The first, Sultanahmet in the Fatih district, is known as the old city and is the Ottoman sultans’ former ruling centre. This tourist hub is home to famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Archaeological Museum, Basilica cistern, and Topkapi Palace. Many travellers arrive for sightseeing tours, making it Turkey’s top tourist destination.

Meanwhile, heading over the Golden-horn, past the Galata Neighbourhood, we eventually arrive at the new city part including Taksim square that sits in the cosmopolitan Beyoglu district and is one of the most popular expat hubs, despite the high cost of living compared to the rest of Istanbul. This is where everything is your doorstep, including the next generation of Turkish culture, through a lively nightlife scene, swish cafes, varied international and Turkish cuisine, and even shops to empty your bank account. However, there are more places to live, and we discuss them later, but as with any big cities, it is not 100% utopia. Newcomers thinking of making a move should do their research first.

Living in Istanbul: Guide for Foreigners

Reasons to Make This Metropolitan Move

1: The average cost-of-living is cheaper when compared to other cities and countries. Affordability proves itself in the cost of utilities and groceries.

2: Istanbul is a culinary haven where all food from around the world can be eaten. From Asian to Indian, to fine dining, street food and five-star gourmet meals, it is like taking your taste palette on a worldwide journey.

3: Istanbul has invested millions into its public transport network, from the metro lines to ferries to buses in the suburbs. To support it, they have also invested in bridges and highways. All this makes getting around without a car easy.

4: Looking around Istanbul, there is always something to do, whether retracing the Ottoman-empire steps during the days of Constantinople by visiting palaces like Dolmabahce or head off on a day trip to the Gallipoli peninsula. Explore the touristic sights like Genoese Galata tower or stroll around the Grand Bazaar to soak up the time-honoured ambience. The list is endless and would take years to complete.

5: Many people assume cities sell out on their cultural roots favouring modern trends instead-but Istanbul embraces both. Taste your way through the delights of Turkish food, which extends much further than the typical kebab. Indulge in authentic Turkish coffee, or destress in a Turkish-bath, also known as a Hamam. By moving to Istanbul, you place yourself in the heart of society, and Turks eagerly help you learn the language.

Who Moves to Istanbul?

As a general trend, retirees tend to move to the Aegean and Mediterranean coast. While a working expatriate would look at Istanbul, either because their existing employer has requested they move there, or because it increases their chances of finding a job. Istanbul attracts its fair share of digital nomads, and those working in journalism, or teaching English professions. The other thing to consider is your budget because while the overall cost of living is cheaper than other countries, Istanbul is one of Turkey’s most expensive cities.

Annual Cost of Living

Once again, this varies depending on lifestyle preferences, but as a starting guide, factor in 5,000 Turkish lira per-month for living expenses but more so if renting. At the current exchange rate, foreign currency makes the average household income extremely lucrative. But costs increase for smokers, drinkers, or those who plan to drive. When it comes to food shopping, save money by visiting the local weekly market, and when eating out, choose local Turkish lokantas over the fast food or high brand restaurants. The most expensive household bill is electricity, but also bear in mind that during winter, it is not unheard of to see snow in Istanbul, so heating costs increase.

Where to Live?

Deciding where to live depends on two factors—; budgeting, and lifestyle preferences. Housing costs for renters and property prices tend to be cheaper in the outskirt districts. You will pay top prices for any neighbourhood on the Bosphorus strait’s shores, or the sea of Marmara. Some communities, like Besiktas and Nisantasi, prove to be expensive thanks to their prestigious reputation. Most expats settle on the European side, but a few head to the Asian and places like Kadikoy, which has excellent ferry routes all over. Points to consider when choosing somewhere to live include walking distance to local shops, public transportation to other amenities like shopping malls, banks, doctors, and for workers, how long the commute takes. Find out more about the 39 official districts of Istanbul here.

To Rent or Buy Property

Whether to pay monthly rent or capitalize on purchasing-power to invest in housing is purely a personal one. Some people pay rents for the first six months, while they decide whereabouts to live, while others having visited the city before, go straight into the housing market. There are equal pros and cons to each decision. The averaging home price for a one-bedroom apartment in Istanbul starts at roughly $60,000. If you purchase a new or off-plan apartment, some developers also offer long term interest-free payment plans of up to five years. It is evident that whether renting or buying, deluxe homes or those with sea-view and rooftop terrace command higher prices. As mentioned before, outskirt districts offer the most affordable places. If you plan to purchase property, call us to find out more about the housing market.

Residence Permit and Healthcare

When you first visit Turkey, you can stay on a tourist visa for up to 90 days. After that, whether renting or buying property, swap visas to a residency. Failure to do so results in fines and even deportation. The good news is that the process is relatively straight forward, and the main criteria are that you can prove financial self-sufficiency, and have adequate health insurance. People over 65 are exempt from the health insurance rule, but most still buy into the government-run SGK system

Best Cities in Turkey: If you are a foreigner who wants to travel to, or relocate to an urban landscape, this list of prominent cities is useful. From cities on the coastline of the Mediterranean to the Anatolian, Black-sea and Aegean regions, many expats choose them for a slower lifestyle and a place to live comfortably. Highlighted destinations as an alternative to living in Istanbul include Ankara, Izmir, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Bodrum, Antalya and Bursa.

To make sure your idea of moving to Turkey works out well for you, learn the ropes beforehand. Research your locations, rent first before buying a property in Turkey, plan with your income and residence status, and, most importantly, make sure your health needs are covered.

Learning the language will help greatly. All official agencies in Turkey only speak Turkish and everything becomes 100 times more difficult if you do not speak the language.

A good job or a steady income is really important. You can appreciate in full Turkey as a great value-for-money destination only if your income is paid in one of the major currencies, not in the lira.

If you get it right, you will enjoy your life in Turkey greatly.

Although a Muslim-majority country,  Turkey, on the whole, feels pretty secular. There are, of course, conservatives attitudes within the society, and right-wing politics still prevail, but the general feeling when you are in Turkey is that it’s close to Europe.

It’s more obvious in big cities with their huge shopping malls and supermarkets, global coffee houses and liberal women’s fashion.

Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable. In most tourist hotspots you will find the locals who staff shops and restaurants are multilingual – they speak English, German, French, and Russian and don’t think much of it. If, in turn, you can learn some basic conversational Turkish, you will be much more respected.

There are very conservative parts of Turkey, but they are very rarely expat hotspots.

In general, you will still find Turkey exotic, but mildly, not too overwhelming. You will find that life in Turkey is more relaxed and less stressful compared to major western countries.

Antalya Locale: This region is the second well known objective for the travel industry and for expats to move to another country to Turkey. Bragging the best nightlife and shopping scene in the Mediterranean, it additionally offers the greatest all year environment. Well known hotels incorporate Alanya, Side, Belek, and Kalkan for those searching for a rich way of life.

Fethiye Region: This objective is a firm top pick of English expats who get comfortable the downtown area or resorts of Calis Sea shore, Hisaronu or Ovacik. Moreover, in the event that you extravagant taking off to the open country, Uzumlu is another firm top pick. One benefit of ostracize living in Fethiye is the flawless scenes of common excellence, including the Blue Tidal pond, Butterfly Valley, and sandy sea shores. Expat families love the Fethiye area.

Bodrum Landmass: This cosmopolitan objective is the ideal spot for living worldwide energies. It has for quite some time been a most loved spot for rich VIPs, Russian finance managers, and Saudi sovereignty, yet it additionally obliges spending holidaymakers. Waterfront resorts incorporate upmarket Golturkbuku, spending plan Gumbet, the town place and Yalikavak, a center for worldwide super yachts from around the globe.

GrandHome is an estate agency that helps people live in more thoughtful and beautiful ways. We believe in design as a powerful force for good.

ERIC WILSON

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Housing Markets That Changed the Most This Decade

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12 Walkable Cities Where You Can Live Affordably

Housing, or more generally living spaces, refers to the construction and ssigned usage of houses or buildings collectively, for the purpose of sheltering people — the planning or provision delivered by an authority.Many governments have one or more, sometimes also called a housing ministry, or housing department.

• Affordable housing
• List of housing statutes
• List of human habitation forms

Nice Room with View You Can Live Affordably

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