Natalie The best places where expats live in Antalya showcase the province and city centre at their best. Stretching from eastern Alanya to the western outskirts of Kalkan and Kas, the province is highly popular. Antalya attracts millions of tourists and year-round residents, and is the second most popular destination for foreign property purchases, after Istanbul. The region also leads in approved residency permits, outpacing other expat areas like Mugla and Aydin.
TL;DR: The Best Places Where Expats Live in Antalya
- Konyaaltı: A trendy, fast-paced coastal district, and there is no language barrier. Features a massive stretch of beaches, coworking spaces and sea-view cafes. Dominated by modern apartment complexes and “hotel-concept” residences with high rental potential.
- Muratpaşa: The urban heart of Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, with over 510,000 residents. This is where history meets modern convenience. Visit the iconic Hadrian’s Gate and enjoy world-class shopping, the central hub for all public services, offering strong connectivity to the airport.
- Lara Beach (Upscale Choice): An elite residential area known for its sandy shores (unlike the pebbles of Konyaaltı). Famous for Lara Beach, luxury themed hotels, and Düden Waterfalls. Preferred by families looking for spacious houses and luxury penthouses near international schools.
- Kemer (The Nature Escape) is a peaceful getaway where the Taurus Mountains touch the sea. The Mediterranean climate, fresh pine air, and quiet beaches promote detached houses or villas with private gardens at slightly lower prices than Antalya centre.
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Brief Overview of the Antalya region
Turkey’s top coastal district and holiday spot needs strong transport links. An ultra-modern airport offers year-round flights from countries worldwide. This gives it a distinct advantage over places like Bodrum, whose airport operates at reduced capacity during winter.
One primary reason for the global success and why people invest is the award-winning, ultramodern airport. Otherwise, its central location on the main D400 highway makes it easy to reach by bus or car. Restaurants offer a variety of international cuisines. For retired European expats, buying a new home in their host country can be cheaper than in their home countries.
Local tours visit ancient Aspendos and the ruins of Perge. Nature lovers often enjoy weekend trips to Koprulu Canyon, Green Lake, or the Mediterranean coast for seasonal fun. The community connects through groups like InterNations and online forums. Here, expats share knowledge about local customs and public services. Enjoy life in the sun by attending cultural festivals, exploring the Turkish school system, or appreciating the low crime rates and high safety.
Facts, Figures and Hard Data
- Population & Demographics: Approximately 2.7 million residents make this Türkiye’s 5th most populous city. The high population growth rate is due to both domestic and foreign migration. More than 100,000 foreign residents live here, coming from 90 different countries.
- Geography & Nature: Roughly 20,177 square kilometres.A staggering 640 kilometres (397 miles) of coastline. Holds the world record for the most Blue Flag beaches in a single city, with over 230 certified locations.
- Tourism & Connectivity: On average, roughly 18 million international tourists visit. Russia remains the #1 source of visitors, followed closely by Germany and the United Kingdom.
- Climate: 300 days of sunshine per year. The annual average temperature is approximately 18.7°C (66°F), with summer highs often exceeding 35°C (95°F).
- Economy & Real Estate: Known as the “Greenhouse Capital” of Türkiye, producing over 60% of greenhouse vegetables. Foreigners bought more than 15,000 properties in 2023. This made it the second most popular place for foreign investment, just after Istanbul. The luxury yacht-building business also produces more than 90 yachts annually for foreign buyers.
Popular Places to Live in Antalya City Centre
1: Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı is a magnet for foreign visitors and expats. The ongoing global popularity has boosted growth, and the Konyaaltı district now has about 200,000 residents. Konyaaltı comprises several distinct “micro-neighbourhoods,” each offering a different lifestyle. Liman is a top choice for expats with high-rise residential buildings.
Next to it, Hurma is a fast-growing residential area with modern apartment buildings and excellent investment potential. Arapsuyu is highly sought after, located along the coastline near the famous Beach Park. Further west is Sarısu, a nature-oriented base for the cable car.
2: Muratpaşa
This area includes the historic Kaleiçi (Old Town), Hadrian’s Gate and pleasure yachts at the old marina. This central district, home to the world-famous Kaleiçi (Old Town), is where the monumental Hadrian’s Gateway stands. Enjoy connected lifestyles with stunning limestone cliffs on the southern edge and a bus terminal nearby. This blend of cultural heritage and modern infrastructure offers the best of both worlds.
3: Lara – Upscale Family Hub
The Lara district is known for its proximity to schools and Düden Waterfalls. It’s seen as the best place for luxury Mediterranean living. Located east of the historic centre, this is the “posh” quarter. Lara is famous for its vast stretch of golden sand. This district draws wealthy expatriates and families. Antalya International Airport is 15 minutes away. Boutique low-rise apartments in areas such as Fener and luxury sea-view homes in Guzeloba command higher prices and offer substantial resale value.
4: Kepez
The district excels in off-plan developments. Reputable construction companies are creating large “hotel-concept” gated communities. These offer luxury amenities at a much lower cost than those in Lara or Konyaaltı. Kepez isn’t just financially appealing; it also provides strong logistics for residents year-round. The City Hospital is one of the largest medical centres. Plus, there’s the main bus terminal, Otogar, and a tram network connecting to the airport and city centre.
Outskirts Areas and Towns to Live in the Province
5: Aksu and Altintas
As Konyaaltı and Lara fill up, the Aksu and Altıntaş areas have become key options for the increasing number of house hunters. This shift has changed a quiet farming area into a bright urban space. It aims to attract investors seeking the same quality of life as in the Antaslya centre, but at more affordable entry points.
Altıntaş isn’t just an excellent investment; it’s perfect for travellers and digital nomads. The logistics of living here are amazing. Also, take a quick 10-minute drive to Lara Beach. You’ll find new features like wide boulevards, planned tram extensions, and large shopping centres.
6: Side
Like other Turkish coastal resorts, social life revolves around the harbour and beach fronts. Side excels in all-inclusive hotels, and visitors come from other resorts to see its landmark, the Temple of Apollo. Side is often described as a living open-air museum, thanks to the 2,000-year-old Roman gateway. The town sits on a sunny peninsula. Its name means “pomegranate” in an old Anatolian language.
This symbolises the area’s fertility and richness. Side has long been a favourite for German and Dutch expats but has attracted more British visitors. They love its unique “boutique” vibe and the pedestrian-friendly old town. Expats appreciate how easily they can visit top archaeological sites, such as the famous Temple of Apollo and the large 15,000-seat Roman theatre.
They appreciate the stylish dining by the harbour and the new villa developments. For lifestyle investors, Side strikes an outstanding balance with a rich history, but stays lively and vibrant even after summer tourists leave.
7: Alanya
Now an official town, the population more than triples during summer, as locals descend to enjoy Mediterranean Sea vibes. Council officials have responded to the growing number of residents. They have worked hard to upgrade the roads and install high-quality infrastructure. Living in Alanya provides blended cultures along a sunny coastline. Good standards of living remain affordable for expats from Europe and North America. Alanya, the Pearl of the Turkish Riviera, boasts communities from over 40 countries.
Residents enjoy lively atmospheres in Mahmutlar and Oba, where modern apartments and family-run cafés are just a short walk from the Mediterranean. The city features its famous Seljuk-era castle and the well-known Cleopatra Beach. For expats, the charm is in the lively, year-round lifestyle.
They enjoy morning swims in turquoise waters and hikes in the pine-covered Taurus Mountains. Alanya boasts international schools, top-notch healthcare, and 300 sunny days. It blends traditional Turkish hospitality with western social scenes, making everyone feel welcome and at home.
8: Belek – The Golfing Capital
Living in Belek provides refined Mediterranean lifestyles, as a top choice for British, German, and Scandinavian expats who seek peace and luxury amenities. Belek is urkey’s golfing capital with 15 top-notch championship courses. This includes the floodlit Carya and the Nick Faldo-designed Cornelia.
Both courses host major events, such as the Turkish Airlines Open. Beyond the fairways, enjoy lush pine forests and luxury villa compounds in well-organised settings. Belek offers favourable weather year-round and top-notch sports facilities. This mix creates a lively yet calm vibe. It’s the ideal location for both professionals and retirees who value health, wellness, and coastal living.
9: Kalkan: The Sophisticated “Little Britain”
Kalkan stands out among Mediterranean resorts that have succumbed to mass tourism. In this charming, vertical village, the scent of jasmine fills the air, and Greek-Ottoman balconies add to the unique atmosphere.
There is a loyal community of UK expats. In fact, the local year-round population is small. However, nearly 1,500 British nationals live in Kalkan during winter. It’s estimated that Brits own up to 90% of the luxury villas here.
This has formed a unique “boutique” ecosystem. Here, English is the language of business, and social life centres on Kalkan’s famous rooftop dining culture. Investors are drawn to the strict conservation laws. These rules restrict high-rise buildings, helping protect the stunning “infinity” views of the Turquoise Coast. As a result, property values stay high.
Summary – Which area of Antalya is best to live in?
Most foreigners start by talking to an estate agent when they move here. They need help with rental listings and properties for sale, especially since apartment prices have gone up. But the best places to live depend on your budget and whether you want to rent or buy property. Some popular areas with expat communities are Konyaalti, Alanya, Side, Kalkan, and Belek, all located in the outskirts.
Remember the International Logistics and planning.
Before you pack your bags and get Turkish lira, know the residency rules. Most newcomers begin with a short-term residence permit, known as the Ikamet. They also have health insurance that meets government standards. The Turkish healthcare system has received much investment. Healthcare in cities is often better than in Western Europe. Most stay on a short-term visa before applying for their E-Ikamet (residency permit) through the Turkish Ministry of the Interior.
The Antalya Kart makes getting around easy. It’s a single-payment card for all public transport, including modern trams and the extensive bus network. Antalya’s Intercity Bus Terminal is the central hub for regional travel. You can reach destinations such as Izmir, Fethiye, Bodrum, and even Istanbul in Muğla province. There’s a lot of discussion online about a future high-speed rail network that would connect the coast to interior towns.
But for now, the primary links remain the bus and air networks. Most expats buy in coastal resorts because living just a ten-minute walk from the beach speaks volumes about their quality of life. Each area has unique charm, offering plenty to do. Play golf on Belek’s top courses or relax on long sandy beaches, which are among Turkey’s finest.
Where do most British expats live in Turkey?
If you are a British citizen looking to swap the UK drizzle for turquoise waters, you aren’t alone. Turkey has long attracted UK expats, with an estimated 35,000 to 50,000 British nationals living in the country. Ölüdeniz, Ovacık, and Hisarönü in the Fethiye region have many UK residents that English is spoken as much as Turkish.
For those with higher budgets who enjoy cosmopolitan lifestyles, the Bodrum Peninsula is ideal. Attracting global crowds, the British presence in Yalıkavak and Turgutreis stands out. Antalya has a large Russian and European population, but the British community is growing fast. This growth is especially noticeable in Konyaaltı and Lara.
Where is the best place to live in Turkey as a foreigner?
Choosing the “best” place to live in Türkiye depends on your preference. Do you want the lively vibe of big cities, or the sunny calm of coastal spots?
Antalya: Konyaaltı suits those who want fantastic beaches. This area attracts digital nomads with coworking spaces and social events. Antalya’s Intercity Bus Terminal makes it easy to travel around the region. The airport operates flights year-round.
Istanbul: For career growth or world-class cultural scenes, Istanbul wins. Turkey’s largest and most diverse expat communities live here. From the bohemian vibe of Kadıköy to the upscale towers in Levent, each neighbourhood is unique. Crime rates are usually low in major cities, but their size makes a local real estate agent important. They help you find the right property in a safe, convenient area for commuting.
Izmir: Often cited as Türkiye’s most liberal city, Izmir offers a more relaxed, “European” feel than Istanbul. It’s ideal for families who value heritage and the sea, without high tourist density.
Bodrum: This town in Turkey’s Muğla province attracts “lifestyle Ambassadors” with luxury villas, top marinas, and stunning Aegean beaches.
Fethiye: This remains a British favourite. It’s famous for its stunning natural harbour and close-knit expat communities who enjoy nature-focused lives.
Ready to Make the Move?
No matter if you’re a digital nomad wanting a beachside coworking spot in Konyaaltı, a family searching for a roomy home near top schools in Lara Beach, or an investor focused on high-yield properties in Muratpaşa, local expertise is key.
We are expert real estate agents focused on the Turkish Riviera. We assist buyers with visa and residency needs, as well as with finding a home. Find your dream home by browsing our portfolio here. If a house catches your eye, call us or use the enquiry form. We can also share details on the best places where expats live in Antalya.
