Ideas on Istanbul

[movetoistanbul]

Hello,

We have planned to move to Istanbul. It will be two households, my ex will get a place and I will get a place. Kids will go to a good school and spend time between me and dad.

School is most important. We both work flexibly so location is not important. But a nice neighbourhood would be nice. Maybe somewhere with good airport links.

Any ideas on good British and other English schools? Some ideas on costs per child per year. Kids are early primary school age.

Any ideas on what to do re property? How do costs compare to the UK (London suburbs)? Is renting better than buying?

Are there any links that I should look at? Any good expat sites?

Thanks

Hi OP, I suppose it’s good to know what a nice neighbourhood means to you?! Do you know Istanbul?

I know it very little. Nice neighbourhood means some nice cafes, families, good access to public transport. Some good restaurants and shops to get daily shopping. With good schools, this is most important aspect.
I am not looking for proximity to the center of the city or any landmarks. Nowhere touristy.

Are there family ties to Istanbul or is just somewhere you have decided to settle. What's your visa / passport / nationality situation?

I have to be in the region for work. Ex also needs to be in the region and he has work here too across several countries. We have contacts (I work in development so people with whom my I've crossed paths over years) in Istanbul but no family.
All of us British.

I have friends (Turkish and international) who live in Kadıköy, on the Asian side and Etiler/Beşiktaş, on the European side. Both are residential areas but have restaurants, shops, parks etc. also not far from the Bosphorus, so less time to pop over to the other side (although traffic is appalling in Istanbul).

I’m not sure about renting vs buying, most people I know are renting, plus I think there might be issues with non Turkish nationals owning, but that might have changed.

I don’t know if any expat/immigrant websites, but I remember finding something similar to this when I was helping a friend who was contemplating moving out there a few years back.

Just come across to this thread! Istanbul is my hometown although it has been a long time since I even visited. Anatolian side like Kadikoy, Moda areas are or used to be quieter than the European side but European side also has attractions. There are many private schools to chose from and I believe there is a British Independent School in the European side. Private schools always have places allocated to overseas students so you won't have issues there. Hope this helps, happy to answer if you have any other questions. You might have changed your mind though