Moving To Istanbul? Here 5 Most Upscale Districts And Neighborhoods in Istanbul

With a population of over 15 million, Istanbul, like many megacities in the world, is a city that has many layers within it. By layers, we mean downtown, suburbs, and subdivisions of this megacity. Considering Istanbul's ever-increasing population and ever-expanding urbanized areas, it would be unreasonable and unrealistic to assume that the same conditions apply to all the places within this megacity’s borders. And, think about all the people who live here - retirees, expats, internally immigrated people… All these people and the mobility they create defines the dynamics of everyday life in Istanbul. So, regardless of whether you are an expat who wants to get a job and build a new life or a foreigner considering relocation with their family, or a retiree who wants to spend their days in the historical scene that Istanbul offers, you better take a glance at the suitable places to pursue the life of your dreams in this dream city.

This blog aims to inform expats and foreigners considering relocating to İstanbul about some livable and luxurious districts and neighborhoods in İstanbul. In this blog, you can find a list of 5 luxurious and livable places in Istanbul based on transportation options, access to services, and expat-retiree potential. 

Beykoz

Beykoz is one of the few districts of Istanbul whose forests have not succumbed to excessive urbanization and have largely preserved their texture. Beykoz, located on the Anatolian side and at the northern shores of the Bosphorus, is one of the most livable places in Istanbul in terms of air quality and offers a calm and peaceful environment. Beykoz has a large area and offers many livable neighborhood options, most of which can be considered luxury areas. Destinations such as Anadolu Hisarı and Göksu are the neighborhoods on the shores of the Bosphorus, and settlements are more common here than in the interior. Nevertheless, it can be said that the quality of life is higher when compared to the more urbanized areas of Istanbul. On the other hand, districts such as Çubuklu have both coast and forest land. Such semi-rural areas of Beykoz are a very popular option among people who want to live a quiet and calm life in the forest and be close to the city.

 

As Beykoz grows more popular among people with this kind of criteria, luxury housing projects in Beykoz have begun to be built. So, if you’re a retiree attracted by the spell of Istanbul and yet live a calm and peaceful life surrounded by nature, Beykoz is the right place for you!

 

Check out our Mesa Orman project in Beykoz →

 

Cihangir (Beyoğlu)

Cihangir… This old neighborhood, woven with history and endowed with the most beautiful views of Bosphorus, is known as “the artists' quarter” among Istanbulites. With Galata and Asmalımescit, Cihangir forms the heart of Beyoğlu and can be considered the most vibrant and lively neighborhood of the city. In this neighborhood, 200-year-old stairs, churches and mosques, museums, and historical buildings are intertwined with wine houses where you can drink the best quality wine and the most popular nightclubs in the city. Cihangir gets its unique appeal from its transformation into one of the centers of modern entertainment without deteriorating its historical texture - perhaps that is why it is so popular among the young population and artists. 

 

You can feel as if you’re at the center of the city in Cihangir, due to its short walking distance to Taksim Square where many transportation lines intersect, and its proximity to Beşiktaş, where you can reach many coastal areas of Istanbul via sea lines. Thanks to its inhabitants from artistic circles and vibrant nightlife, it is one of the distinguished options for young foreigners and expats in Istanbul.

Çengelköy (Üsküdar)

Çengelköy, a district of Üsküdar, is located on the Anatolian shore of the Bosphorus. The coastal area, where cafes, tea gardens, and the best fish restaurants built under the shade of plane trees meet the Bosphorus, is one of the most beautiful destinations to gaze Istanbul. As in most parts of Istanbul on the shores of the Bosphorus, there are waterside mansions and gardens, some of which remain from the Ottoman Empire. Such open-air cultural heritages like Fethi Pasha Grove, located very close to Çengelköy, are used as a public social facility today. The historical Beylerbeyi Palace and Kuleli Military High School are also located in this area. 

 

In addition to the Bosphorus shore, the inner parts of Çengelköy are also preferred because the hills of Istanbul that allow you to watch the city from above are located in this part of Çengelköy. Perhaps the most prominent feature of this region is that urbanization is not as skewed as in some parts of Istanbul. You may often come across several-storey luxury residential groups interspersed with spacious gardens in Çengelköy. You can easily reach many things you may need, from university to mosque, from bus and minibus stops to supermarkets along Zübeyde Hanım Street. In addition, the proximity of the region to the metrobus station and the 1st Bridge easily connects the region to other parts of the megacity.

 

Check out our Hasbahçe and Tahincioğlu Nidapark projects in Çengelköy→

 

Moda (Kadıköy)

Kadıköy's Moda beach is a place where no cafe or business interrupts your morning run, with a long coastline full of pedestrian parks. Groups sitting and chatting in their camp chairs across the sea, people walking and jogging through the coastline, children playing ball on the grass, and cyclists and skaters form the texture of this magnificent area. Of course, there is more to it. You can sense the distinctive culture that has developed in the Moda neighborhood, where the streets lead to the sea.

 

The residence of the well-known singer Barş Manço, now a museum, is located in these streets, which are home to numerous independent art institutions such as Sureyya Opera House. You can also find historical churches and structures that date back to the Ottoman and even Byzantine centuries here. Even the transportation lines in this area reveal the history. The historic T3 tram line, which uses wagons from the 1950s, is one of the attraction points among tourists.

Moda, which is connected to Kadıköy, is within walking distance of Rıhtım Caddesi and Söğütlüçeşme central points, where many transportation routes of Kadıköy meet together. Life is much more pedestrian-friendly in Moda compared to the other sides of the city. If you wish to be in a central location in Istanbul and yet live your life free of the sounds of engines revving, Moda might be your place.

Nişantaşı (Şişli)

Today, Nişantaşı is one of the shopping and fashion centers of Istanbul. We can compare Nisantasi with the Champs-Elysées of Paris with its luxury shops and expensive cafes stretching along its streets. But it would be an understatement to assume that shopping malls and luxury spots are all there is to Nişantaşı. The importance of the region, which is one of the main arteries of modern Istanbul, dates back to Ottoman rule. The region is known for being the living space of wealthy and upper-class families since the period of Sultan Abdulmecit, that is when Istanbul's elite began to appear in the 19th century. Even today, we can see this by looking at the luxurious real estate options that mostly upper-class people can afford. Composed of old-style exquisite apartments, buildings with artistic architecture make up the beautiful street view of Nişantaşı.

 

The fact that the region is a few minutes walk from the Osmanbey stop of the M2 Yenikapı-Hacıosman metro line, which is one of the most used transportation routes on the European side, allows its residents to reach many regions on the European side within minutes. All these factors increase the value of the region and make it very logical not only for living but also for investing.

 

Check out our Lotus Nişantaşı and Ritz Carlton projects in Nişantaşı →

 

With its huge population, ever-advancing city limits, and fascinating beauty, Istanbul is no different from a living organism. Today, many people from all over the world who have seen Istanbul or heard its legends dream of being a part of this organism one day. And for many, it's a dream come true. According to the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Migration Management, there are 1 million 294 thousand 124 foreigners legally resident in the city. This is one of the best proofs that Istanbul is a world city and its inhabitants are world citizens. 

Now that you’re familiar with the most livable and beautiful districts of İstanbul, you are one step closer to being a part of this living organism. With Propline, your dreams are only a click away. 

 

Check Out Our Branded Projects To See Which Properties Suit You Best →

 

FAQs

Which Part Of Istanbul Is Luxury?

Nişantaşı area of Şişli is the first place that comes to the mind of the majority with its high-quality cafes and restaurants and shops appealing to the upper-class of İstanbul.

Where Do The Rich And Famous Live In Istanbul?

Since there are plenty of wealthy neighborhoods in districts such as Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş, Şişli, and Kadıköy, many rich, famous, and upper-class people live in these districts.

Which Is The Most Historical District In Istanbul?

Sultanahmet area, located on the Historical Peninsula in Fatih, can be considered the most historical area of Istanbul with many Ottoman architectural heritage such as the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque)  

Which Side Is Better In Istanbul?

European side. Districts located on the European side such as the Historical Peninsula, Beyoğlu, and Beşiktaş are the richest regions in terms of cultural, historical, and touristic attractions.

Which Is The Safest District In Istanbul?

According to the latest research, the districts with the highest quality of life in Istanbul are Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Bakrköy, and Şişli.

Where Do Most Foreigners Live In Istanbul?

Most of the expats and foreigners live in the inner ring of İstanbul, or central Istanbul containing the districts Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Şişli, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, and Fatih.