Living in Ankara: Your Complete Guide

In the heart of Turkey, the city of Ankara shines as one of the country's most prominent urban centers, where history and modernity combine in distinctive style. Ankara is considered a historical capital with a deep cultural character, and a center for cultural and economic life in the Middle East. With its enchanting natural beauty and cultural diversity, the city attracts residents and visitors from all over the world, giving it a unique and attractive character worth discovering.

History of Ankara 

Ankara is the capital of the Republic of Turkey, located in the Central Anatolia region, rich in history and culture. The city was founded under the name "Ankara" in ancient times, and has been the seat of several successive civilizations over the centuries.

The origins of the city's name go back to Hittite times, when it was known as "Ankara", which means "the place of baths" or "the place surrounded by many rivers", due to its geographical topography and the natural waters that surround it.

In Roman times, Ankara became a thriving city known as Ankyra, and was an important strategic center thanks to its central location on the Anatolian Peninsula. The city was subjected to many invasions and occupations during its history, including the Islamic conquests in the 11th century.In the twentieth century, after World War I, Ankara became the capital of the modern Republic of Turkey, after its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, decided to move the capital from Istanbul to this central city, for strategic and political reasons.

Ankara is located in the center of the country. It is a vital economic and cultural center, and is distinguished by its strategic geographical location on the main roads linking the European and Asian continents. The city includes many tourist attractions that tell a long and complex story of its history, and includes monuments from the classical, Islamic and Ottoman eras, which made it one of the most prominent cultural destinations in Turkey and the world.

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Advantages of living in Ankara

Living in Ankara is characterized by several aspects that make it one of the famous destinations for living and settling in Turkey, and among these features are:
Dynamic Economy: Ankara is an important economic center in Turkey, providing diverse job opportunities in the government and private sectors. Continued economic growth attracts many companies and investors, creating new job opportunities and enhancing the income level of residents.
Advanced infrastructure: Ankara has a developed infrastructure that includes transportation networks, roads, and public facilities. There is an integrated transportation system that includes the metro, buses, and taxis, which facilitates efficient movement in the city.
Advanced Education: Ankara is home to a number of leading universities and international schools, making it a favorite destination for students and families looking for high-quality education.
Cultural and entertainment diversity: Ankara hosts a wide range of cultural attractions such as museums and historical places, in addition to beautiful gardens and parks. This allows residents to enjoy various recreational activities.
Affordable cost of living: Despite being a capital city, Ankara offers a much lower cost of living compared to other European capitals such as London or Paris, making it attractive to residents and investors.
Safety and stability: Ankara is characterized by being a safe and stable city, which contributes to making it an ideal place to live and raise families.
In short, Ankara combines modern urban life with rich history, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families looking for a stable and comfortable life in the heart of Turkey.

Cost of living in Ankara

Prices of food and basic goods
In Ankara, prices for food and basic goods range as follows:
Fresh milk (1 liter) costs about 6 TL.
A loaf of fresh white bread (500 grams) costs about 2 TL.
A meal for two people in the restaurant costs about 50 Turkish liras.
White cheese (1 kg) costs about 35 TL.
Eggs (15) cost about 9.50 TL.
Drinking water (one and a half liters) costs about 1.50 TL.
Chicken (1 kg) costs about 20 TL.
Red meat (1 kg) costs about 50 TL.
Fish (1 kg) costs about 45 TL.
Vegetables (1 kg) cost about 6 TL.
Fruits (1 kg) cost about 7.5 TL.
Monthly utility bills
Costs of some monthly services in Ankara include:
Electricity, water and gas bills (with garbage and heating services) for an 87 square meter apartment are about 673 TL.
Internet service (60 Mbit/s, unlimited) costs about 125 TL.
A fitness club subscription (monthly per person) is about 180 TL.
Child care
Childcare costs in Ankara include:
Kindergarten (private sector per month) is about 1,500 TL.
International primary school (private sector annually) costs around 31,000 TL.
Mobility and transportation
Transportation costs in Ankara include:
A public transportation ticket (one way) costs about 3.50 TL.
Taxi fare (per kilometer) is about 4 TL.
These prices reflect part of the cost of living in Ankara, and are affected by economic and political fluctuations, so they may sometimes vary.

Disadvantages of living in Ankara 

Although Ankara is considered one of the modern and vibrant cities in Turkey, it faces some negatives that can affect the quality of life of the population, and these negatives include:
Mixing of urban and rural: Ankara is experiencing a mixing of modern urban areas with traditional rural neighbourhoods, which can lead to differences in the quality of life and services available.
Congestion and pollution: Ankara suffers from traffic congestion problems, especially during peak hours, which increases environmental pollution levels and affects air quality.
High costs of living: Although the cost of living in Ankara may be acceptable compared to some other capitals, it may be high for some locals, especially with regard to rents and some basic goods.
Language Challenges: Although the official language in Turkey is Turkish, the presence of multicultural societies can be a challenge for some foreigners in understanding and social integration.
Interruptions in the supply of water and electricity: Ankara may experience some interruptions in the supply of water and electricity at times, especially during the summer, which affects the daily lives of residents.
Economic challenges: Ankara, like other large cities, suffers from economic challenges, such as inflation and unemployment, and this may affect individuals’ ability to afford the costs of living.
Overall, despite these drawbacks, Ankara remains a city with an active cultural and economic life, and offers diverse opportunities to live and work, making it an attractive destination for many residents inside and outside Turkey.

What are the best places to live in Ankara?

In Ankara, there are several areas considered better for housing, with different specifications that suit different needs and preferences of residents. Among the most prominent of these areas are:
Kavakli: An area located northwest of Ankara, characterized by being quiet and populated by families. It has good schools, commercial facilities and various restaurants. The Kavakli area is suitable for living for those who prefer tranquility and a family atmosphere.
Cankaya: It is considered one of the most prominent residential areas in Ankara, and includes a wide range of services and facilities such as international schools, hospitals, and large commercial centers. Çankaya is known for its safety and organization, and is a good choice for families and individuals alike.
Kızılı: Located in the northeast of Ankara, it is characterized by picturesque nature and wide green spaces. Kizilia is a quiet and beautiful area that attracts many residents due to its high quality of life and clean air.
Balghat: It is located in the center of Ankara and is considered a vital center for commercial and cultural activities. Palghat has many luxury hotels, restaurants and large malls, making it suitable for those who love urban life and diversity.
Evler: A district located in the west of Ankara, characterized by cultural diversity and an active nightlife. Evler includes many restaurants, cafes, and commercial centers, in addition to modern residential complexes that provide all modern amenities.

Ultimately, Ankara is one of Turkey's modern and diverse cities, combining a rich historical heritage with a vibrant urban life. It features a developed infrastructure and a diverse and hospitable community, making it an ideal destination for living and investment. No matter what challenges it may face, Ankara remains a city with a special charm that attracts many locals and foreigners alike. If you are looking for a diverse and well-rounded city to build a new life in, Ankara offers you plenty of exciting cultural opportunities and experiences.