Turkey is one of the countries that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to retire early by the Mediterranean coast, a student seeking a new experience in a different country, or a digital nomad looking for a low cost of living option in a new culture and beautiful safe environment, Turkey has options for everyone in terms of lifestyle, business, and education opportunities, as well as historical, cultural and natural beauty to enrich your soul.
More and more multinational companies are opening head offices in the country and industrial companies are establishing their facilities here due to low cost and exchange rates.
Besides work opportunities, there is a feeling of globalism present and increase in number of English speaking people in recent times. A country which stands between the Asia and Europe, makes it a perfect blend of culture and community that expats prefer for their foreign experience.
In terms of culture and nature of the people of Turkey, you may have already heard that Turks are a warm and friendly people. This culture is particularly prevalent in Anatolia. For Turks, hosting a foreigner at their home is a great honour. Turks are a very welcoming people with their beautiful cuisine, lovely scenery and historical places.
Istanbul – Living big city life at the junction of Europe and Asia
As a metropolitan city, Istanbul has the largest population and is the primary address of many corporations. Istanbul we can say is Turkey’s Wall Street. On the other hand, besides the tremendous urbanization that has taken place, there are many historical places and old neighbourhoods, within this ancient city that are a wonder to discover and behold.
History, Scenery and Vibrant City Life Altogether
Many people have been inspired by Istanbul, which has been the capital of various civilizations for thousands of years. People of various cultures, faiths, and races live together at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Istanbul’s historical sites and significant landmarks, which have undergone years of history, are beautiful places where many important events have occurred, and have also been the subject of TV shows and films.
The most popular neighbourhoods with their historical elements and seaside atmosphere are Kuzguncuk /Üsküdar, Samatya/Fatih, Balat/Fatih, Sultanahmet/Fatih, Sarıyer/Besiktas, and of course the beautiful Prince’s Islands.
Cost of Living, Accessibility and Standards
The European side of the city has more business centres and the most concentrated white collar areas and is also where the Istanbul Airport is located. The Anatolian side, on the other hand, is an easier living and residential oriented place. That is why many working people prefer to commute from the Anatolian side to the European side every day. Housing on the European side is more unstructured and can be more expensive due to population density. On the other hand, the European side also has the most touristic destinations.
Bebek, Nisantasi, Bagdat Street and Tarabya seaside are neighbourhoods are luxury areas that attract top brand shopping lovers and people who are fond of dining in high-end restaurants.
Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Fatih and Sirkeci are the historic places – the old city of Istanbul that are mostly associated with the Ottoman Empire, old Istanbul with beautiful mosques and historical sites.
Taksim, Istiklal Street, Cihangir, Galata have always been the special place for tourists and the home of artists, outliers, intellectuals, and hippie/folk culture. If you are not fond of suburban life, you can find apartments close to the business centre and plazas. There are many shopping malls, parks and tourist attractions. And it is much easier to find English-speaking people, especially in busy places and luxury shopping. On the other hand, the Anatolian side is more associated with family life and comfort.
Antalya – Living the dream of sea, sun, and sand
Antalya is a city in Turkey’s south, on the Mediterranean Sea. The city, a major part of the Turkish tourism industry, has constructed its public image on its tourist industry, and it is one of the most visited beachside hotels in the world. During the season, the beaches of Lara and Konyaalti are the main attractions. However, this southern region has mild winters. Hence, Antalya city center is open for tourism throughout the year.
The jobs in the city are mainly related to tourism and related trade activities. Certain world-renowned hotel and leisure chains and multinational companies like Expedia has offices over there. Generally, retiree expats choose Antalya for having a convenient and simple life.
Konyaalti Beach, located east of Antalya’s downtown area, is Antalya’s two central coasts of sand, with a scenic backdrop of hills falling. During the summer, both locals and tourists flock to this whitish beach, where pleasant beach times are made easy with plenty of amenities. There are sunbeds with umbrellas for hire, as well as decent restroom and shower services.
Lara beach, located south of Antalya’s capital, is known for its soft sand beaches and great family amenities, including coffee shops and dining and various activities such as jet-ski renting and kiteboarding rentals for those who want to get out on the water. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for rent.
Aspendos: The day ride to Aspendos, about 47 kilometers east of Antalya, is the major reason historians like. This ancient city is home to a Roman theater widely regarded as the best maintained in the world and is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations.
Cost of Living, Accessibility and Standards
Antalya city center is relatively more expensive in terms of rents and property prices. However, there are dozens of summer house options near the seaside, so you wish to have a more peaceful life.
In Antalya city center and summer towns worldwide, English-speaking people are quite high thanks to their continuous interaction with foreign tourists.
Bursa: the city of the automotive industry
Bursa is Turkey’s fourth-largest city. It is situated in Turkey’s Marmara Region, has a population of over 3 million people. The city has a certain significance in the historical dimension. Ottoman Empire was founded on the outskirts of Bursa’s Iznik district. Bursa was the Ottoman Empire’s first capital city. The world-famous Uludag, which is considered Turkey’s most valuable ski center, attracts many local and foreign visitors in winter.
It is a significant industrial and cultural hub. The town is one of the most developed, providing work opportunities for expats and becoming one of Turkey’s most preferred destinations.
Bursa is known as “Green Bursa” because of its abundance of parks and green areas, making it a lovely place to accommodate and work for expatriates.
Bursa is also crucial for Turkey’s economic growth because the city has many organized industry sites and a Free Zone at Gemlik port to facilitate export business. The automotive industry is the main source of income of the city. Brands like Renault and Fiat also have several heavy industry companies such as steel production and machinery.
Cost of Living, Accessibility and Standards
Bursa is quite close to Istanbul and has seaway access to it. However, it has a 3 million population while Istanbul has almost 20 million. That is why accommodation is relatively cheaper, more convenient, and has many green areas outside the city center.
Generally, the English-speaking people ratio is below Istanbul and Antalya because it is industry-focused and has more blue-collar workers than white-collar engineer-focused employees.
