Ankara, the capital of Turkey, ranks second in population after Istanbul. This landlocked city is home to approximately 5 million residents and may have limited tourist attractions, but its vibrant business environment appeals to entrepreneurs and professionals from around the globe. The greater metropolitan area of the capital comprises 25 municipal districts, with 16 situated within the metropolis. However, not all of them are suitable for relocation, as some restrict residence permits, and others lack a significant expat community. Continue reading to discover the top five neighbourhoods in Ankara where foreigners can comfortably settle.
Ankara Neighbourhoods Restricted for Residence Permit
In 2022, the Turkish government imposed restrictions on 1,169 neighbourhoods across the country, prohibiting new residence permits (ikamet). In Ankara, the municipalities of Mamak and Altındağ have been completely closed for new permits, while Çankaya, Yenimahalle, Keçiören, and Sincan have partial restrictions. The authorities regularly update this list, including neighbourhoods where the foreign resident population exceeds 20% of the total residents. Obtaining a primary tourist residence permit in Ankara, even in open areas, has become challenging, as authorities increasingly question the necessity for long-term foreign travel within the country. However, individuals with existing residence permits, such as those based on university studies or employment with a local company, can relocate to restricted areas.
Choosing Where to Live as an Expat
When selecting a neighbourhood to reside in Ankara, it's essential to consider its proximity to your workplace or educational institution. Ankara, the capital of Turkey, spans an expansive area of 2,500 square kilometres. While the city boasts excellent transportation options, commuting from one part of the city to another can be time-consuming.
Not all neighbourhoods in Ankara are ideal for families with children. Central areas tend to be noisy, bustling with tourists, and may have a vibrant nightlife that could be disruptive. Conversely, residential neighbourhoods on the city's outskirts may lack extensive shopping and entertainment centres but offer an abundance of parks and green spaces.
Çankaya
This is a prestigious district located in the heart of the city, favoured by many expats for residence. Here, you'll discover business and shopping centres, universities, and hospitals. The population of this municipality totals approximately one million people.
Source: Google Maps
Two neighbourhoods in Çankaya are not open to residence permits: Devlet and Cumhuriyet. However, this should not pose a significant issue for expats. Devlet is a government district housing the parliament and various state institutions. The second, Cumhuriyet, is a vibrant and densely populated neighbourhood situated in the heart of the area. At its centre lies Kızılay Square, a major transit hub and popular gathering place. Cumhuriyet is bustling day and night, making it a suitable spot for socialising but less ideal for residential living.
Experienced expats recommend looking for a flat in Oran, Çayyolu, Ümitköy, and Çukurambar neighbourhoods. These are small residential areas with developed infrastructure. You can get to the centre of the city in 15 to 20 minutes by public transport. However, the housing here is not cheap:
Type | Buy, $ | Rent, $ per month |
Studio | 60 000 | 400 |
One-bedroom flat | 80 000 | 600 |
Three-bedroom flat | 185 000 | 1000 |
Dikmen and Balgat neighbourhoods have more budget options:
Type | Buy, $ | Rent, $ per month |
Studio | 45 000 | 400 |
One-bedroom flat | 75 000 | 500 |
Three-bedroom flat | 110 000 | 750 |
Infrastructure
Çankaya boasts a sizable bus station that offers travel connections to Istanbul and other cities. An underground line also traverses the central region, with stations located in Balgat, Çayyolu, and Ümitköy. Access to the city centre is readily available by bus from Dikmen and Oran, with all stops conveniently within walking distance. Ankara, in general, boasts a well-developed ground transport network, encompassing 300 routes that effectively serve nearly all areas of the metropolis.
In Çankaya, you'll find Ankamall, one of the largest shopping centres in the country, and Armada, a towering complex featuring retail and office spaces, along with a spacious food court. Additionally, there are smaller stores like Taurus and Panora, as well as well-known supermarket chains such as Şok and Bim. Çankaya is also home to the Ankara Central City Hospital, a stadium, and a concert hall. If you're near Kızılay Square, you'll discover a vibrant restaurant district with over 20 establishments offering both Turkish and European cuisine. And if you prefer dining closer to home, residential neighbourhoods offer a variety of dining options.
Chankai Palace. Gargarapalvin (Wikipedia)
Yenimahalle
Yenimahalle is the second most popular and populated district in Ankara, making it an ideal choice for families with children. The district boasts numerous parks, abundant green spaces along its streets, sports facilities, schools, and hospitals.
Source: Google Maps
Three neighbourhoods are restricted for residence permits: Anadolu, İvedikköy, and Karşıyaka. Prices for apartments in other neighbourhoods are about the same as in elite locations in Çankaya:
Type | Buy, $ | Rent, $ per month |
One-bedroom flat | 81 000 | 480 |
Three-bedroom flat | 110 000 | 630 |
House | 150 000 | 750 |
The area features a dense urban landscape, making it unlikely for new residential complexes to emerge. However, you have the option to purchase or rent existing secondary housing in apartment buildings.
Infrastructure
The area benefits from two metro lines and a cableway. The cableway was constructed to serve the Şentepe neighbourhood, situated on the mountain, effectively addressing traffic congestion issues and reducing travel time to the city centre. For those residing in more remote neighbourhoods, transportation to the city centre is facilitated by buses or dolmuş (minibus taxis).
Yenimahalle is home to Etlik, Ankara's second major hospital, as well as public and private schools. Almost every small neighbourhood has its own shopping centre with restaurants and cafes. The area is also notable for being home to two Ankara football teams: Gençlerbirliği and Ankaragücü.
Keçiören
Keçiören is known for its budget-friendly options within Ankara. While one neighbourhood, Yeşilöz, is closed to residence permits, rental prices for flats in Keçiören are notably lower than in the city centre. It's possible to rent a two- or three-bedroom flat for as low as $500. Studios or one-bedroom flats may be somewhat scarce, and their rental rates do not differ significantly.
Keçiören has numerous newly constructed buildings offering affordable flats. Prices for one-bedroom units start at $75,000, while three-bedroom units are available from $100,000.
Source: Google Maps
Infrastructure
Keçiören is situated on the outskirts of Ankara. Nevertheless, if you choose to reside in one of the central neighbourhoods within the municipality, such as Basınevleri, Gümüşdere, Kavacık, or Subayevleri, you can expect a convenient commute of approximately 30 minutes to reach Kızılay Square via public transport. Keçiören also features several subway stations that offer direct access to the bus station, the old town, and some districts of Çankaya.
The area is also home to some significant landmarks:
- The Esztergom Castle, which houses the ethnographic museum.
- Keçiören Falls, the largest man-made waterfall in the country, surrounded by a park with recreational areas and cafes.
- The Sea World aquarium, the second largest in Turkey.
- The cable road.
In addition, the area often hosts various festivals and governmental events.
Gölbaşı
This area is notable for its geographical position; its northern part is situated along the banks of Eymir Lake and is surrounded by a forest, while the southern part stretches along Mogan Lake. Both lakes are renowned for their natural beauty in the region.
There are no high-rise buildings in Gölbaşı, but you can purchase or rent a house or a luxury mansion. Gölbaşı is known for having some of the most expensive housing options in Ankara, with prices reaching up to $3 or even $4 million. However, there are also more budget-friendly options available, with rental prices for houses starting at $700 and purchase prices beginning at $400,000. Additionally, a flat in a low-rise building can be found for around $70,000.
Source: Google Maps
Infrastructure
Gölbaşı is well-connected to transportation networks with the Ankara ring road, O-20, and the state road D.750 passing through the area. The D.750 road extends across the country, linking northern cities like Zonguldak and Mengen to southern ones such as Pozantı and Tarsus. To travel from Gölbaşı to the centre of Ankara, you have the option of taking one of two bus routes or a dolmuş.
The area, while somewhat remote from the city, is equipped with several schools, including the Hasvak municipal hospital and two prominent private clinics. Furthermore, Gölbaşı accommodates campuses for several faculties of Ankara University. Along Ankara Street, there are numerous cafes and restaurants, although fewer can be found in the more distant areas. For comprehensive shopping needs, a trip to the city centre is necessary as Gölbaşı does not have its own shopping mall. Nevertheless, grocery chain supermarkets like Şok and Bim are conveniently located in various small neighbourhoods.
Source: Hüseyin Öcal (Wikipedia)
Etimesgut
Etimesgut, situated on the city's outskirts, is a verdant residential locality witnessing rapid development. This makes it convenient to purchase or rent housing in newly constructed buildings. Prices for two- and three-bedroom flats begin at $50,000, while rental rates start from $320. Additionally, within this price range, you can explore options ranging from studios to flats with multiple bedrooms.
Source: Google Maps
Infrastructure
Etimesgut boasts three subway stations and a city train line traversing the area. This ensures hassle-free travel to Yenimahalle, the old town, and the bus station without requiring transfers.
Some neighbourhoods, like Eryaman, have limited bus stops, with transportation options primarily consisting of city trains, taxis, or private cars. However, areas like Mahalle Devlet, Güzelkent, and Tunahan enjoy better transportation accessibility.
The area boasts several public parks, with Göksu Park being one of the largest in Ankara. These parks offer a range of amenities, including restaurants, picnic areas, cafes, and even amusement parks. Additionally, Etimesgut is home to shopping centres like Metromall, as well as smaller options such as Optimum, Dolphin, Galaxy, and Göksu.
Etimesgut currently lacks large public hospitals, so residents typically need to travel to the neighbouring Yenimahalle for public healthcare services. However, there are five private clinics and specialised medical centres in the area, providing alternative options for medical care.
In a Nutshell
Ankara, Turkey's capital and business hub, attracts fewer tourists compared to cities like Istanbul, Izmir, or Antalya. Housing prices remain stable throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for long-term settlement. Ankara offers diverse neighbourhoods suitable for families with children and single expats alike. Keçiören, Etimesgut, and Yenimahalle provide a peaceful family-oriented environment, Gölbaşı offers lakeside living, while Çankaya is known for its bustling, 24/7 atmosphere.
Cover photo: Francesca Minto (Unsplash)
