Mediterranean Fethiye appeal to many foreigners. Another attraction is the reputation as a stunningly beautiful place with idyllic lifestyle preferences, which attracts international tourists.
Global publications give front-page coverage to scenic landscapes, including the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkey's most photographed sandy beach. Otherwise, Butterfly Valley, a rural community within the Green Canyon, attracts travellers and avid snorkelers. At the same time, Kayakoy Ghost Village earned international fame for its crumbling houses scattered over the hillside.
Indeed, everyone adores Fethiye, and with budget and luxury homes for sale, as well as real estate projects, it is a buyer's market. If the town's centre's hustle and bustle is too much, but you adore the region's scenery, consider smaller surrounding coastal resorts like Calis Beach, Oludeniz, Hisaronu, and Ovacik. Uzumlu, another destination to consider is inland near the Xanthos valley, and it earns admiration for the large villas with oodles of space. The bonus is that Fethiye is just 1 hour away from Dalaman Airport.
2: Yalikavak for high-end quality of Life
For years, this popular destination relied on tourism, then became an expat hub, and with the construction of the marina, it burst onto the luxury hotel and property scene. With large expat populations, investors prefer luxury homes with aesthetic charm, and attractive neighbourhoods offer families low crime rates and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Don't just think about modern living, though; Turkish culture still exists in the old town and harbour district. Additionally, don’t worry about language barriers, as many locals are fluent in English. For more natural landscapes, head inland or along the coast, but overall, Yalikavak’s energy is efficient, and although things quiet down in winter, expats appreciate the leisurely lifestyle.
3: Bodrum Centre - Socially Unconventional
Suppose Yalikavak is too much. In that case, the Bodrum Peninsula, on which the town is situated, includes other areas to live, like Bodrum centre. As a favourite destination for artists, celebrities, musicians, and anyone looking to find themselves, community vibes revolve around the idea that life is easy. This is ideal to combine old traditions with current trends.
Bodrum, a sailing hub for active lifestyles, includes outdoor places like the main town beach and Bodrum Castle. For affordable prices, explore back streets where locals go or head to the marina for upmarket dining and socialising. Coastal towns don't get any better than Bodrum for relaxed paces of life that conform to the pursuit of leisure and pleasure.
4: Places in Istanbul Centre: Heart of Turkey
Rather than being a retirement location, many working foreigners base themselves in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, due to job opportunities, and digital nomads often head here first. It would be natural to think that Ankara the capital city would be the go to place, but as a hub of tourism, finance, good schools, business, economy, industry, and a significant place to invest in, Istanbul is to Turkey, London is to the UK, and Paris is to France. The political centre offers excellent education facilities and an impressive transport network to other places and countries.
Of course, as a central city, residents face higher living costs. Still, current trends see people settling in cheaper outskirt neighbourhoods like Beylikduzu and Büyükçekmece, a short drive away from central amenities. Although Asian Istanbul offers much, the desired areas are mainly European. They provide quicker and easier access to everything, including the new ultramodern airport. Up-and-coming neighbourhoods worth considering, primarily for raising families, are around the Basin Express Road, including Bağcılar, Küçükçekmece, and Avcılar.
5: Antalya Coastal City for a Good Social Life
At the other end of the western Mediterranean region, situated within the area of the same name, is Antalya, a Turkish city renowned for its beautiful atmosphere. The distinctively subtle ambience of living in big cities entices many nationalities to retire here, and Lara and Konyaalti beaches are the focus during summer.
Unlike places on Turkey’s Aegean coast, this vibrant city is open to tourism all year round, thanks to its sunshine and mild winters, which make it excel in outdoor activities. The top-notch transport network and the D400 coastal highway running through it make this one of the most popular Mediterranean cities. Aspendos ancient ruins are a major attraction here, but other fascinating ancient ruins are scattered throughout. Antalya is a safe city and a wise place for property investments.
6: Kalkan for Luxury Living
Small-town living takes centre stage in this southern Mediterranean destination. To live along the coast with an upmarket lifestyle, Kalkan on the Mediterranean commands a reputation for elegance in abundance, thanks to luxury villas offering breathtaking sea views, pristine beach clubs, and top-notch rooftop restaurants with summer alfresco dining scenes. Kalkan easily attracts travellers, foreign tourists, and expat families seeking enriching lifestyles.
Known for stunning beauty, Kalkan blends the laid-back pace of life with proximity to major cities and the town centre, making it ideal for families seeking to balance comfort with convenience. Despite its growing popularity, real estate prices in the country remain attractive compared to those in other European countries, offering many opportunities for real estate investment, including modern apartments and stylish residential complexes. With a low crime rate and a supportive British community, Kalkan supports a high quality of daily life.
7: Didim for Attractive Property Prices
For budget-conscious buyers who want low costs but are unsure where to retire, Didim is a budget-friendly place and offers numerous property investment options. Despite its reputation as "Little Britain," specific suburbs keep their traditional Turkish ambience, and several beaches are within walking distance. Thanks to its ideal combination of Turkish and British vibes, Didim is perfect for first-time British expats and families with school-age children, due to the American Culture College.
With affordable costs and laid-back atmospheres, this is popular for hot summers and mild winters. Water sports and tourist hotspots, such as the Temple of Apollo and the historical regions of Miletus and Priene, are nearby. This destination for retirees sees beautiful beach sunsets, and real estate prices attract people's attention. Several foreign languages are spoken, but most locals are fluent in English.
8: Izmir City Centre on the Western Coast
Turkey's third-largest city in Aegean Turkey quickly satisfies, and the province stretches out to coastal resorts like Alacati, the surfing capital. Izmir's cosmopolitan vibe shines through despite being one of Turkey's larger cities, and easily attracts expat families entering the job market. This attractive destination offers sunny weather, architectural styles, and local housing markets with abundant opportunities.
House buyers will find blended culture and modern living, an excellent culinary scene, and reasonable living costs. While not an agricultural city like others inland or near the Black Sea, Izmir’s proximity to destinations like Aegean Bodrum enhances its appeal, offering easy access to charming natural landscapes and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyles. For navigating cultural differences, Izmir’s cosmopolitan character and welcoming atmosphere make settling in both smooth and rewarding. For foreigners, Alsancak and Karsıyaka are two popular neighbourhoods.
9: Bursa Town Centre for Rich Culture
If the Western culture lifestyle doesn't appeal, consider Bursa, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and the famous Uludag mountain. The real estate market, including apartments and villas, is exceptionally well-priced, and Bursa is renowned for its rich Ottoman culture. As Turkey's fourth-largest city, the ambience is completely different from the coastal regions, and residents will find more opportunities to immerse themselves in the Turkish language.
However, the geographical location means lower temperatures, but in cold winters, locals go skiing on Uludag Mountain. The nickname "Green Bursa" highlights the abundance of green spaces, making city life enjoyable with its historical sites, beautiful nature, and decent apartments. For conservative expats with families and modern travellers, Bursa offers a blend of comfort, culture, and connection in one of the most welcoming and popular destinations.
10: Alanya for Expat Communities
For affordable vibes and stunning beaches, Alanya is ideal, especially for winter living, with mild weather due to its strategic location at the end of the Mediterranean turquoise coast. The summer months see the coastal charm come alive as foreign tourists explore the historical heritage around the Red Tower and harbour area, or stay in exclusive resorts designed to offer the ultimate luxury. For properties, residential complexes are popular, and districts are family-friendly areas; real estate projects provide the ultimate in modern living.
Alanya, a standout destination on Turkey's southern coast, is an increasingly popular choice for expat families, foreign tourists, and investors seeking a vibrant yet relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Known as a city of beauty, Alanya earns fame for its charming beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, all set in an ideal climate with long, sunny seasons. The cost of living is reasonable, and rental rates remain attractive, making it a smart option for both holidaymakers and those considering a permanent move.
Alanya’s growing selection of international schools, modern city centre, and lively town centre ensure convenience and community for families and individuals alike. Alanya, well represented on country maps as a thriving coastal city with ample opportunities and a relatively low crime rate, is a highly appealing choice for foreigners looking to settle. For the best real estate prices, look to the outskirts neighbourhoods like Mahmutlar.
11: Belek for Relaxed Lifestyles
Belek earns fame as the golfing capital, but it offers much more. Having avoided inflated prices that other high-profile hotels charge, affordable, all-inclusive hotels offering spa services win a considerable fan base. Still, for expats, this delightful year-round coastal resort is near historical landmarks and natural beauty spots.
For all creature comforts, Belek offers everything on your doorstep with various lifestyle choices and attractive property prices, as well as charming beaches which are perfect for morning walks. In the evenings during summer, a friendly atmosphere descends as everyone enjoys al fresco dining. Property buyers have various investment options, from apartments to villas.
12: Dalyan for Beautiful Atmospheres and Cultural Heritage
History enthusiasts love Dalyan thanks to the picturesque Lycian tombs overlooking the river and the aesthetic charm. Indeed, Dalyan offers the best of both worlds, as residents live beside a river and are near the famous Iztuzu Beach. Tour operators bring tourists to the historic Kaunos site and the famous mud baths. Still, for residents, this is ideal for the vibes of living with nature rather than a bustling metropolis. Dalyan doesn't offer high-end lifestyles, but competitive property prices are a great lure. Sitting near Koycegiz, Dalyan boasts charming natural scenery and beautiful neighbourhoods, which have led to great community atmospheres.
Summary - What is the best place to live in Turkey?
This depends on your budget and lifestyle. Working expats typically head to major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir. Foreign retirees prefer Mediterranean and Aegean Sea coastal resorts with a touristic vibe. They include Antalya, Alanya, Belek, Kalkan, the Fethiye region, the Bodrum region and Altinkum.
In all these places, Turkish people live alongside foreign communities, and cultural differences blend. All have a cosmopolitan ambience. For private schools, big cities offer a wider range of choices. For sailing, head to where mega yachts dock, on the Bodrum peninsula. Beach lifestyles happen all along Turkey’s southern and western coast, but the Fethiye and Antalya regions have better reputations.
Can You Obtain Turkish Citizenship if You Live in Turkey?
When it comes to international living, many foreigners from Western countries, including those from this beautiful country, visit it all year round. The lure is easy to understand, from the wonderful beaches to a comfortable life and ideal locations. Most foreigners apply for residency visas to stay here permanently. You can apply for citizenship after eight years, but another quicker route is the citizenship by investment program, which gets a Turkish passport. This involves making a real estate investment of $400,000 and keeping it for at least three years. Find out more about the scheme here.
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