Best Neighborhoods to Live in Ankara Turkey Introduction
Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Ankara Turkey!
As Turkey’s capital and second largest city, Ankara offers expats great opportunities for work and an affordable cost of living. Located in the heart of the Anatolian region, this historic metropolis combines a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities.
To make the most out of your experience in Ankara, you must choose the right neighborhood that suits your needs and lifestyle.
You have the option of choosing from bustling urban areas to quiet suburban communities, as the city offers diverse residential options for expats.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of Ankara’s top neighborhoods for expat living and privode helpful videos on what makes each one ideal.
Whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree, you’ll find the perfect place to call home in this dynamic capital city.
We spent $1,200 – $1,600 per month while living in Ankara Turkey for both of our living costs.
Table of Contents
10 Top Reasons to Live in Ankara Turkey
- Lower cost of living – Ankara is more affordable than other large Turkish cities like Istanbul or Izmir. Your money goes further here.
- Growing economy – Ankara has a robust, diverse economy with opportunities in tech, manufacturing, education, defense, and other sectors.
- Easy access to outdoors – It’s surrounded by mountains and nature, so you have lots of adventures you can do here.
- Rich history – Dating back over 3,000 years, Ankara has fascinating historical and cultural sites to explore.
- Vibrant food scene – Ankara has delicious local and international cuisine, from kebabs to seafood.
- Modern infrastructure – Good public transit, airports, highways, and other infrastructure make living here a breeze.
- Cosmopolitan lifestyle – A mix of traditional and modern, with shopping malls, nightlife, arts, and entertainment.
- Central location – Ankara is right in the heart of Turkey, making it a great base for exploring the country.
- Educational opportunities – Many top universities are located in the city.
- Mild climate – Dry, sunny summers and cold winters make Ankara very livable year-round.
Cultural Considerations in Ankara Turkey
- Islam is the dominant religion. Be respectful of prayer times, Ramadan customs, and conservative dress.
- Elders and hierarchical structure are important so respect elders (as you should everywhere) and use formal titles.
- Family is central to Turkish culture. Expect strong familial bonds and involvement.
- Hospitality matters. Turks pride themselves on welcoming guests. Expect dinner invitations.
- Tea culture is huge here so always accept when offered tea.
- Turkey has strong gender roles. Men and women interact more conservatively.
- Discussing politics or Turkey’s history can be a sensitive topic so avoid these conversations unless you know the person well.
- Dining etiquette is important so know customs around eating with hands, bread, etc.
- Bargaining is expected at bazaars and markets so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon so couples shouldn’t be overly affectionate in public.
General Cost of Living in Ankara Turkey Breakdown:
| Living Expenses as an Expat in Ankara Turkey | Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Cost Range (TRY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing in Turkey | Basic 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $300 – $750 | 9,000 – 22,500 TRY |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $400 – $840 | 12,000 – 25,200 TRY | |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | $550 – $1,100 | 16,500 – 33,000 TRY | |
| 3-4 bedroom villa (compound living) | $1,000 – $1,500 | 30,000 – 45,000 TRY | |
| Utilities (electricity, AC, water) for a family | $70 – $200 | 2,100 – 6,000 TRY | |
| Food in Turkey | Local and imported groceries for the family | $300 – $600 | 9,000 – 18,000 TRY |
| Dining out 2-3 times a week | $80 – $150 | 2,400 – 4,500 TRY | |
| Cheap street food and fast food per meal | $3 – $6 | 90 – 180 TRY | |
| Transportation in Ankara | Bus/Tram | $1 – $1.5 | 30 – 45 TRY |
| Metro and Funicular | $1 – $3 | 30 – 90 TRY | |
| Ferry Boat | $1 – $3 | 30 – 90 TRY | |
| Taxi | $5 – $10 | 150 – 300 TRY | |
| Rental Car | $15 – $30/day | 450 – 900 TRY/day | |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $4 – $5 | 120 – 150 TRY | |
| Total Monthly Cost of living in Turkey for a family | $1,500 – $3,000 | 45,000 – 90,000 TRY |
Pros and Cons Of the 18 Neighborhoods and Areas in Ankara Turkey
| Top Neighborhoods in Ankara Turkey | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Çankaya | Upscale; central location; amenities; near embassies | Expensive; congested |
| Kavaklıdere | Lively; culture; nightlife; students | Noisy; crowded; small apartments |
| Gaziosmanpaşa | Affluent; villas; gated communities; family-friendly | Far from the center; sterile; less culture |
| Bahçelievler | Quiet; green; affordable | Limited amenities; distant |
| Oran | Good transit; shopping; parks | Pollution; traffic |
| Yenimahalle | New developments; shopping; value | Far from center; congested |
| Batıkent | Modern; malls; international schools | Far from center; sterile |
| Ümitköy | Luxury villas; hiking | Isolated; need car |
| Balgat | Green; peaceful; airport access | Far from center; fewer amenities |
| Dikmen | Shops; restaurants; air quality | Older; congested; pollution |
| Yaşamkent | Villas; amenities; international school | Far from center; need car |
| Altındağ | Authentic; historic | Crowded; polluted; rough |
| Çayyolu | Quiet; suburban | Limited amenities; far |
| Sincan | Affordable; new developments | Far from center; congested |
| Keçiören | Bustling; shops; restaurants | Crowded; polluted; traffic |
| Yıldız | Central; university area | Noisy; crowded; small apartments |
| Etimesgut | Affordable; quiet | Far from center; limited amenities |
| Golbasi | Upscale; villas; new | Far from center; not established |
18 Top Neighborhoods in Ankara Turkey to Live for Expats
| Top Neighborhoods in Ankara Turkey for Expats | Description | Rent Range (USD) | Rent Range (TRY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Çankaya | Upscale central district with amenities | $700 – $1,500 | 21,000 – 45,000 TRY |
| Kavaklıdere | Trendy area with nightlife and culture | $500 – $1,000 | 15,000 – 30,000 TRY |
| Gaziosmanpaşa | Affluent suburban area with villas | $800 – $2,000 | 24,000 – 60,000 TRY |
| Bahçelievler | Quiet, green, affordable area | $300 – $600 | 9,000 – 18,000 TRY |
| Oran | Residential area with good transit | $400 – $700 | 12,000 – 21,000 TRY |
| Yenimahalle | Growing suburb with new developments | $350 – $650 | 10,500 – 19,500 TRY |
| Batıkent | Modern suburban area with malls | $450 – $850 | 13,500 – 25,500 TRY |
| Ümitköy | Upscale neighborhood with villas | $1,200 – $2,500 | 36,000 – 75,000 TRY |
| Balgat | Peaceful, green residential area | $400 – $750 | 12,000 – 22,500 TRY |
| Dikmen | Lively urban area with shops and restaurants | $350 – $600 | 10,500 – 18,000 TRY |
| Yaşamkent | Planned community with villas and amenities | $650 – $1,200 | 19,500 – 36,000 TRY |
| Altındağ | Historic central district | $250 – $500 | 7,500 – 15,000 TRY |
| Çayyolu | Quiet, suburban residential area | $400 – $700 | 12,000 – 21,000 TRY |
| Sincan | Affordable area with new developments | $200 – $400 | 6,000 – 12,000 TRY |
| Keçiören | Busy central district with shops and restaurants | $300 – $600 | 9,000 – 18,000 TRY |
| Yıldız | University district with student housing | $250 – $500 | 7,500 – 15,000 TRY |
| Etimesgut | Affordable, quiet residential area | $200 – $400 | 6,000 – 12,000 TRY |
| Golbasi | Upscale new development | $800 – $1,500 | 24,000 – 45,000 TRY |
Health Insurance While Living in Ankara Turkey
Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Saudi Arabia to protect against any unexpected incidents. SafetyWing is an excellent option tailored to global travelers and digital nomads.
Why Choose SafetyWing?
SafetyWing makes travel insurance easy and affordable at just $45 – $250/month. Here are some key reasons to consider it:
- Global coverage including exotic destinations
- Flexible policies fit nomadic lifestyles
- Easy sign-up and claims from phone/computer
- Covers medical, evacuations, disruptions, baggage, etc.
- 24/7 customer support anywhere
- Customizable coverage amounts and add-ons
Other Travel Insurance Options
While SafetyWing is a top choice, companies like WorldNomads, Cigna Global, and IMG also offer comprehensive travel insurance for Ankara Turkey. Typical policies range from $45 – $500 for 2 weeks to a month of coverage. Compare coverage and premium costs.
Some key considerations for finding a good insurance policy:
- Emergency medical and evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost/delayed baggage
- Adventure sports coverage
- Altitude sickness coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Ankara Turkey Insurance Cost Estimates
| Insurance Plan | Trip Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | 1 month | $45 – $250 |
| WorldNomads | 2 weeks | $100 – $200 |
| Cigna Global | 1 month | $150 – $300 |
| IMG | 2 weeks | $150 – $250 |
Living in Ankara Turkey As an Expat Overall
Living in Ankara as an expat offers a blend of cultural richness, vibrant neighborhoods, and modern amenities, providing a unique and rewarding experience in Turkey’s dynamic capital city.
Expats can expect a monthly budget between $1,000 – $3,000 in Ankara, Turkey depending on their lifestyle.
Basic Utilities:
- Around $100 – $200 per month.
- This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
- Air conditioning costs are extra during hot summers.
Food:
- Groceries are around $200 – $400 for one or two people.
- Eating out costs around $5 – $15 per meal at local restaurants.
- If you eat out frequently it can cost as much as $300 – $600 per month.
Housing:
- Rent for nice 1-2 bedroom apartments averages $400 – $800 per month.
- Upscale 3-4 bedroom serviced apartments or houses cost $800 – $2,000 per month.
- Short-term accommodations are $400 – $600 per month.
Healthcare:
- Healthcare in Turkey overall provides high-quality medical services and hospitals at very affordable prices compared to the US and Western Europe, making it attractive for expats.
- Private healthcare and insurance runs around $50 – $150 per month.
- Consider travel insurance like SafetyWing or WorldNomads with plans starting at $45 USD / 1,350 TRY per month.
Lifestyle, Culture, and Recreation:
- Best Activities: Museums, historical sites, hiking, concerts, exhibitions
- Nightlife: Bars, live music, dancing at clubs
- Local Culture: Turkish baths, handicrafts, culinary tours
- Recreational Activities: Sports clubs, gyms, parks
Food in Ankara:
- Groceries for Family of 4: Around $400 – $800 per month for basics plus some imported items.
- Dining Out: The average meal cost is $5 – $15 at inexpensive restaurants. Can dine out affordably 2 times per week.
Transport in Ankara:
- Consider a car rental for $65 – $135 (2,000 – 4,000 TRY) per month.
- A 10-kilometer ride in Ankara might cost around 35 to 50 TRY, or around $4 – $6.
- Spend $100 – $200 on gas per month, on average. Gas costs $4 – $5 / 150 TRY per gallon.
Misc Costs + Shopping: Spend $200 – $300 per month.
Pros:
- Lower cost of living than Istanbul
- Affordable, quality healthcare
- Historic and cultural attractions
- Mild climate
- Growing job opportunities
Cons:
- Heavy traffic and pollution
- More conservative culture
- Fewer English speakers than in coastal cities
- Distance to beaches/coastline
- Bitterly cold winters
Best Cities in Ankara Turkey for Families, Singles, Retirees
Tailored recommendations for different lifestyles, catering to families, singles, and retirees in Ankara Turkey.
Group | Best Places in Ankara Turkey | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Gaziosmanpaşa, Yaşamkent, Batıkent | Upscale suburbs with villas, green spaces, international schools |
| Singles | Çankaya, Kavaklıdere, Oran | Central areas with nightlife, dining, access to the city |
| Retirees | Bahçelievler, Balgat, Ümitköy | Quiet, residential neighborhoods with lower costs of living |
Additional Tips:
Families:
- Look for gated communities with playgrounds, pools, and family amenities
- Prioritize neighborhoods with international/private schools
- Join local parent groups to connect with other expat families
Singles:
- Focus on neighborhoods walkable to bars, cafes, metro stations
- Look for modern apartment buildings with expat communities
- Get involved in local meetup groups, sports leagues
Retirees:
- Consider neighborhoods outside the city center for lower costs
- Ensure your home is close to medical facilities
- Join expat clubs and attend events to build a social network
- Take Turkish language classes to better integrate
Tips on Moving Banking and Finding Housing in Ankara Turkey
Here are helpful tips on finding accommodations, navigating the housing market, Moving your stuff, and making the most of your budget in Ankara Turkey.
| Tips on Living in Ankara Turkey | Tips for Expats | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Finding Housing | Use rental websites and real estate agents to find both long-term rentals and temporary housing options. Consider joining expat Facebook groups for apartment leads. | Airbnb Sahibinden.com |
| Shipping Belongings | Research shipping companies and costs to have your household goods shipped from your home country. Get quotes and consider air vs sea options. | SDC International Shipping |
| Banking and Money Transfers | Open a Turkish bank account and use money transfer services to move funds from accounts in your home country. Compare fees. | Wise |
| Visas | Depending on your nationality, research visa requirements for residing in Turkey long-term. The process can take months, so start early. | Visa Info |
Here is a list of local apartment rental websites, Government resources for Visas, Facebook Groups, Tourism Boards, and more to help you with your potential move here.
Expat Facebook Groups:
Turkey Tourism Board:
Turkey Data Sites:
Embassy of Turkey:
Turkey Local Rental Websites:
- Sahibinden.com (local site)
- Airbnb
- For exchanging money use Wise Which is the best option if you are a digital nomad and Expat. a cheaper option to send and receive money internationally rather than exchanging money through other platforms like Paypal, Payoneer costs a lot of money for exchange fees and rates
- Booking Flights: To Find insane flight deals, search on Google Flights, and Skyscanner and choose the monthly option to find the best day to fly.
Conclusion Of The Best Cities And Places To Live In Ankara Turkey
As a major metropolitan capital, Ankara offers expats a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from depending on their lifestyle preferences and budgets.
Central areas like Çankaya and Kavaklıdere provide great walkability, dining, and nightlife but can be more expensive.
Quieter suburbs like Bahçelievler and Balgat are ideal for a slower pace with lower costs of living, but you’ll need transportation to the city center.
If you prioritize modern amenities and international schools, the newer developments in Batıkent and Yaşamkent are great family-friendly options, despite being further away.
No matter what you’re looking for, Ankara has an area to suit most expats with its diverse mix of historical charm, urban conveniences, spacious living, and affordable prices compared to other major Turkish cities.
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