Moving to Turkey can be an exciting and life-changing decision. With its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming locals, it's no wonder that more and more people are choosing Turkey as their new home. However, deciding to move to a new country can also be overwhelming, especially when choosing which city to move to.

While Istanbul and Ankara are undoubtedly Turkey's most famous cities, many other attractive cities and towns are worth considering. Let's take a brief look at some of the popular options, along with their pros and cons.

1. Fethiye, Mugla Province

Fethiye is a tranquil resort town on Turkey's southern Mediterranean coast. It's sparsely populated in the winter and mostly lives on tourism in the summer. The town is home to the famous beach of Çalış with the Caretta-Caret turtle reserve, and nearby is Oludeniz with its turquoise sea. Fethiye has low-rise buildings and English-speaking neighbourhoods and is often chosen by Germans.

2. Izmir

Izmir is Turkey's third most populated city, known as the city of culture and intellectuals. It has a mild climate without stifling summer heat, and the beaches are just outside the city. It's difficult to obtain a tourist residence permit in Izmir, so foreigners here are mainly those who have bought a property, obtained a work visa, or married Turkish citizens.

3. Marmaris, Mugla Province

Marmaris is a green tourist town in western Turkey on the shores of the Aegean Sea. It's bustling and cheerful in summer, tranquil in winter, and mainly inhabited by foreigners who work remotely and are looking for a quieter place to live comfortably. There are diasporas of immigrants from EU countries.

4. Bodrum, Mugla

Bodrum is full of English-speaking foreigners attracted by the incredible mix of Greek, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman cultural heritage. It's easy to see an ancient castle in Bodrum and the luxury boutiques next to it. From Bodrum to Kos (Greece), it's only an hour by ferry. The climate is not as hot as in Antalya.

5. Eskisehir

Eskisehir is a major city in northwestern Turkey and is a city of students. It's very beautiful and modern but with a carefully preserved historic centre. There are many parks, museums, fountains, a canal with gondolas, like in Venice, and an artificial beach in the centre.

6. Kalkan, Antalya Province

Kalkan is a small village on the Lycian coast, very quiet and respectable, with a rather gated community. There are many expensive villas here, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of Tuscany: narrow streets, small shops, and cafes. Nearby is the incredibly beautiful beach of Kaputas. The British like to settle in Kalkan, where the prices are quoted in pounds.

7. Kas (Kash), Antalya

Kash is a village on the Mediterranean Sea in Antalya. Instead of the usual beaches, there are carved platforms in the rock from which diving is great. There are many cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops in Kash. The Germans often choose it as a place to live.

Getting to Know the Locals

When moving to a foreign country, getting to know the locals and practicing the new language is important. This is especially important for those engaged in business since they communicate mainly with Turks in Turkish. And it doesn't matter if it's a Turk in Istanbul or a Turk in Antalya - they will still be open!

Which City Is the Best Option?

When it comes to choosing which city to move to, it all depends on a person's preferences and circumstances. Choosing a city based on its specialty is best for those who want to achieve ambitious goals and are ready to work and rise.

For example, Antalya and Alanya are great for photographers and videographers since there are many opportunities to do photo shoots and commercials. Business owners should choose a city based on their industry, such as Istanbul for textile factories and plants and Antalya for agricultural products.

Antalya is a great choice for families with small children since it has well-developed infrastructure, including schools and universities. For retired couples, the choice is wider, including small resort towns such as Kemer, Side, Bodrum, Fethiye, and Alanya.

Conclusion

Moving to Turkey is an exciting and life-changing decision, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when choosing which city to move to. You can find the perfect city in Turkey to call your new home by considering your preferences and circumstances. Whether looking for a bustling city or a quiet village, Turkey has something for everyone. So, take the leap and start your new life in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

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