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This is part of the detailed Turkey city atlas for choosing where to live, relocate or spend a longer season. In Turkey, the exact neighbourhood, building, transport and registration situation matter as much as the city itself.
In this guide
Who is it suitable for?
Izmir is suitable for those who want a secular, Aegean, more local Turkey: sea, food, cafes, universities, embankments, less tourist “selling to foreigners” than in Antalya. This is a good city for those who want Turkey, not just an expat bubble.
Not suitable for those who need Russian-language infrastructure at every step, cheap sea near their home, or ideal public transport to any area.
Best areas
Karşıyaka/Bostanlı. One of the best options for life. Embankment, cafes, ferry, tram, shops, family and active environment. Bostanlı is more expensive and fashionable, Karşıyaka is more practical.
Mavişehir. Modern complexes, malls, embankment, families, more expensive, often need a car.
Alsancak. Center, Kordon, bars, restaurants, culture. Good for singles and couples without children who want urban movement. Minus – noise and old foundation.
Bornova. Universities, youth, metro, malls are relatively cheaper. Good for students and those who need transportation.
Balçova/Narlıdere. Quieter, family-friendly, closer to Çeşme/Urla, thermal areas, shopping centers, medicine.
Güzelbahçe/Urla. More country Aegean style, restaurants, wineries, houses, need a car.
Where to be careful
Basmane and part of the old center are not the best choice for a beginner to live. Bayraklı/Bornova require special attention to seismicity. Buca may be cheaper, but it is not convenient for everyone for transport and everyday use.
Where are there more foreigners?
Alsancak, Karşıyaka/Bostanlı, Mavişehir, Urla, Çeşme. There are fewer Russian speakers than in Antalya, so without English/Turkish it may be more difficult.
Housing
Seismic is the main filter. Izmir has experienced strong earthquakes and the old foundation needs to be viewed with caution. Heating, air conditioning, humidity, parking, proximity to the metro/tram/ferry are important.
Transport
Ferries between Karşıyaka/Bostanlı and the center make life pleasant. There is a metro, IZBAN, tram. But distant areas and Urla/Çeşme require a car.
Cafe and food
Alsancak/Kordon: bars, restaurants, evening life.
Bostanlı: brunches, specialty coffee, embankment.
Karşıyaka center: everyday cafes, shops, local life.
Urla: wineries, chef-restaurants, Aegean cuisine.
Çeşme/Alaçatı: beautiful, expensive, seasonal.
Clinics
There are strong private hospitals in Balçova, Alsancak, Bornova, Karşıyaka. For complex medicine, the choice is less than in Istanbul, but for ordinary life it is enough.
Children and family
Karşıyaka, Mavişehir, Bostanlı, Balçova, Narlıdere are good family options. For international schools there is less choice than in Istanbul, so first the school, then the apartment.
Seasonality
It’s hot in summer, many people go to Çeşme/Urla. In winter the city is alive. The wind can be strong, especially near the embankments.
Little tricks
- If you want to live without a car, choose the ferry/tram/metro route.
- Bostanlı is often more comfortable than Alsancak for long life.
- Urla is beautiful, but this is a different scenario: car, house, peace of mind.
- In the old building, check not only the repairs, but also the construction of the building.
