Expats Living in Turkey

Published on 08 November 2006
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Expats Living in TurkeyTurkey is a country of massive diversity: within just one nation you can find unlimited vibrancy and positive energy in the form of Istanbul which is in the north west of Turkey and which is without doubt one of the most exciting and vivid cities worth visiting in the whole world.  Alternatively you can find some of the world’s most dramatic and incredible natural landscapes such as those in the central region of Cappadocia, from there you can travel back in time, stepping back generations when you visit the rural, rustic agricultural communities that exist in incredibly basic conditions in the east before you head south to sample a combination of history, culture, great climate and fantastic entertainment and lifestyle along Turkey’s southern Riviera.

It’s no wonder that as the profile of this fascinating nation rises there are more and more expats living in Turkey and enjoying the huge lifestyle benefits that the nation affords them.  If you too are interested in finding out about living in Turkey and what a change such a move could represent for you…read on!

Living in Istanbul

As Turkey offers such an assorted range of lifestyle options and alternatives it is possible for anyone and everyone to find their perfect spot…for young, dynamic singletons Istanbul is probably the place to begin your new life in Turkey.  The city is hectic, fast paced, pulsating and truly international and both the employment and accommodation options are fantastic. 

For those seeking employment in the financial and business heart of the city and who like to network and go out and socialise with likeminded types consider the Asian Side and the Bosphorus Area - and for those who like to play hard and sleep little Bagdat Avenue or Cihangir is where you should head!  Time Out Istanbul is the publication you need to read, it details every single essential aspect of this amazing city – from where to dine to how to get around, from where to party to how to find a new job.

Living a Quiet Life in Turkey

Those seeking rural living in the heart of breathtaking Turkey have an area the size of Texas to explore!  The aforementioned Cappadocia region has become particularly popular with expatriates seeking a quiet life, a slow pace of life, incredibly affordable property as well as an incredibly affordable cost of living whilst surrounded by incredible natural landscapes and national parks.  Popular towns are Urgup and Avanos or Nevsehir – alternatively Kayseri is a good base to begin a detailed search and exploration of the region as it is serviced by an airport making it accessible and it is large enough to support many tourism and property related businesses, many of which can assist the expatriate find their new property in Turkey.

A Place in the Sun on Turkey’s Riviera

Those considering moving abroad to live an affordable life in the sun with views of the Med or the Aegean have thousands of kilometres of coastline to explore from south west to south east Turkey.  Each particular resort has its own feel and atmosphere and it may take the individual many trips to Turkey to find their perfect spot.  Possibly the best way to begin a search is by taking a trip to Turkey out of season and basing oneself in or near one of the bigger resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya or Side and then going out each and every day and getting to know the real Turkey.

Younger couples might enjoy the vibrancy of resort living and benefit from the employment opportunities that present themselves in the long spring, summer and Autumn season.  Older couples and retirees might like living within easy bus or car trip of large towns such as Kusadasi, Marmaris or Fethiye but enjoy the seclusion and peace and quiet of lesser explored nearby fishing ports or inland towns.  Finally, for families with children for whom international schools are important then Antalya is THE place to go other than Istanbul or Ankara as it has the greatest choice of schooling and related child friendly amenities and social activities.

Whatever type of life you dream of having there’s a high chance you’ll find what you’re looking for in Turkey – it’s an exciting nation on the brink of dramatic change, its government and the majority of its people are embracing Western traditions and standards without sacrificing their own culture, they welcome foreign citizens – especially those who make an effort to fit in and add to a community - and as the nation develops so it improves and month to month the standard of living in Turkey is improving.

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