Turkey Countryside: Where to Live & Invest
2026-07-23
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Living in the Turkish countryside is an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a quieter and more stable life away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Countryside here does not refer to cities or urban centers, but to natural areas with agricultural, mountainous, or coastal character and low population density, where nature is the main component of the lifestyle.
The Turkish countryside is distinguished by its great geographical diversity, stretching from the Black Sea coasts in the north to the mountainous highlands and agricultural areas in the west and center of Turkey. This offers residents a variety of options in terms of climate, nature, and lifestyle.
Why is there increasing demand for living in the Turkish countryside?
In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in demand for living in the Turkish countryside due to several key factors, most notably:
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Seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from pollution and congestion.
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Availability of large spaces at lower prices compared to major cities.
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Increasing demand for villas and independent houses.
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Higher quality of life in terms of air and nature.
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The countryside has become both a residential and investment option.
This shift has made the Turkish countryside an important part of the real estate market, not just a seasonal tourist area.
Browse our offers for country houses for sale in Turkey
Where are the rural areas located in Turkey?
The rural areas in Turkey can be divided into three main geographical zones, each differing in nature and residential style:
1- Countryside near Istanbul
This zone includes the rural areas surrounding Istanbul, which are easily accessible while maintaining a natural character. The most notable areas are:
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Şile: A coastal area on the Black Sea with forested nature and quiet beaches.
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Ağva: A riverside area surrounded by forests, famous for its cabins and wooden houses.
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Çatalca: A vast agricultural area with a traditional rural character.
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Beykoz: A forested area on the Asian side, known for its villas and dense nature.
2- Countryside in northern Turkey
The northern Turkish countryside along the Black Sea coast is one of the most distinctive rural areas in Turkey, combining dense mountainous nature with small agricultural villages on the highlands and coasts. This zone differs from other Turkish countrysides due to higher rainfall and dense vegetation, making it a green area almost all year round.
This countryside mainly includes the rural surroundings of Trabzon, such as the mountainous areas near Uzungol, and the countryside of Rize, known for its highlands and tea plantations, in addition to parts of Ordu and Giresun, which are characterized by green hills overlooking the sea. The nature of housing here varies between high mountain villages, wooden houses, and small farms, giving the area a truly rural character away from the urban style.
This rural stretch is seen as a suitable option for those seeking quiet living, seasonal stays, or tourism investment in cabins and natural houses, rather than as an urban extension near major cities.
3- Western and inland countryside of Turkey
The western and inland countryside of Turkey represents a more balanced rural style between nature and infrastructure compared to the northern countryside, where services are better available while maintaining a calm and open natural character. These areas are easily accessible from major cities, making them suitable for permanent residence or short-term recreation.
This zone includes:
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Bursa countryside: Includes villages and mountainous areas near Uludag Mountain, characterized by dense forests, relatively cool weather, and a natural mountainous character.
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Yalova countryside: Rural areas overlooking the Sea of Marmara, combining coastal nature and hot springs, with good service infrastructure.
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Sapanca: An area based on the lake and forests, considered one of the most attractive areas for quiet living near Istanbul, with villas and houses overlooking nature.
Best areas to live in the Turkish countryside
The best area to live depends on your goal, whether for family stability or real estate investment:
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Şile: Suitable for sea and nature lovers near Istanbul.
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Beykoz: An upscale option combining forests and high privacy.
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Çatalca: Ideal for those seeking a true agricultural and rural life.
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Rural Trabzon: Suitable for mountain and dense nature lovers.
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Rize: An option for highland and tea plantation lovers.
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Ordu: A balance between sea and mountains at relatively lower prices.
Real estate investment in the Turkish countryside
The Turkish countryside has become part of the real estate investment scene, especially in areas close to Istanbul or those with a touristic character in northern Turkey.
The most prominent investment opportunities are:
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High demand for villas and rural houses.
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Expansion of residential projects outside cities.
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Increasing tourism demand for natural areas.
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Possibility of resale at a higher value in the medium term.
You may be interested: Real estate investment in Turkey
Own the best property in the Turkish countryside with Imtilak Real Estate
Imtilak Real Estate provides comprehensive services for those wishing to live in the Turkish countryside or invest in various rural areas within Turkey, through a detailed analysis of the client's needs and connecting them with the most suitable location, whether in the countryside near Istanbul, the natural areas in northern Turkey, or other rural regions.
The company relies on continuous real estate market studies to offer carefully selected real estate opportunities, including villas, rural houses, and investment projects, taking into account factors such as location, investment return, infrastructure, and the nature of life in each area.
Imtilak Real Estate also provides consultancy support at all stages of ownership, from choosing the right property to purchase procedures and beyond, making the investment experience in the Turkish countryside clearer, safer, and more effective.
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