The best places to live in Istanbul
You will find plenty of suitable areas and suburbs in Istanbul with appealing accommodation options for expats. Many expats live in gated apartment complexes made up of several blocks, or they choose houses in suburban gated communities known as siteler.
When choosing where to hang your hat, you need to weigh up your proximity to work against the school run. Access to basic amenities is another key factor. Traffic in Istanbul is the stuff of nightmares, so living near a metro station or ferry port can save you hours of frustration.
Here is the lowdown on Istanbul’s most popular areas and suburbs for expats.
Central Istanbul
Etiler, Ulus, Levent, Ortaköy
You can find these neighbourhoods in the Beşiktaş district on the European side, spread across the hills above the Bosphorus. Depending on the orientation of the property, you might score a home with incredible water views.
Shops and restaurants pack the central streets, so it is little wonder these neighbourhoods are a firm favourite with the international community. You have a wide choice of luxury housing here, from villas to apartments. Naturally, accommodation here commands a premium, so ensure your budget can stretch to meet it.
Nişantaşı, Teşvikiye, Esentepe, Gayrettepe and Mecidiyeköy
Nişantaşı and Teşvikiye sit in Şişli, a fashionable shopping district where you will find older apartment blocks, mostly without Bosphorus views. These spots usually attract the city’s elite and celebrities. By contrast, Esentepe and Gayrettepe are typical choices for business professionals and families. Gayrettepe is particularly convenient for frequent flyers as it hosts the starting point of the M11 airport metro line.
Students often live in Mecidiyeköy. While the area is chaotic and noisy, it is a major transport hub with connections to almost anywhere in the city.
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Bosphorus villages on the European side of Istanbul
Bebek, Kuruçeşme, Arnavutköy, Rumelihisarı
These are the more central Bosphorus neighbourhoods. If you have your heart set on the waterfront, you are looking at apartment living. Be prepared for high rents, as you are paying for one of the most prestigious locations in the city. The coastal road here is famously congested, so getting in and out by car effectively guarantees you will be late.
Emirgan, Yeniköy, Tarabya
Located in the Sarıyer district, Emirgan, Yeniköy, and Tarabya sit further north along the Bosphorus shore but are no less exclusive. You will find large waterfront villas, pretty tree-lined streets, and a distinct resort town vibe. Most waterfront housing is owner-occupied. If a rental does pop up, prepare for a price tag that makes your eyes water. That said, you can find several housing complexes in the hills above the coastal road with panoramic views of the Bosphorus minus the waterline premium.
Suburbs on the European side of Istanbul
Kemerburgaz and Göktürk
Kemerburgaz lies northwest of the centre. While it used to be a car-dependent commute, the M11 metro line now connects Kemerburgaz and neighbouring Göktürk to the business district of Gayrettepe in under 20 minutes. The area feels modern yet remains lush with foliage. You will find decent hospitals, supermarkets and shops right on your doorstep.
Many housing complexes and gated communities populate these suburbs. You might find this location ideal if you want to escape the city smog but need to stay within striking distance of the office.
Alkent 2000
Alkent 2000 is a sprawling, prestigious gated community roughly an hour’s drive west of the city centre. The estate boasts sporting facilities, supermarkets, and nearby malls. Although the commute to the centre is long, you are close to renowned private and international schools. It is a popular choice if you have school-going children, but otherwise, the distance from the city centre can feel isolating if you are used to an urban lifestyle.
Zekeriyaköy
Zekeriyaköy sits further north, bordering the Belgrad Forest and near the shores of the Black Sea. You can find large villas with gardens and pools here, often at a better value than in the city. The trade-off is distance; you are quite far from the action. While you have basic amenities locally, you will rely on the Hacıosman metro station (a short drive or bus ride away) or your car to reach the city centre.
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Suburbs on the Asian side of Istanbul
Most expats live on the European side, but a thriving international community calls the Asian side home. You will find many apartments and complexes here, often set among more greenery and with a relaxed pace of life that the European side struggles to match.
Crossing the continents is part of daily life. You can hop on a scenic ferry or zoom under the Bosphorus on the Marmaray train. If you choose to brave the bridges by car, be warned: traffic is often gridlocked.
Central Kadıköy
Central Kadıköy is a lively, cosmopolitan hub and the beating heart of the Asian side. It is also the terminus for the M4 metro line and home to the famous Moda tram loop. Since the area sits on the Sea of Marmara, you can find sea-facing apartments at various price points. Despite the activity, many residents feel Kadıköy retains a neighbourhood soul that is harder to find in the European business districts.
Üsküdar
Üsküdar is an ancient district steeped in history. It is exceptionally well connected, with the Marmaray train taking you to the European side in mere minutes. While the centre is conservative with limited nightlife, the charming neighbourhood of Kuzguncuk offers a trendier, village-like atmosphere popular with artists and expats.