What are the best places to live in Ankara?
2026-06-18
16,250 Views

What are the advantages of living in the Turkish city of Ankara?
Ankara is located in the central region of the country, which makes it an ideal place for administering the state and its political capital.
In terms of population, it is the second largest city in Turkey, with a population of about 5.6 million according to the 2021 census.
Thanks to its many advantages, Ankara has managed to attract a wide range of people wishing to live and invest, the most important of which are:
- Economic opportunities: Ankara is a center for business and trade, with a strong economy and many job opportunities. The city is home to many major industries, including manufacturing, textiles, and electronics, as well as a growing technology sector, which creates abundant jobs for residents. The city also hosts many universities and research centers, providing further opportunities for employment and education.
- Ankara is also an important cultural center in Turkey, with a rich history and a wealth of cultural institutions. It is home to many museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses artifacts from ancient civilizations, as well as the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases Turkey's cultural heritage.
- Ankara also enjoys its share of natural beauty, with many parks, forests, and lakes easily accessible from the city, such as: Kuğulu Park, and many more.
- Ankara is well connected to other Turkish cities and the world, with a modern and efficient transport system. The city has an international airport, as well as many highways and a high-speed railway network connecting it to other cities, making it easy for residents to travel domestically and abroad.
- Reasonable cost of living: Despite being the capital, Ankara is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, especially in the real estate sector, compared to other major cities in Turkey and Europe. This makes it an attractive destination for those looking to live in a large city with modern living standards and an affordable cost of life.
What are the best residential areas in Ankara, Turkey?
The most important and famous areas suitable for living and investment in the Turkish capital Ankara include:
1. Yenimahalle
Yenimahalle is located to the west of Ankara and was listed as an independent municipality within Ankara province on September 1, 1957, based on Law No. 7033.
The name Yenimahalle means "new neighborhood" in Turkish, as in the late 1940s this open area was allocated for civil servants and workers in Ankara. The area has since seen significant urban development to its current state.
Yenimahalle is classified among the fast-growing urban areas in the capital, with a population of about 700,000 according to local records and 2021 statistics.
Yenimahalle covers an area of 274 km² and, like other important areas in the city, includes all essential services and public institutions, as well as a number of large shopping centers, such as: ANKA mall, Palladium Shopping Center Ankara Podium AVM, and Atlantis Shopping and Entertainment Center Atlantis Alışveriş ve Eğlence Merkezi.
There are also many entertainment centers in Yenimahalle, such as Atatürk Orman Çiftliği Park, a zoo, a horse racing track, the METU Archaeology Museum, and the historic Akköprü White Bridge over the Ankara River, which dates back to the Seljuk era in 1222.
The area has seen significant growth in the transportation sector, especially with the construction of the E5 highway passing through it, as well as the metro line that reaches the area.
2. Cankaya
Cankaya is also one of the prestigious areas in the Turkish capital Ankara, occupying a central location in the heart of the capital.
After Ankara was chosen as the capital of the country, Cankaya became the administrative center where most government offices in the province are concentrated.
Cankaya is the second largest district in Ankara and the fourth largest in Turkey. It is also one of the most densely populated areas in the city, with a population of 925,828 according to Turkish civil registry figures for 2021.
Cankaya is considered one of the most important and strategic areas in Ankara, with ministries, embassies, and consulates spread throughout, as well as the Turkish Parliament located within it.
Cankaya also enjoys all the essential services required by its high population density, including shopping malls, cultural centers, medical services, and several important universities.
The area is a crossing point for five metro lines, as well as several public bus routes.
Cankaya has benefited from its location on the road leading to Ankara International Airport, about 29 km away.
With the spread of modern residential complexes in Cankaya and the area's real estate boom, it has become an important investment destination in the city and a central location attracting capital.
3. Mamak
Mamak Municipality is located east of Ankara and is one of the modern and large municipalities, with many major construction projects underway.
The area was previously known as one of the agricultural regions in Ankara, but with the increasing population density due to rural-to-urban migration, Mamak has become an attractive point with its refined urban lifestyle.
Mamak is distinguished by its proximity to the city center, moderate population density compared to its large area, modern infrastructure, and its charming nature spread across the region's mountains and valleys.
In Mamak, the famous annual Kite Festival is held in winter, as well as the Snowman Festival, featuring many cultural and popular events. There are also many modern industrial facilities and famous tourist sites, such as the beautiful Demirli Bahce area, Elmadag Ski Center, Huseyin Gazi Hill, Blue Lake, and the Marine Life Aquarium...
4. Golbasi
Golbasi is located on the western side of Ankara, bordered to the east by Bala, to the west by Yenimahalle, to the north by Cankaya, and to the south by Himana.
The importance of Golbasi comes from its distinguished geographical location, natural areas, pure lakes, vast forests, and ancient archaeological sites, making it a major attraction for tourists.
The neighborhoods of Golbasi are connected by a modern network of roads and transportation. The D750 highway passes through the area, linking its neighborhoods to several main and secondary roads extending to other provinces, such as Konya and Kahramanmaras, reaching Mersin,
as well as the D200 international road, which passes north of the area, reaching Kayseri, Malatya, Elazig, and others.
Golbasi is home to several universities, such as Ankara International University and Gazi University with its branches and departments. Public schools of all kinds are spread throughout, with more than 76 public schools ranging from primary to secondary, vocational, and technical.
The most important tourist areas in Golbasi include Mogan Lake and Park, about 5 km from its center, equipped with large family recreation areas, and Ataturk Coast Park on the shore of the beautiful lake, about 2 km from the center. There are also some archaeological sites, caves, grottos, Ankara Castle, Uluagol Museum, and many other natural and tourist areas.
5. Keci Oran
Keci Oran in Ankara does not enjoy the same fame as other large areas due to its relatively small size. It is a relatively small and less well-known neighborhood,
located on the western side of the city, near the road to Eskisehir.
The area is known for its relatively low-rise buildings, with many apartment complexes and villas. It features many green spaces, including parks and small gardens, providing comfort to residents away from the city's hustle and bustle and offering a suitable place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The neighborhood is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several schools and other educational institutions, making it a popular choice for families.
6. Etimesgut
Etimesgut covers a large geographical area to the west of the Turkish capital Ankara, with a total area of 10,300 hectares.
Etimesgut is close to the well-known areas of Cankaya and Yenimahalle in Ankara and is known for its rich historical heritage and its geographical location near the central areas of Ankara.
Etimesgut in Ankara has good infrastructure in terms of transportation and service institutions, with many metro stations and a number of shopping centers, as well as private and public universities.

Own an apartment in the best areas of Ankara through Imtilak Real Estate
Thanks to its strong presence in Ankara and other Turkish cities, Imtilak Real Estate has managed to attract the most important investment opportunities and premium freehold offers in the most important construction projects and residential and commercial complexes at the best prices, thanks to its strong ties with major construction companies.
With its rich history of achievements, Imtilak Real Estate has provided and continues to provide investors wishing to own property in Turkey with services that make the process of freehold ownership extremely easy,
The services of Imtilak Real Estate are divided into two sections:
Pre-purchase real estate services, which include:
- Free real estate consultations.
- Reception from the airport to the place of residence.
- Hosting services in one of our apartments.
- Extensive real estate tours.

Post-purchase real estate services, which also include:
- Organizing freehold transactions and real estate brokerage.
- Issuing the title deed as required.
- Legal support services.
- Receiving the property and ensuring it matches the contract conditions.
- Obtaining real estate residence permits and following up on clients' files applying for Turkish citizenship.
- Opening a bank account.
- Preparing the property for use (decoration, furnishing, modifications).
- Property management through renting or resale, and following up on taxes, bills, and fees.
And many other services that are rarely found all in one place...
Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate©
More From Imtilak
Call center
Available now
The consultation is completely free













