Job Discussion Forums

dejmito · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 6

Moving to Istanbul over the summer... I'll be working in Levent, but I'm sure where I should look for a flat. I don't mind a reasonable commute (though I've heard there's no such thing in Istanbul) and I'd like to know what some good neighborhoods are. I've looked on a couple of expat friendly rental sites, and it's pretty overwhelming. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

coffeespoonman · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 512 Location: At my computer...

What's your price range? If you don't mind spending a bit, you could live in Cihangir or the Taksim area and commute by metro. If your price range is lower, you could one metro stop closer to Levent to the Osmanbey area, where things are cheaper but not as fun.

And please don't use those godforsaken expat rental sites. The prices are so ridiculously inflated. Use www.sahibinden.com. There's an English version.

Good luck!

dejmito · Joined: 22 May 2011 Posts: 6

Thanks for the advice... as for price range, still haven't really sorted that out yet... looking for a one bedroom for my girlfriend and I.

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

I live in Esentepe which is one metro stop to Levent. I literally live 6 minutes from the metro. This location is very safe, lots of people who work in the business district and bank holdings . I hear birds singing and don't have to deal with the car horns and mass bar noise. It's close to Astoria Mall by foot, Metro city (in Levent), a great pazar on Wed. (green only) and Sun. (anything and everything). You can get to Taksim in 20 minutes on metro (NO traffic), walk to the metro bus to get to Kadikoy in 20 minutes or take a dolmus to ferry to get to Uskadar, Kadikoy in about 20 minutes as well. VERY central!

Cost: I have a two *large bedroom apt. for 1300 TL (6th floor). There are a lot of new apartments being built or recently finished for about 900 TL for 2 or 3 bedroom but 1st floor, average price for rent is about 1000TL - unfurnished.

Some of the apartments can be rented by owner directly as I did. My landlord actually owns several buildings and speaks perfect English, he has anything fixed at a moments notice and is very helpful.

Ok, I sound like a commercial. I just love my neighborhood been here for 5 years *same flat. Levent is also a great area but you can expect to pay about 1400 TL and up.

If you need help pm me. I know this area really well and love it.