Best Areas to Live in Izmir

Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, is often referred to as the "pearl of the Aegean Sea". Steeped in rich history, it's a cultural hub, hosting international festivals, exhibitions, and fairs. Home to a vast student population, Izmir not only boasts bustling tourist attractions but also features tranquil, upscale neighborhoods where affluent individuals from around the globe reside and unwind.

• What is Izmir?
• Konak
• Bornova
• Gaziemir
• Güzelbahçe
• Foça
• Balçova
• Bayraklı
• Karşıyaka

What is Izmir?

Izmir, one of Turkey's most ancient cities, is a magnet for millions of tourists worldwide and one of the best places to live in the country. Its allure extends beyond its rich cultural heritage and historical sites to its prime location along the Aegean Sea. This coastal city boasts a thriving tourist industry with an array of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops lining its shores. Many of Izmir's beaches have earned the Blue Flag distinction, further enhancing its appeal as a vacation destination. Additionally, the region is renowned for medical tourism, with specialized clinics catering to international visitors.

Today, Izmir stands as Turkey's third-largest city, boasting its own international port, airport, and a railway station that has been operational since the 19th century. The city serves as a significant industrial hub with thousands of factories producing everything from automobiles to textiles, many of which are destined for export. Furthermore, Izmir is a pivotal educational nucleus, home to eight state universities, five private institutions, and over twenty international schools. Recognized as one of Turkey's cultural epicenters, Izmir frequently welcomes international festivals, exhibitions, and craft fairs.

The city prides itself on its comprehensive transport infrastructure, encompassing buses, streetcars, ferries, a metro system, and city trains.

Izmir offers a diverse range of real estate options. The city encompasses bustling areas with hotels, business centers, and apartment blocks of various ages, as well as serene, upscale neighborhoods featuring private coastal mansions and homes nestled near parks. New residential developments, equipped with modern amenities and 24/7 security, are primarily located away from the city's heart, taking advantage of available land plots. Particularly in Izmir's scenic locations, you'll find low-rise residences and villas within secure communities, providing all essentials for comfortable living. However, prices for such luxurious properties can soar above $1,000,000.

Izmir is divided into twenty neighborhoods, often referred to as districts in many countries due to their large administrative scope. Of these, eight stand out as the most desirable places to live: Konak, Bornova, Gaziemir, Güzelbahçe, Foça, Balçova, Bayraklı, and Karşıyaka. These districts are distinguished by their advanced transportation systems, enhanced social and recreational facilities, parks, safety measures, and high-quality real estate.

Konak

Konak, located at the heart of the city, spans 12 kilometres along the Gulf of Izmir's coastline. A vibrant area, it hosts numerous attractions including the clock tower, Kemeraltı Bazaar, Konak Square, city park, Museum of History and Art, and the Archaeological Museum. However, the standout attraction remains the ancient city of Smyrna.

As a popular tourist destination, Konak is consistently bustling with activity and boasts numerous stores and restaurants. Additionally, it's a thriving business hub with many business centres, hotels, embassies, and consulates from various countries. Given its centrality, many expats working in Izmir gravitate towards Konak to minimize their commute to the office.

Konak boasts an efficient transportation network, seamlessly connecting it to other districts via roads, rail, ferries, and multiple metro stations. With the presence of hospitals, kindergartens, and schools, it's an ideal location for families.

Real estate availability in this area is scarce and tends to be on the pricier side. For instance, 80-square-metre one-bedroom flats start at $300,000. Many residential complexes come equipped with amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centres, playgrounds, sports areas, landscaped grounds, and jogging paths.

Bornova

Bornova is among Izmir's most captivating neighbourhoods. Over a century ago, it stood as a prominent village at Mount Yamanlar's base, housing summer residences for foreign consuls, affluent Europeans, and Turkish entrepreneurs. Many of these historic mansions remain today, with several restored for either private or public use. While Bornova is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, featuring an array of clubs, bars, theatres, and cinemas, it's also family-friendly. The neighbourhood boasts over a hundred parks, complete with playgrounds, sports facilities, and walking trails. Notably, it's home to a stunning botanical garden.

Located in Bornova is the University of the Aegean, a prestigious institution in Izmir, accommodating over 40,000 students. The area boasts a robust infrastructure, including pharmacies, retail stores, supermarkets, expansive shopping malls, bazaars, and numerous educational institutions from kindergartens to schools. Efficient transportation is ensured with metro, rail, and bus services available.

Over recent decades, Bornova has seen significant growth, with the development of contemporary residential complexes continuing apace. These new properties often feature comprehensive amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centres, cafes, ample parking, bike paths, saunas, spas, children's playrooms, lounge areas, and occasionally, libraries and mini-cinemas. Additionally, these complexes typically provide 24/7 security. The cost of a one-bedroom flat, ranging from 45 to 83 square metres in size, falls between $194,000 and $267,000.

Gaziemir

Gaziemir, once a bustling district in the 14th century, initially thrived as a crafts centre before evolving into Izmir's industrial hub. Today, it stands as the Aegean Free Zone, ranking among Turkey's most expansive free trade areas. With over a hundred Turkish companies and more than fifty international firms operating in the district, Gaziemir has become a preferred location for expatriates.

Gaziemir lies at a distance from Izmir's central area but is conveniently close to the airport. Efficient public transportation, including buses and the metro, connects it to the rest of the city. The district boasts amenities like a state hospital, numerous shops, shopping malls, supermarkets, kindergartens, and schools. While earlier residential developments were centered around industrial and commercial hubs, newer housing complexes are emerging farther from these zones.

In this area, newer residential complexes are limited and tend to be low-rise. Catering to families, these complexes predominantly feature two or three-bedroom flats. Property prices range from $175,000 to $325,000. Typically, these complexes are equipped with amenities like stores, swimming pools, sports facilities, recreational spaces, landscaped gardens, saunas, spas, playgrounds, and gyms, all secured with 24/7 surveillance.

Güzelbahçe

Güzelbahçe, situated along the sea coast, stands as one of Izmir's most sought-after districts. Dominated by two and three-storey villas as well as low-rise residential buildings, it's home to the city's elite. Reflecting its affluent populace, Güzelbahçe boasts a notable concentration of private educational institutions, from colleges to kindergartens.

In this area, new developments on available land plots often consist of gated villa communities, typically accommodating 10 to 12 villas. These communities feature amenities such as swimming pools, parking spaces, and recreational areas, all secured and monitored for safety.

A five-bedroom villa with an area of 450 square metres will cost about $1,150,000.

While many locals opt for private cars, the area is not lacking in public transportation options. With an operational metro station, ferries, and buses, one can reach Izmir's centre in just thirty minutes. Güzelbahçe stands out as one of the city's greenest and most eco-friendly districts. The Siteler area boasts a Blue Flag beach, complemented by a bustling fish market and numerous seafood restaurants. Additionally, the district is a hub for events such as skydiving competitions, rallies, and Turkish craft festivals.

Foça

Foça, a scenic district in Izmir, is characterized by its blend of historical and modern elements. The district is bifurcated into two sections. The historical section boasts narrow streets lined with two and three-story mansions, and remnants of the ancient city of Phocaea from the Roman era, including a theatre, temple, tombs, a medieval mosque, and a fortress. This section also features an enduring ancient harbour, still bustling as a fishing port. In contrast, the modern section of Foça showcases recently constructed residences and hotels, along with offices of various businesses and banks. Yet, the low-rise nature of the buildings maintains the district's harmonious skyline.

Foça is a verdant district, adorned with picturesque beaches. The shoreline is dotted with fish restaurants, ranging from quaint eateries to upscale establishments. The area offers various amenities including supermarkets, shopping malls, markets, and hospitals. Additionally, Foça is home to a yacht club and a windsurfing club.

Real estate options in Foça are somewhat limited. Given its popularity as a resort destination among Turks, many own summer homes here. A two-bedroom townhouse, spanning 200 square metres, typically costs around $365,000. These housing complexes usually feature amenities like parking, playgrounds, sports areas, and 24/7 security.

Balçova

Balçova is renowned for its scenic landscapes, therapeutic hot springs, and thermal facilities. It attracts those who appreciate the serenity of nature while valuing access to modern amenities. With its array of shops, supermarkets, schools, and kindergartens, Balçova offers an ideal blend of tranquility and convenience.

Balçova is known for its eco-friendly environment, nestled among forests, mountains, and the sea, with an absence of industrial facilities. A notable attraction is the cable car that transports visitors and residents to the mountain's summit, where they can enjoy panoramic views and designated barbecue spots.

Located in the Balçova district, Izmir University of Economics attracts a significant student population to the area. Recently, the district has seen the construction of contemporary residential complexes targeting mid to high-income inhabitants. Property prices in this region begin at $300,000.

Bayraklı

Bayraklı is among Izmir's most ancient districts, home to remnants of an age-old city and preserved temple ruins. It's a haven for history and culture enthusiasts. Besides its historical allure, the district offers scenic beauty with its traditional Turkish houses and a beautifully-kept promenade ideal for photography. Furthermore, Bayraklı is dotted with upscale restaurants offering diverse global cuisines.

Bayraklı is a well-developed district, equipped with hospitals, kindergartens, and schools. With a population of around 300,000, it stands as a significant urban enclave within Izmir. Experts anticipate that Bayraklı will soon emerge as Izmir's economic hub.

Recently, Bayraklı has seen the rise of upscale residential complexes. These developments come equipped with amenities like swimming pools, fitness centres, restaurants, yoga areas, and landscaped grounds, all under 24-hour security. Apartment prices in these complexes begin at $400,000.

Karşıyaka

Karşıyaka, one of Izmir's largest and most populated areas, is also among its newest. While it lacks historical landmarks, its appeal lies in its coastal location, featuring a beautifully landscaped promenade dotted with numerous clubs and restaurants.

Karşıyaka boasts a robust infrastructure, with hospitals, kindergartens, schools, colleges, multiple shopping malls, and a cinema theatre. Most residential buildings in the district are expansive multi-storey complexes. An 83-square-metre one-bedroom flat is priced at $260,000, while a 113-square-metre two-bedroom flat goes for $400,000. Typically, these complexes feature amenities like supermarkets, parks, and pedestrian pathways.

In a Nutshell

Izmir ranks among Turkey's largest and most economically advanced cities, driven by tourism, manufacturing, and bustling business sectors. Given its appeal and the presence of numerous international companies, both Turks and expatriates gravitate towards living here. The city's neighbourhoods, characterized by their size, development, and safety, cater to both locals and foreigners with their extensive infrastructure and world-class properties.

Cover photo: gezenthi (Pixabay)