As a retiree, you are probably looking for an affordable country to settle in and one that has comfortable weather that matches your lifestyle along with ample attractions to explore. Fortunately, Turkey checks all these boxes.
This transcontinental country has become one of the in-demand retirement destinations for the above reasons. If Turkey has sparked your curiosity and you want to know about all the best cities to retire in Turkey, stay tuned till the end of this blog.
The Top Cities For Foreigners to Retire in Turkey
Officially called the Republic of Türkiye, this unique country sits between Asia and Europe and is home to some of the most mesmerizing ancient ruins, vibrant cultures, and the most hospitable people you will ever meet. In fact, Turkey has no shortage of tourist attractions and beautiful locations.
The warm climate, gorgeous, beaches, finger-licking cuisines, and elite real estate have been the reason why Turkey tops the list of many retirees and digital nomads.
Our list below gives you the 5 Turkish cities that are perfect for retirees.
1. Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is also one of the most charming cities in the world with its historic mosques, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia as well as its extravagant Ottoman-era palaces such as Topkapi Palace and the Beylerbeyi Palace.
What makes it the top choice for retirees and foreigners in general is that the city has people from various cultures and nationalities which makes socializing and making friends a breeze.
This city also has the best infrastructure, including some of the best hospitals and academic institutions in Turkey as well as reliable transportation services.
If you want to enjoy the best of city life, then areas like Bebek, Sisli on the European side, and Kadikoy on the Asian side are perfect for you. For a quieter life, the Asian side’s Uskudar area is ideal as the district boasts a serene ambiance and generally offers a more laid-back lifestyle.
As far as real estate goes, Istanbul has a wealth of properties of all kinds for buyers. Whether it be houses in Istanbul, penthouses, villas, or apartments, you will find just about everything.
To add to this, Istanbul also has one of the largest airports in the world, The Istanbul Aiport, allowing for easy domestic and international travel.
2. Fethiye
Fethiye is next on our list. There are two things that Fethiye is known for; its warm weather and its sparkling beaches. If you are someone who craves bursts of sunshine and wants to let the seaside be your daily reality, there is no better destination than Fethye for you.
Some of the best beaches worth visiting in Fethiya include Ölüdeniz Beach, Çalış Beach and Karataş Beach. All the beaches in this region are immaculate with jaw-dropping backdrops of mountains and greenery.
British expats in particular and Europeans in general choose Fethiye for its weather and natural beauty. Hence why communication for Westerners isn’t a problem as there are ample foreigners as well as locals who can speak English.
Lastly, the Dalaman Airport is only a 50-minute drive from Fethiye which offers both international and domestic flights.
When it comes to transportation services, Fethiye boasts taxes, minibus, and rent-a-car services.
3. Antalya
Antalya is another option if you want to live in a city where you have the radiance of the sun and the beauty of nature all around you. After all, Antalya is one of the top holiday destinations for many Europeans and Middle Easterners.
For foreign retirees and digital nomads, Antalya’s gorgeous sandy beaches, modern infrastructure, and entertainment facilities make it a dream destination for long-term living.
This city is dotted with cozy cafes, supermarkets, elegant shopping centers, and much more.
For beach lovers, Antalya is truly a treat as it offers an abundance of options with the best ones being Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach.
With regards to facilities, Antalya has top-notch hospitals that offer high standards of medical assistance as well as a solid transport system that includes trams, buses, taxes, etc.
4. Bursa
Bursa is a city best fitted for those seeking a life surrounded by eye-catching beauty and a quiet atmosphere. As the fourth-largest city in Turkey, Bursa is rich in heritage and historic locations as the city served as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
This city is lush with green spaces and forests dotted all over while also featuring natural beauties such as Mount Uludag and Lake Ulubat. What makes it ideal for foreigners is that it offers the ultimate cost-effective lifestyle in a serene and peaceful city.
It may not be as much of a hotspot for tourism as Istanbul, but this city is a haven for history-lovers. Rents are also cheaper compared to other major cities and the Turkish real estate available for foreigners is also some of the most modern and diversified.
5. Izmir
Last on our list of the best cities to retire in Turkey in Izmir. Those who want to live in a big city minus all the drawbacks of a big city will fall in love with Izmir. It offers beautiful weather year-round, and gorgeous seaside locations for locals to relax.
Izmir is, in fact, one of the few cities that offers coastal living with the perks of living life in a big city.
And, just like all the big cities in Turkey, Izmir has massive expat population, making it easy for retirees to connect and mingle with other foreigners.
Turkey is a seamless blend of all the lifestyle advantages anyone could ever ask for. From a low cost of living to excellent health facilities and robust safety, Turkey is not to be overlooked by foreigners seeking a destination that offers a premium lifestyle.
So whether you are someone who prefers bustling city life or you cherish nature and want to live closer to it, Turkey has everything you are looking for.
Contact us and speak to our multi-lingual professionals to find your perfect home in Turkey and get all the guidance on how to get started with your move.
