Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most vibrant city, is divided into 39 districts, separated into the European and Asian sides by the Bosphorus Strait. When deciding where to buy property in Istanbul, relying only on real estate agents’ opinions or residents’ personal experiences is not enough. The best approach is to consult reliable research and data.

In 2017, Istanbul University conducted a comprehensive study, surveying thousands of residents to rank the city’s districts by quality of life indicators such as healthcare, education, transportation, environment, and social amenities.

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Top 10 Istanbul Districts by Quality of Life

According to the study, here are the districts that scored highest:

Ranking	District	Score
1	Beşiktaş	0.911
2	Kadıköy	0.886
3	Bakırköy	0.613
4	Şişli	0.574
5	Fatih	0.490
6	Beyoğlu	0.367
7	Üsküdar	0.347
8	Sarıyer	0.347
9	Eyüp	0.183
10	Maltepe	0.161

This ranking shows that Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Bakırköy, Şişli, Fatih, Beyoğlu, Üsküdar, and Sarıyer provide the best quality of life in Istanbul.

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Best Districts in Istanbul to Buy a Home

The “best” district largely depends on your budget and lifestyle. However, several neighborhoods consistently stand out:

1. Beşiktaş

Located on the European side along the Bosphorus, Beşiktaş is Istanbul’s most prestigious district.

• Luxury villas and apartments with breathtaking Bosphorus views
• Home to major universities and shopping hubs
• Exclusive neighborhoods like Bebek, where prices can reach up to 40,000 TL per square meter

2. Kadıköy

Situated on the Asian side by the Sea of Marmara, Kadıköy is among the city’s most vibrant cultural districts.

• Known for trendy cafés, boutiques, and art venues
• A hub of nightlife and lifestyle
• Popular for long-term residential investments

3. Bakırköy

A largely residential district on the European side with direct access to the Marmara coastline.

• Spacious, upscale homes
• Excellent transport links via metro and bus
• Close to shopping malls and Istanbul’s international airport

4. Şişli

Famous for high-rises, business centers, and wide boulevards.

• A commercial and financial hub with international companies
• Several universities and private hospitals located here
• Neighboring Beşiktaş, with direct access to central Istanbul

5. Fatih

The historical heart of Istanbul, home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

• High demand for short-term rentals due to tourism
• Perfect for investors seeking steady rental income
• A mix of cultural heritage and urban living

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Affordable Neighborhoods in Istanbul

For budget-conscious buyers, the following areas offer more affordable property options:

• Esenyurt
• Arnavutköy
• Silivri
• Beylikdüzü
• Sancaktepe
• Avcılar

On average, the Asian side of Istanbul offers a higher quality of life and more expensive homes compared to the European side. The closer you get to the Bosphorus or Marmara coast, the higher property values climb.

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Districts to Avoid for Property Investment

Like any major global city, Istanbul has some districts with lower safety levels, making them unsuitable for property investment.

• Aksaray
• Kemal Paşa
• Dolapdere

These areas are often associated with high-density, lower-income housing and social challenges, and are generally not recommended for residential purchases.

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Realty Homist Insights

This ranking highlights how diverse Istanbul’s property market is. The right choice depends on your goals:

• For luxury living: Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Sarıyer
• For budget-friendly investment: Esenyurt, Beylikdüzü
• For historical and cultural appeal: Fatih, Beyoğlu

At Realty Homist, we guide investors and homebuyers through Istanbul’s dynamic real estate market. Whether you are seeking a luxury Bosphorus villa, a profitable rental property, or an affordable family home, our multilingual consultants are here to help.

Contact us: contact@homist.ae | +90 506 030 8008