15 Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

Have you ever thought about living in Turkey? It’s not a surprise if you have, many people visit this amazing country, fall in love with it, and instantly think about relocating. There are many pros to living in Turkey, in fact far more pros than cons, but it’s always important to weigh everything up before making a decision.

I lived in Turkey for several years, and it’s an experience I look back on with a deep fondness. There are so many amazing places to visit and experiences to be had, but I’m not going to lie—there are some cons to living in Turkey too. I still visit Turkey very regularly, as that’s where my husband is, so I’m very well placed to help you decide whether this could be a good move for you or not.

15 Pros and Cons of Living in Turkey

From several years of living in various locations around Turkey, I experienced a lot. There are many great sides to this country and in all honesty, the upsides definitely outweigh any negatives. However, the cons can be frustrating, to say the least.

Does it matter whether you’re male or female? Not at all. Despite what you might think, it’s perfectly easy for a foreign woman to live in Turkey and not struggle at all; I never did even before I met my husband. However, the troublesome parts are often things might not quite expect.

So, let’s weigh up the pros and cons of living in Turkey and come to a firm conclusion at the end.

Where is Turkey?

Turkey sits in the eastern part of Europe, with part of the country in Europe and the majority of it in Asia. It’s often referred to as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, and that’s definitely reflected in its culture and traditions to a large extent. In fact, Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents; it’s a must for your dream destination list!

What most people don’t realize about Turkey is how big it is; I certainly underestimated its size at first. Covering a huge 783,562 km², we’re talking huge cities (Istanbul is a megacity), towns, villages, desert landscapes, forests, and stunning beaches. While Ankara is the capital city, Istanbul is without a doubt the biggest and most visited of them all.

Bordered by Greece, Bulgaria, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, Turkey has both land and sea borders. Most people visit Turkey during the summer months for its amazing coastal resorts, including Bodrum, Antalya, and Marmaris, but the cities,…