In Turkey, architecture, art, and a fusion of cultures date back thousands of years. Artifacts dating back to the Hittites, Ancient Greeks, early Christians, and even the Mongols may be found here, giving this nation of 82 million people a deep appreciation for its past. Due to its location at the nexus between Europe and Asia, the beaches in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea are world-famous. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul spans 58 streets and houses more than 1,200 stores. Some people wonder if moving to Turkey after retirement would be a wise decision. Having already purchased second houses in Turkey, they plan to retire here as full-time ex-pats once their careers end. Life in Turkey for foreigners is ideal.
The low cost of living compared to their home nation is a massive draw for retired ex-pats. There’s no need for a TV license, and water costs between £3 to £5 per month, depending on the family size. A year ago, the council tax payment was £10. Buying fruit, vegetables, and dairy goods at the local farmers’ market reduces the cost of food purchasing. Many ex-pats manage to live comfortably on their pension despite the high costs of owning a car, dining out, smoking and drinking.
When it comes to saving money, many retirees use high savings account interest rates which, at the moment, accounts for around 10% of the total. In their home country, they sold property and converted the currency into the Turkish lira, which they then put into high-yield savings accounts. After paying taxes, they can then take monthly interest payments. As a result, because they have another source of income, their assets are never depicted.
The monetary advantages are essential, but consider how life is better when you wake up to beautiful weather. There is a lot of rain in January and February, and the rest of the year is pleasant. Get up early and enjoy the view from your balcony, or spend the day lounging by the pool or grilling out on your rooftop patio. Every region of Turkey has unique weather and climate. High temperatures in the Antalya region allow seaside festivities to take place even on New Year’s Day. Milder weather with plenty of sunshine and blue skies can be found along the Aegean Sea.
The new, modern property is available at reasonable costs for retirees who want to buy an apartment or villa. The housing market in Turkey is a tenth of what it is in France, Spain, or Portugal for the comparable home. Existing residences are being replaced by new ones equipped with cutting-edge SMART technology and stylish interior design. If all cash and documentation are in order, buyers can obtain their title deeds in as little as a week after closing. View our collection of apartments and villas to get a sense of the quality of the properties we provide. In each listing, you’ll discover all the information you need to make an educated decision about whether or not to move through with a viewing, including the price, location, images, and other property features.
Residency applications can be submitted online in a matter of minutes. The approval period is one year in the first year and then two years after that. After eight years of residence, retirees are eligible to apply for a long-term visa. Approval is based on four factors: a clean criminal background, proof of financial stability, health insurance, and a place to live. Alternatively, anyone can apply for citizenship if they buy and hold property worth at least $400,000 for three years.
Some retirees choose the government-run SGK healthcare system, while others purchase their private health insurance policies. However, you can count on receiving top-notch medical treatment. International acclaim and respect are given to hospitals like those in Izmir for their talent and knowledge. Turkey is also a popular destination for medical tourists worldwide Every year, tens of thousands of people come here for dental work, hair transplants, and other cosmetic procedures. In addition, you won’t have to pay as much for dental checkups in the future, thanks to systems like these that are far cheaper in other countries.
Turkey has spent billions on transportation network modernization during the last two decades. New bridges and motorways have replaced the aging, dusty roads, reducing travel time by half. The most recent example is Istanbul’s new Ataturk Airport, flights will be available to hundreds of destinations throughout the world once the system is fully functioning. Getting to Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, and Izmir from all around the world is simple.
How to Retire in Turkey?
Consider all of these when calculating how much money you’ll need to retire in Turkey. Those who own their own homes, for example, save money since they don’t have to pay for rent. The location of your retirement home also matters as some places have higher living costs than others. Of course, the more money you spend, the better off you’ll be able to afford to live in Turkey.
Expatriates who receive a home country’s monthly income have an advantage in retirement planning. With the present exchange rate, retirees are getting more Turkish lira incomes than ever. Some early-retired foreigners pool their retirement assets into a single sum and put it into a high-yield savings account monthly to maximize their yield. Withdrawals give them a second stream of income after paying interest taxes. As interest rates differ from one bank to the next, it’s important to compare your options.
Living in a metropolis is more expensive than living in a small town like anywhere else in the world. Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, has the highest cost of living. If you’re looking to buy or rent a home in one of the premium areas of Istanbul, go no further than Besiktas, Sisli, Beyoglu, or Sariyer. Low rent and property rates attract some families to move to the suburbs. Kucukcekmece and Beylikduzu are two examples of this type of district. The cost of living in Istanbul, especially eating out, is significantly higher than in other parts of Turkey. See the Aegean and Mediterranean shores for cheaper options like Altinkum, Kusadasi, Fethiye, and Antalya if your budget is tight.
People will be astonished at how affordable it is to maintain a home in Turkey. Most services like water, internet, phone service, gas, and council tax are quite reasonably priced. You may save money on electricity by avoiding using air conditioning or powerful heaters. If you reside in a condominium, keep in mind the monthly maintenance cost and that earthquake insurance is required. The local weekly farmer’s market is an excellent place for Turks and retired foreigners to get their fresh produce at a lower cost. They prefer authentic Turkish restaurants to tourist traps when dining out. For further information, have a look at our piece on the cost of living.
One annual expense to consider is the cost of residency visas and other related expenses if you are not a citizen. For the most part, foreigners who are Turkish citizens did so either through marriage or through the real estate investment program, which requires a minimum investment of $400,000. In addition, only foreigners with eight years of continuous short-term resident permits are eligible for the long-term residence permit. As with a work visa, you must show that you can support yourself financially before applying for one.
Is retiring in Turkey Good?
Retirement is a concept that ensures that a person who has completed the working period specified by the law by producing regular insurance premiums receives a monthly salary upon the termination of employment. With an amendment published in the Official Gazette on September 8, 1999, serious changes occurred in the retirement conditions of the group, which would later be known as EYT members. Before the law came into force, citizens who were able to retire by looking at their insurance and working time suddenly encountered an unforeseen age barrier. Those who could not retire because they could not reach the retirement age despite completing the number of premium days, and those who are Old at Retirement, formed the aforementioned group, EYT in short. Those who are old enough to retire and 3600 additional indicators are among the important issues that retirees in Turkey expect solutions to in the short term. While a group has to wait until a certain age due to the number of bonus days, many public sector workers are waiting for changes in additional indicators to retire. The Global Pension Index takes into account the welfare of the pensioner, the past, present, and predicted future of countries, their economic development, policy, and political and demographic changes, is created taking into account All of the factors such as dependency on the elderly population, inflation, tax pressure, earnings inequality, unemployment, happiness, environmental factors, water and hygiene, biodiversity, life expectancy, and health investments come into play in the evaluation and a holistic picture of welfare emerges. With this calculation, Turkey, on the other hand, can only enter this list, which consists of 44 countries, from the 40th rank. The worse news is that Turkey ranked 39th on the same list in 2017 and 2018. The reason for the low ranking is the high health expenditures of retirees, life expectancy, and quality of life standards.
How Much do You Need to Retire in Turkey?
Those who want to retire by paying their insurance premium can take out optional insurance. Optional insurance premium was the lowest 1601 lira for this year. The optional insurance premium is to be paid by those who engage in agricultural activities on their behalf and on their account and women who benefit from the tradesman exemption will also be applied as 1547 liras per month. The minimum premium will be 53 lira and the highest premium will be 400 lira per day for birth and military service debt. Those who employ workers for 10 days a month in domestic services will pay at least 625.50 liras this year, and those who employ workers for 30 days will pay an insurance premium of 1876 liras.
What is the Retirement Age in Turkey?
Even though males in Turkey can legally retire at the age of 60 and women at the age of 58, most people continue to work for at least six more years before they get retired.
Do Foreigners in Turkey have the Right to Retirement?
Turkey does allow foreigners to retire there. However, if a Turkish citizen has specific requirements to quit, then so should a foreigner. The retirement age in Turkey is 58 for foreign women and 60 for males. A Premium day of 7200 is required for salaried employees, while a Premium day of 9000 is required for self-employed individuals and those who work in public.
In Turkey, both Turkish nationals and foreign employees are covered by the same labor laws. Turkey’s constitution also includes rules on equality and ensures that everyone has access to social security. Therefore, a person will retire from SGK/SSI if they are employed for less than the minimum salary and pay social security premiums. In reality, employers deduct the social security premiums of their employees and deliver them to SSI. Therefore, dependent spouses and children will get a pension even in case of the death of an eligible employee. It’s important to remember that SGK does not automatically provide old-age pensions; eligible Turkish or international employees or representatives must apply to SGK/SSI after leaving the workplace. For Turkish citizens, the retirement age is determined by the date they enrolled in the Social Security Institution (SSI). The age of eligibility has been divided into multiple periods by successive pieces of legislation, making it highly complicated; also, different eligibility conditions exist within each of these periods.
How do Foreigners Retire in Turkey?
Here you can find out how to retire in Turkey.
- Turkish citizenship: If you’re not a Turkish citizen, you’ll need citizenship, to begin with. Turkish citizenship is obtained through marriage or investment in a citizenship-by-investment program for foreigners. You must be worth at least $400,000 to be eligible for this program. The long-term resident permit is only available to qualified foreigners who have lived in Turkey for eight years. When applying for a residency visa in Turkey, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself.
- Proof of income: You’ll have to provide proof of sufficient income for the majority of residence permit categories. A single person’s income is often regarded as proof of at least the Turkish minimum wage if they have this document. It cost TRY1,400 (USD 400, EUR 350, GBP 250) per month as of March 2017. It’s even more significant for those with dependents: about one-third of the minimum wage is added for each dependent. You can come to Turkey as a tourist and get a regular electronic visa to begin your retirement trip. This gives you the freedom to decide where you want to live, look at properties, and so on.
- Short-Term Residence Permits in Turkey: These are the standard Turkish residency permits. They can be given out for a year or two. A Short-Term Residence Permit can be easily obtained by anyone seeking to stay in Turkey for longer than 90 days in any 180 days. If a foreigner meets the requirements, they may be eligible for an indefinitely valid Long-Term Residence Permit.
What are the Conditions for Retirement in Turkey?
Below are the conditions for retirement in Turkey.
- Normal Retirement: Those who first became covered on May 1, 2008, or after, must be 60-65 years old for men and 58-65 years old for women when they can retire (retirement age will gradually increase for both). Men will retire at 60 and women at 58 if the 7200 premium-covered days are finished by the end of 2035.
- Partial Retirement with 5400 Days: To retire at 63, men must have been insured for the first time by May 1, 2008, and have worked for 5400 days by December 31, 2035. After 5400 days, women who become covered for the first time on May 1, 2008, will be able to retire at age 61.
- Retirement With 3600 Premium Days And 15 Years Of Insurance Period: Those insured for the first time before the 9th of October of 1999 are eligible for a 15-year retirement option with 3600 premium-paid days. People in their 50s and 55s can retire after accruing 3600 premium days and 15 years of insurance coverage by the 23rd of May 2002. As of May 24, 2002, a phase-in system is in place.
How Do Pensioners Live in Turkey?
Recent research shows that one out of every three pensioners in Turkey continues to work informally, enhancing the country’s informal employment rate. According to Bahçeşehir University’s Center for Economic and Social Research, almost 28% of the 7.1 million people eligible for pension payments continue to work (BETAM). According to a study based on data from the Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TÜK) 2010 Income and Living Conditions Survey, about one-eighth of retirees who remain inactive employment in nonagricultural industries labor informally. People don’t appear to care about working formally now that Retirement comes with health insurance and pension income. Similarly, corporations may prefer to hire retired persons on a casual basis to save on labor expenditures,” the report noted. Working women’s participation rates appear to be substantially lower when compared to working men’s participation rates, as 34.6% of males desire to remain in the workforce. In comparison, only 7.5% of women stay in the force.
1. Housing Cost
In Turkey, a large number of retirees own a home. As a result, present rent rates are no longer an issue. These can differ from town to town, but they’re on the rise. In well-developed, well-known cities and regions, rents range from 207 to 619 USD per month. If you’re planning to rent rather than buy a home, do your research locally first.
Purchasing and Renting a house in Istanbul, you may be interested in Property Prices in Istanbul.
| Kadikoy 1-4 bedrooms | $ 179,056 | $ 1,000 |
| Basaksehir 1- 5 bedrooms | $ 549,000 | $ 900 |
| Bakirkoy 1-3 bedrooms | $ 490,000 | $ 1,100 |
Purchasing and Renting a house in Antalya, you may be interested in Property Prices in Antalya.
| Konyaalti 1-2 bedrooms | $ 76,942 | $ 700 |
| Konyaalti 1- 3 bedrooms | $ 90,000 | $ 500 |
Purchasing and Renting a house in Bodrum, you may be interested in Property Prices in Bodrum
| Gumusluk 4 bedrooms | $ 1,419,177 | $ 1,000 |
| Gundogan 1-4 bedrooms | $ 1,419,200 | $ 1,000 |
Purchasing and Renting a house in Izmir, you may be interested in Property Prices in Izmir.
| Buca 1 Bedroom | $ 49,173 | $ 500 |
| Cesme 1- 3 bedrooms | $ 700,000 | $ 700 |
2. Health Cost
Foreigners and retirees will be pleased to find that healthcare in Turkey is often less expensive, albeit of variable quality than in other European countries. Large cities like Istanbul and Ankara have private hospitals with competent doctors and personnel who provide high-quality care in an English-speaking environment. Rural areas, on the other hand, may still have minimal access to healthcare.
To the point that Turkey is becoming a popular medical tourism destination for cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and fertility treatments, private hospitals in Turkey provide high-quality care at an affordable price. In addition, the availability of English-speaking phone centers at private hospitals facilitates the scheduling of appointments for foreigners. However, the public healthcare system falls short of the expectations of ex-pats from the United States and Europe. The increased competition from private hospitals has resulted in public hospitals providing better care, yet foreigners still prefer private facilities. In addition, many prescription medications are available over the counter for a reasonable cost in major cities’ pharmacies.
3. Nutrition Cost
When it comes to Turkey, it’s impossible to leave out the country’s cuisine. Turkish cuisine is influenced by several places, including Europe and Central Asia. The country is well-known for its mouthwatering meat and seafood offerings as well as vegetable dishes, pastries, and desserts. Turkey has a thriving agricultural industry, so it’s a good idea to do your grocery shopping at reasonable prices while you’re there.
4. Clothing Cost
Depending on where you shop, clothing prices can vary widely. Jeans costing up to $100–200 are available. For Turks, it’s prohibitively expensive, not because they can’t afford it, but because they can get comparable goods for a lot less money. Visiting the so-called “Fabrica” (factories) or “outlets” is the best way to find bargains on clothing.
5. Transportation in Turkey
Turkey’s public transportation system is extensive. Several modes of public transportation are available to tourists at all main attractions, including suburban trains, city buses, the metro, trams, and minibusses.
City buses are widely available and inexpensive to ride in virtually all towns and cities. You can load credit onto an intelligent ticket for a nominal deposit and then use it on the bus, metro, tram, and ferry.
Minibusses are an excellent alternative to local buses because they follow predetermined routes shown on the front of the vehicle.
When in doubt, hail a cab at one of the many designated taxi stands. The onboard meter determines payment. An onboard meter is mandatory in all Turkish taxis. However, for intercity trips, set fares are more usual and are displayed at the taxi stand and calculated per kilometer, depending on where you’re heading.
Urban rail is a high-capacity mode of public transportation typically found in urban areas, and it’s a quick and effective way to go across the country. Commuter trains and underground subways are standard features in Turkish cities. The cost is 6 Turkish Liras.
Trams are a convenient and speedy mode of transportation in many places. The cost is 6 Turkish Liras.
In Which Cities do Pensioners Live in Turkey?
In Turkey, retirees have a wide range of options for where they want to live. While working ex-pat chooses to live in big cities, retirees prefer to live along the Mediterranean or Aegean shores for various reasons. As Turkey has a blend of fantastic climates, a lower cost of living, and an extensive international population due to tourism as the primary source of revenue, such as English, Russian, and German. You can take a look at some of the most popular destinations for retired ex-pats.
1. Antalya, Kalkan
At present, the population is around 3,500, but this number rises significantly during the summer months due to tourism. Kalkan’s old name, Kalamaki, was given to the town by traders from the Greek island of Meis, which sits 2 miles off the coast of Kas, 18 miles from Kalkan. It is believed that Kalamaki was founded between 150 and 200 years ago. The early traders’ success paved the way for others to move in, including those of Greek and Turkish descent. The similarity between Meis’s and Kalkan’s architecture proves this. The harbor at Kalkan, the only safe and welcoming haven between Fethiye and Kas, aided in a settlement. It’s one of Kalkan’s oldest structures, and the architecture is evocative of churches that can be found in the Greek Mediterranean today. Kalkan’s Mosque was originally a Greek Orthodox church.
People in Kalkan were highly active in commerce. Charcoal, silk, cotton, olive oil, wood, grapes, and sesame were among the items transported by camel from the plains and mountains of Patara to ships for shipment to places like Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, Rhodes, and Lebanon in the Ottoman Empire. Kalkan prospered in the 20th century due to this trade, as evidenced by the presence of a customs house, 17 restaurants, a jeweler, and numerous tailors in the early 1900s. The Turkish Republic was established in 1920, and Greeks and Turks began exchanging populations. A coastal road connecting Kalkan with Antalya and Fethiye, two of Antalya’s largest towns, was built in the 1960s. Many people in Kalkan moved due to this increased mobility and the resulting opportunities for locals to expand their companies beyond the city’s borders. Tourism began to grow in Kalkan in the late 1960s with the arrival of yachters and other visitors. The construction of an asphalt road to Kalkan in 1984 increased accessibility and boosted the area’s tourism industry. The Gocek Tunnel opened in 2005, and the Dalaman International Airport opened the year after that.
This quaint seaside town is well-known for its upscale appeal, which extends to the local real estate market as well as the local eating scene. Large villas with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea dominate the real estate market in this region. Despite the higher cost of living in Kalkan, retirees choose this region because it offers a unique niche for them in Turkey. Kalkan, a posh resort town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is a well-known luxury resort hotspot. For a seaside property, prices start at $600,000 and go all the way up to $1.2 million. However, if you want to meet new people and get involved in new social circles, you can join the resort’s active community year-round. Living expenses are more expensive because of the city’s upscale feel, especially while dining and drinking out. The ultra-modern construction of the homes and the spectacular Mediterranean Sea view provided by the elevated terrain are two reasons why people buy the property and retire to Kalkan.
| Panoramic sea view villa | 300 sqm | $ 809,000 |
| Private living villa | 140 sqm | $374,100 |
| Seaview apartment | 130 sqm | $ 244,800 |
You can have an idea about What is it Like living in Antalya, Turkey, and Property Prices in Antalya.
2. Mugla, Bodrum
Bodrum has a population of 32 801 people in 2020 – 2021. Turkey’s southwest Aegean Region includes the port city of Bodrum as well as the district of Mugla. It’s on the Bodrum Peninsula’s southern coast, at a checkpoint for the Gulf of Gokova, and serves as the district’s administrative center. Halicarnassus of Caria was a city in ancient Greece known for the Mausolus Mausoleum, one of the world’s seven wonders of antiquity. Bodrum Castle was built in the 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller, with a sweeping view of the harbor and marina. The castle has a museum dedicated to underwater archaeology, and it frequently holds cultural events.
Tropical Bodrum is known for its hot summers. The average temperature in winter is roughly 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit); in summer, it rises to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit). Thus, summers are hot and sunny with high humidity, while winters are mild.
Bodrum was formerly known as Halicarnassus of Caria. Located in this area stood the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of antiquity’s seven wonders. Bodrum has a long and rich history where people have lived side by side for a long time. Bodrum is an important historical location for historians because of its proximity to numerous ancient civilizations and historical events. The following description is a compilation of material gleaned from many sources because finding a single source with comprehensive historical information on Halicarnassus appears impossible. It was in Halicarnassus that “Herodotus,” the Father of History, was born. Bodrum’s first permanent settlement was on the rocky island currently occupied by the Castle of St. Peter (the castle was once surrounded by sea ).
According to “Herodotus,” the Father of History from Halicarnassus in the 5th century BC, the Dorians migrated from the Peloponnese’s east coast ( Troezen). Zephyria and Zephyrium were the names given to the island and village, respectively. There is a lack of information available to historians on the location of mainland Bodrum’s founding. The 7th century BC is when it was first mentioned. Aside from Cnidos on the mainland, the island of Cos, and three cities on Rhodes, Halicarnassus belonged to the Dorian Confederation of Hexapolis, which included the other five cities mentioned above. Because the Dorians weren’t the first to live in this region, establishing these cities wasn’t easy. They were under constant attack by vicious Carians inhabitants. The Iliad makes a passing reference to the Carians, describing them as “barbarous of speech” (as coincidentally linguists note that the region’s dialect Halicarnassus is now a region with one of Turkey’s roughest dialects). History records that the Carians taught the Greeks how to use shield handles and helmet crests, which soldiers had hung over their shoulders. However, Carians and Dorians did form a tiny alliance when a Greek erected a bar near the spring at Salmacis (which is now submerged at the western end of Bodrum). Harbor, in present-day Bardakci). With frequent patronage from all races, including the native Carians, the colonists could bring a more organized way of life to the Carians. Trade relations were established in that year.
Sitting on the Aegean coast, this peninsula has been a favorite haunt of the rich and famous for decades. Known for its non-conformity, Bodrum attracts aspiring artisans, and it is also a significant sailing hub. Yalikavak, Gumbet, the town center, and upscale Golturkbuku are just a few of the peninsula’s must-see attractions. There are sandy beaches, cafes, restaurants, and shops for anything you can think of on the peninsula. In small streets, Bougainvillea branches provide protection. The old town, while the mandarin trees adorn rural parts. Bodrum’s iconic shade of blue brings a pop of color to its white-washed houses. In summer, life, and traffic, can get hectic, and the heat is not faint-hearted. In winter, when the magic of sunshine starts wearing off, the cosmopolitan town retreats into its shell but not so much that it’s impossible to see a single soul. Bodrum is quieter in the winter months of December to April, but even then, the core portions of the city remain alive, with locals frequenting the bars and cafés. Many residents look forward to the slower pace of life as the season changes and the whole peninsula to themselves.
| Bodrum Villa with Sea view | Five bedrooms | $ 1,300,000 |
| Bodrum Villa | 124m2 | $538,147 |
| Bodrum Bay Apartment | 394m2 | $ 4,622,140 |
3. Izmir
Izmir’s population in 2021 is 3,024,000. It was 2,993,000 in 2020. Izmir (formerly Smyrna) is Turkey’s west coast city and a major seaport on the Gulf of Izmir. There are numerous rail connections to Izmir, Turkey’s second-largest harbor and third-largest metropolis. It’s also a central commercial and industrial hub, with factories making dyes, soaps, and textiles, as well as groceries and tobacco. Carpets, food, and minerals are among the country’s top exports. Here you’ll find the Aegean University, the Atatürk Museum, and Archaeological Museum founded in 1955.
Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, dates back thousands of years. The Ionians took over the town before 688 bc, when the Aeolians, a Greek race, built it in the 11th-century bc. The Lydians destroyed Smyrna from Asia Minor in the late 7th-century bc. Macedonian King Antigonus I repaired the city in the 4th-century bc, and Alexander the Great’s general Lysimachus fortified and renovated it. Later, the Romans seized Smyrna, and it became one of the “seven churches,” an early Christian center (see Revelations 1:11). The Byzantine Empire annexed the city in the 4th century ad, and the Byzantines and Turks ruled it alternately from the 11th to the 15th century. Finally, Smyrna was conquered by Tamerlane’s Mongols in 1402 and passed to the Ottoman Turks in 1424.
A large port city, Izmir attracted a diversified population, including many different ethnic groups. After World War I, the Greeks seized Smyrna, and the Treaty of Sèvres, signed in 1920, gave Greece five years of control over Izmir and the Ionian region. The Turks, who had taken Smyrna in 1922, resisted the Greeks’ occupation. The city was given to Turkey as part of the terms of the Treaty of Lausanne signed in 1923. After World War II, Izmir was chosen for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Southern Command because of its strategic location (NATO). Due to the growth of shipping and industry, cities have multiplied and become congested. Izmir is located in a climate region that is similar to that of the Mediterranean. Izmir enjoys year-round mild temperatures, with the cooling sea breeze helping keep the city’s scorching summer temperatures at bay. The seasons here are defined by scorching, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The climate is generally favorable. Temperatures rarely drop below 0 in the winter in the Pacific Northwest.
Istanbul retirees like Izmir as a retirement location because Izmir has many of the same possibilities and things to do as Istanbul. However, Izmir has a more laid-back vibe, lower living costs, and virtually as many amenities as Istanbul. Household expenditures are more melancholy, traffic is less than in Istanbul, interior villages are quieter, and summer nightlife is more active. Therefore it’s a beautiful place to retire. Except for the innermost sections in winter and the coastal areas in summer, Izmir has pleasant temperatures for the majority of the year, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking sunny locations. Because the residents of Izmir are less impatient than those of Istanbul, city life is more leisurely and stress-free Izmir. The city holds international fairs, exhibitions, and creative productions throughout the year to keep you entertained. If you’re into that sort of thing, Alacati and Cesme are popular with celebs and organize a slew of star-studded events. Within the city, you may discover locations to relax and unwind that are economical and stylish, such as the beach or vast green parks. From a relaxing day spent reading a book by the pool to an exciting night on the town, Izmir has something to offer everyone.
| Izmir Apartment | 1+1 | $ 50,000 |
| Izmir Sea View Apartment | 2+1 | $ 100,000 |
| Izmir Luxury Villa | 3+1 | $ 230,000 |
| Cesme Luxury Villa with SeaView | 3+1 | $ 400,000 |
4. Bursa
Bursa’s population in 2021 is 2,021,000. It was 1,986,000 in 2020. Although it was most likely founded in the 3rd century BCE by a Bithynian ruler, the city flourished under Byzantine rule after Emperor Justinian I (527–565) constructed a palace there. The Seljuq Turks captured the town around the end of the 11th century, but the Christians afterward captured it during the First Crusade in 1096. After the Crusaders sacked Constantinople in 1204, it became a focal point of Byzantine resistance. However, in 1402, Timur (Tamerlane) ravaged the city, and when the Ottomans retook their area, they moved their capital to Edirne (1413) and then Constantinople (in the 15th century) (1458). Despite this, Ottoman control saw Bursa grow and prosper. Bursa is a city of vividly colored homes and meandering lanes filled with fountains, set amid orchards nourished by several mountain streams. Many of the buildings in the area date back to the Ottoman era and can be considered remarkable examples of the style. Ulu Mosque (1421) is one of the city’s largest mosques, with 20 domes and ornate calligraphy to match. There is a theology college, library, and ablution fountain in the Yesil Mosque (founded in 1421), which marks the beginning of the entirely Turkish style. The tomb of Sultan Mehmed I is located nearby in the Yesil Mausoleum. The tombs of the sultans and their families surround the Muradiye Mosque (15th century). In addition, there are tombs of Ottoman rulers Osman I and his son Orhan on a terrace overlooking the city (Orkhan). The city’s archaeological museum is housed in a former theological seminary built in the 1500s. It is believed that Justinian built his imperial spa towards the end of the 6th century on the remains of earlier baths in Bursa, which were famed in Roman times.
Bursa is a quieter, more secluded, and more economical alternative to other popular retirement resorts in the sunny south. Those who are drawn to history and spirituality will enjoy it here. The city’s many museums and mosques are great places to spend the day contemplating why Timur wanted to burn down such a revered building, or you can take a stroll around the botanical parks’ Japanese or English gardens for some quiet reflection time. There’s no shortage of regional delights to explore when it comes to cuisine, as evidenced by the several daily gastronomic trips from neighboring cities. However, Bursa does not have the same level of tourism as Bodrum or Alanya. Winter sports, wellness, religion, and history draw a devoted following to the city, not water sports and other summertime activities. The climate is very similar to that of Istanbul, however, once the winter season arrives, it is more difficult to leave. The cold sets and the winds can become extremely severe in the city, surrounded by Mount Uludag in the south. More conservative residents and tourists looking for halal holidays will appreciate the city’s abundance of mosques and Muslim-friendly facilities. Bursa is also home to some of Turkey’s best and finest silk manufacturers. Most of Bursa, except Nilufer and Mudanya, is considered devout. Kindness and welcoming fewer dominate people’s demeanor.
| Bursa Residence | 1+1 | $ 40,000 |
| Bursa With Sea View | 2+1 | $190,000 |
| Bursa Family Residence | 3+1 | $ 250,000 |
What are the Activities that Retirees can do in Turkey?
Even when the initial thrill of moving in has worn off, Turkey still has a lot to offer. For example, ex-pats in Antalya enjoy golfing, and the city is home to numerous charitable organizations. A significant benefit of living abroad is making new acquaintances in the ex-pat community. This can lead to more travel and a deeper understanding of the culture you’re in. As with any unique experience, there will be highs and lows, but many perks will make your new journey an enjoyable one. The country complies with EU standards. There are more surveillance cameras than ever before, smoking is no longer permitted indoors, and health insurance is now required for employment. Thus, many ex-pats choose to live in Turkey due to its unique culture, people, and of its enticing features.