Moving to Izmir - which area?

Jenbob wrote:

Hi, Im an expat from England, I have been living in Turkey for one year, but I'm planning to move from my current city Eskisehir to Izmir. My workplace is in Konak, but house prices there seem expensive.

Can you advise me of some good areas to live, not so far from Konak. Ive been looking at maybe Bornova or Buca?

Any advice would be grateful,

Thanks, Jen

for konak, houses in and around the area of Ucyol would be very suitable. ucyol is a square that has a subway stop at its center. it takes around 15 minutes to reach konak with subway, waiting time, travel time included. area is tightly packed buildings, but the top levels generally have wide view of the bay, and also quite acceptable rent. i had been living in one for 5 years for 475 tl rent monthly.

the area is a bit middle middle-class, but the attitude and tolerance of people are quite high. however if you move further towards the sea from the vicinity of subway, the neighborhoods become less well-to do. you have to stick to main street, or at most 1 street towards the sea from the main square. the main shops street of the area is called 'betonyol', and it starts from ucyol - it has all kinds of small and big shops - you can find anything. ranging from plumbers to jewelers to dairy shops to a 24 hour open grocery store.

hatay, someone recommended, starts a little bit after ucyol. it is a middle class district, but the rent and house prices would be more expensive there. but it is more suitable for a foreigner.  since subway also goes there, it is a very good place. there is no lacking of shops, services and amenities there - it is a major district.

fahrettin altay is even further, a similar district to hatay, but subway has still some time to reach there yet.

as it stands, your optimal option is hatay.