Natalie Deciding on the best places to live in Bodrum is about personal lifestyle choices. Comprising the main city centre and smaller coastal resorts, the peninsula offers diverse environments, including luxury, modern, traditional, and low budget. Don’t underestimate what’s on offer. It is the pinnacle hub of Aegean Turkey for tourism and foreign expats, where large communities live all over the peninsula.
The undeniable charm and cosmopolitan ambience are just too much of a lure. Both for retired Turks and foreigners who dream of a Turkish lifestyle with copious amounts of sun, sand, and cool summer evenings. If you want to move and live there, you will find a pace of life matching your ideal dream of what living abroad looks like. It is just a case of deciding which small town or village suits you best.
Best Places to Live in Bodrum: Popular Resorts
1: Stylish Yalikavak and a Beautiful Beach
Yalikavak emerged from a small tourism town and became a star performer in Turkey’s real estate market and sailing scene. Yalikavak Marina, its jewel in the crown and reason for its international stardom, is the country’s leading mega-yacht marina, and Saudi princes or western celebrities often dock there, having sailed from the Greek islands. Nostalgia still shines through in the old part of town, but luxury, millionaire mansions are Yalikavak’s new face, and they are changing shopping, nightlife, and social demographics.
2: Gundogan: A Turkish Favourite
Gundogan is unheard of on the mainstream tourism scene, yet has been a favourite getaway for decades, with many Turks owning summer homes or retiring to the area. The cascading hillside lined with olive and citrus trees gives way to a fantastic sea view, making front-facing villas popular among homeowners. Despite its trendy status with holidaying Turks, it maintains a more traditional Turkish lifestyle with low-key nightlife.
3: New and Old Golturkbuku
Golturkbuku gained popularity in recent years as an ideal alternative to Yalikavak, and this fame has been cemented by the likes of Kate Moss, who has stayed more than once, in the numerous boutique hotels. This outskirt region offers residents loads of peace, but should they want to step it up a notch, a more extensive shopping and nightlife scene is a short drive away in Yalikavak.
Old Golturkbuku sits away from the coastline, but most houses have amazing sunset views thanks to the elevated hillside. This district’s architectural styles are more traditional, with restored stone cottages, some of which grace pages of international homemakers’ magazines. Heading closer to the coastline, architectural styles change from conventional to new and modern, but still include that fantastic sea view.
4: Bodrum City Center
Marked by the domineering Bodrum castle, which is in the heart of the action and near the central bus station, opt for the town centre. Although there is a distinct lack of good, sandy beaches, luxury hotels are the best of the best for tourists, and house hunters have much to choose from. Houses on the hill have amazing views, and for the private villas, private pools to boast of. The white wash sugar cube experience spots many old-style architecture houses. Boat trips leave regularly from the harbour, and eateries around this area serve excellent Turkish cuisine.
5: Gumusluk Bay for Rustic Charm
If stunning views and seafood restaurants are your idea of fun, check out Gumusluk, which is home to the famous Rabbit Island and the historical site of ancient Myndos. Many people take day trips to see it. Otherwise, this seaside resort is a great place to live if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle. Up in the Gümüşlük hills, there are places like Limon cafe, which are great for delicious food, mainly traditional Turkish breakfasts. The bay waters are calm enough for swimming, and the night market is a great place to browse after dining on fresh seafood and fish.
6: Ortakent Beach Town for Lovely Views
In the last ten years, Ortakent has risen to fame. Known for the basic hotels that have attracted Turks from around the country for decades, more foreigners are now flocking to find out what it is all about. Also known as Ortakent-Yahsi, the gorgeous beach is the highlight. Bodrum city centre is 11 kilometres away, and the collection of restaurants ensures no one leaves this beach town dissatisfied.
Where is the nicest area in Bodrum?
The nicest area in Aegean Bodrum depends on what you are looking for. However, we like Yalikavak. There are many hotels with private beaches as well as the main public beach. Expect upscale restaurants as well as traditional eateries. The Mediterranean climate is a delight for 10 months of the year, and Bodrum airport is just one hour’s drive away. Yalikavak has incredible sunset views and modern villas worthy of attracting millionaires and billionaires.
Where do the rich live in Bodrum?
The rich flock to one of three areas of the property market. Bodrum town centre is a beautiful spot with historical charm. Yalikavak Bay has gorgeous views and a high-end lifestyle to match. Lastly, Turkbuku, with the amazing azure waters, often hosts large mega yachts sailing the Aegean.
Is Bodrum a good place to live?
Bodrum is an excellent place to live, but bear in mind that it is one of the priciest locations in the country. Well known for its beautiful setting, your Turkish lira doesn’t go far here because upmarket tourism and living are where the peninsula excels. Luxury real estate fetches millions of pounds, and 5-star hotels are among the best in Turkey.
Use Our Services in Bodrum
If you want stunning views and a home by the Aegean Sea, contact us today and learn more about our services on the Bodrum peninsula. Our portfolio ranges from modern villas in the city centre to budget apartments in outskirt resorts and towns. Just use the contact details to find out more or arrange a viewing by telephone. Also, call our agents for more information and to answer your questions about the best places to live in Bodrum.
