Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum

Calis Beach Forum => Calis Beach Questions and Information => Topic started by: suecheshireuk on October 19, 2013, 19:28:31 PM

Title: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on October 19, 2013, 19:28:31 PM
Hi, we are looking for suggestions on where to live when we move there next year.  I love Fethiye town itself, but Tony thinks it will get really busy in summer, we thought we would test this theory, and arrived there at the beginning of July, and it was quieter than when we were there in April, due to the Turkish holidays, so that small exercise was about as useful as an ash tray on a motor bike lol.  Tony likes Calis, but I think it will be very quiet in winter, and living in Akbuk as we do at the moment, we know how quiet it can get.  We don't know all the areas, within Fethiye and Calis so it will be good to have a few ideas to work on.  Thanks Sue xx 
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Ian on October 19, 2013, 19:51:57 PM
Hi - it really is a personal thing - I love Fethiye town and we love to go there when it is not too hot or crowded (picking the months / days / time of day etc) on our little scooter.

We lived near the otogar in town and when we bought in 2005 - Cenk (our agent) did tell us it would be very hot and no breeze in the Summer and he was right! The town does get very hot with little or no breeze at times - especially compared to surrounding areas.

We only came out about 10 weeks a year for holidays and avoided July and August.
We were there until 2012 and we bought in Calis between the Harman Hotel and the Sunday Market which I was against - but my wife convinced me to go with her judgement.

She was right - we have so many good food options / restaurants / cafes /supermarkets / the Sunday market and even a hospital within walking distance that we walk more than ever and the promenade is 8 minutes away as is the main street of Calis - which we actually avoid in high season :-)  However there is enough choice and you get better attention on the main street / promenade with the places that are open in the winter!

We walk to Gunlukbasi in 15 minutes to see some real local life and go out locally as we have so much choice at very good prices more than going to the main street in Calis in high season.

I am delighted to say my wife was right :D
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Jim Fraser on October 19, 2013, 21:06:17 PM
Might be worth giving a bit more info on what you want/need as there are so many areas that all offer slightly diferent options.
We spent many years checking what each area had going for it before deciding, and our choice was Babataşı, far enough out for the prices to be more reasonable and get a decent size place for your money, yet near to everything we needed.
So far thats 2 years here and no complaints.
We did have a place in Tuzla that was used as a holiday home, another great location - but as its slightly nearer the centre a bit more expensive and slightly busier than where we are now.
Good luck in finding the perfect place.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Janbee on October 19, 2013, 21:10:06 PM
I would recommend off the Calis Beach seafront, near Gulunkbashi, not far from the Sunday market.  I live off Baris Maco Blvd, which to me is an ideal location as the Dolmush buses run down this road and it's within easy distance from shops and the Sunday Market, and a bus ride from Fethiye or Calis seafront;
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: quackers on October 20, 2013, 06:31:39 AM
As Ian says ıts a personal thıng. We wanted, no hills, near hospıtals ,dolmus, shops, restaurants ect  We live Koca Calis/Ciftlik area . Been here nearly 7 years and love ıt . Its peaceful but Calıs ıs 2 mıns away and Fethiye 10mıns. We do have a car as the Dolmus for me ıs not frequent enough ın thıs area and I cant rıde a bıke or a scooter.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on October 20, 2013, 09:24:42 AM
When we looked at property we were prepared to look for a long time.  We went out the first day with an Estate Agent who took us to lots of different areas, however, the area, at the time, did not seem at all important, it was the property we where most interested in and by the time the day was over, we saw the place that we fell in love with.   
So, don't pin yourself down to an area, just find the property that feels right for you.
We happen to be really happy with the area we are in, it's perfect for us.  In fact, it's so perfect, I want it to stay that way so don't big it up at any  time.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: littlereddevil on October 20, 2013, 09:36:42 AM
After visiting the area for over 25 years Fethiye was the only place I wished to buy. I don't find it gets that busy really as it doesn't have a beach, which many tourists prefer. We saw lovely properties in other areas but I just wouldn't consider them. Location for me every time but everyone is different.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: joyandgary on October 20, 2013, 10:59:13 AM
Might be worth giving a bit more info on what you want/need as there are so many areas that all offer slightly diferent options.
We spent many years checking what each area had going for it before deciding, and our choice was Babataşı, far enough out for the prices to be more reasonable and get a decent size place for your money, yet near to everything we needed.
So far thats 2 years here and no complaints.
We did have a place in Tuzla that was used as a holiday home, another great location - but as its slightly nearer the centre a bit more expensive and slightly busier than where we are now.
Good luck in finding the perfect place.

Hi Jim , sounds nice where you live and intresting that the properties area wee bit cheaper , will have a look next year when we are out there in May .
Do you have a car ? We will hire one when there , do you know the best Hire company or is it best get one form the airport ?
You both sound like you are very happy there too ........ nice ....
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: johntaylor49 on October 20, 2013, 11:17:22 AM
Interesting Topic and a lot of good information. We may settle in Calis ourselves next year but we will only rent, I would never buy in Turkey personally as it is unstable politically and with the growth of Islamist extremism there one must consider that. I may be proved wrong, but I remember how secure we all felt in Cyprus ---until one day ----

What has been valuable to me and I thank all those who have contributed is the difference in living there and visiting. Even if you bought a property spent 3 months a year it is still visiting, and what you can put up with for 3 months you may not be able to stand for a year or many years!

Be interested to see more views
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Marggie on October 20, 2013, 11:18:47 AM
We are in Fethiye and just love the buzz and atmosphere.  Yes, it has really expanded over the years but still feels personal and not commercialised.  I think that is because the centre is compact and good for meeting people - we live just off the Kordon, opposite Kuzey Restaurant, and can either walk into 'Fethiye or get the dolmus or Belidiye bus.

Our preferred area would have been Karagozler but we were advised not to live there as it never gets the sun in winter and is very cold and damp.  The advise we were given was, as we wanted to be in Fethiye, to be in Tuzla or Babatasi where we would get the sun until sunset - unlike central Fethiye or Karagozler. 

We live amongst Turkish people who have all made us very welcome and until recently we were the only yabancis.  We now have lovely British neighbours which  to us is a big plus - if we have any problems we can run it past them and two heads are always better than one.

I'm with LRD - location every time, having come from a fishing village, to be able to see the sea is very important to me
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: julesbob0303 on October 20, 2013, 11:40:11 AM
We've had our place for just over six years now, and when we were looking at properties, the only criteria we had was :

- must have a sea view (unfortunately, our funds wouldn't stretch that far, though, from our top balcony, on a clear day (!), you can just about see the sea!)
- must be big enough for our four children and their partners/future children to stay comfortably
- wanted a detached place or on a very small complex (there are 8 apartments in our block)
- had to be suitable for year-round living (though we have no plans to live there permanently, we would like to visit at different times of the year)
- front balcony to be shaded (we had previously rented a place that had the sun full-on all day - just too hot in the summer.  our place has a front balcony where the sun doesn't reach until about 4.30pm in the summer, and has a gorgeous cool breeze all day)
- we wanted to have Turkish neighbours so that we could see the "real" Turkey (this has occasionally had its drawbacks, though from a security point of view, it is perfect)

The place we chose is in Gunlukbasi.  It is a couple of minutes walk to the nearby shops/supermarkets; walking distance to the sea front (about 20-25 mins walk); the dolmus stops are very close by; only a 15 minute walk to the market/local restaurants/bars; very flat for getting around on our bikes; and the location makes it perfect for year-round living.  There are always plenty of people about (mainly Turkish out of season) though it's never TOO busy, unless there's a match on in the local football pitch!

We're very pleased with our choice.  Make a list of what you really want, but be prepared to give a little.  I would still love a detached villa overlooking the sea, but it's not going to happen! 
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on October 20, 2013, 16:15:23 PM
Thank you all for your replies, we have made a note of all the different areas and will visit them when we visit Fethiye next.  We will only be renting, but for us location is our main priority. We would love sea and mountain views, which we have now. We don't want to be up a hill,  or climb numerous steps to get to our front door, at the moment we have three flights to tackle, which isn't great, when you are carrying heavy shopping in 40+ temps.  We did say we wanted a place with three bedrooms for visitors, but if we find the perfect location with a two bedroom place then we would go for that, its all about compromise.  I think I am thinking along the similar lines to Marggie, and its interesting (but logical), that Fethiye doesn't get too busy as most people want a beach, but I will keep an open mind, and like Ian or was it Jim lol? And be talked into Calis area, and realise its a good move. We really appreciate everyones input, and November 2014 can't come quick enough. Sue and Tony too. xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Menthol on October 20, 2013, 16:20:31 PM
As someone very recently having similar quandaries and still not quite at the final hurdle, I would say you are wise to ask people why they enjoy living where they live.

I feel location is the No1 thing to sort out in your search for a home. There are endless properties to choose from, so if you don't narrow down your location you are just going to spend the next 2 years looking and looking and looking.

I did 2 recce trips to Fethiye to sort out my preferred locations. I had very different but equally helpful and rather wonderful agents on each occasion. They took me wherever I asked and spoke honestly about each area. They introduced me to people already living there (and not wanting to sell their properties  :D ) and people were very up front.

I had also done oodles of research on the net prior to the recce trips, a great deal of which through this amazing forum. I feel I know the Fethiye region like the back of my hand as I have studied maps of the area for so long (I don't know the area like the back of my hand though ...). I narrowed down to 2 areas, Calis and Ovacik. Very different from each other!

Calis for the Turkish community vibe, convenience of facilities and open all seasons and the fact that there seemed to be so many UK residents very happy to have bought there.
Ovacik for the 'best of both worlds' - 15 mins either way by dolmus to Fethiye or the fabulously chilled Olu Deniz and that glorious beach and sea. And stupendous mountain and valley views.

Having the locations narrowed down we were able to be really picky about the properties in each area and I spent AGES fine tuning our short list for viewings. We didn't buy any off the shortlist ....... but we did buy :D


Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: johntaylor49 on October 21, 2013, 15:19:19 PM
We are in Fethiye and just love the buzz and atmosphere.  Yes, it has really expanded over the years but still feels personal and not commercialised.  I think that is because the centre is compact and good for meeting people - we live just off the Kordon, opposite Kuzey Restaurant, and can either walk into 'Fethiye or get the dolmus or Belidiye bus.

Our preferred area would have been Karagozler but we were advised not to live there as it never gets the sun in winter and is very cold and damp.  The advise we were given was, as we wanted to be in Fethiye, to be in Tuzla or Babatasi where we would get the sun until sunset - unlike central Fethiye or Karagozler. 

We live amongst Turkish people who have all made us very welcome and until recently we were the only yabancis.  We now have lovely British neighbours which  to us is a big plus - if we have any problems we can run it past them and two heads are always better than one.

I'm with LRD - location every time, having come from a fishing village, to be able to see the sea is very important to me

Incredibly useful as although will only rent we were thinking Karagozler would be nice, now we know!

JT
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on October 28, 2013, 15:44:03 PM
Hi, just referring back to Marggies post, just wondering where exactly is Karagozler, I have a strong suspicion its an area that i was thinking of looking around, but cold and damp I don't do.  We have just booked the Hotel Vanilla for a week 26 Jan for a week, so will be there to have a look round and meet up with anyone that isn't busy. Sue and Tony xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Marggie on October 28, 2013, 16:20:07 PM
Hi Sue, Karagozler is the opposite end of Fethiye to Calis.  You pass the marina, Karagozler 1 is above the Yacht and Doruk Hotels and Kargozler 2 is further along towards the boatyard where Yacht Classic, Ata Park and Marine Vista Hotels are.  Spectacular views but afraid cold and damp in the winter, mainly built into the hillside and the sun just doesn't get there.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on October 28, 2013, 17:56:13 PM
Thanks Marggie, this was the area I wanted to check out.  When we visit Fethiye we have stayed round there,  V go Hotel and Fethiye guest house, really glad you thought to mention this, as you say, fabulous views, but not so brilliant if come winter you are stuck in a damp, dark area.  Views and sunshine/ light are really important to me, so at least we know now not to waste our time there. Thanks again.  Sue xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Marggie on October 28, 2013, 18:53:25 PM
You're welcome Sue, enjoy your holiday - think we will be back in the UK then.

Anywhere from Hello Cafe in Fethiye to Calis wil give you the light and sunshine you crave in winter.  The area around the Esnaf if pretty central, near the Tuesday Market and close enough to the centre for a stroll into town.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Kevin Sowten on October 28, 2013, 19:02:21 PM
You're welcome Sue, enjoy your holiday - think we will be back in the UK then.

Anywhere from Hello Cafe in Fethiye to Calis wil give you the light and sunshine you crave in winter.  The area around the Esnaf if pretty central, near the Tuesday Market and close enough to the centre for a stroll into town.
Have PMd you Marggie
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: angela on October 29, 2013, 14:50:02 PM
having seen a lot of properties on Sahibinden there seem to be so many at Tashyaka, this is not an area that appeals to me particularly, but what are other folks views?, you do seem to to get a lot for your money up there, but I'm really not sure.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Menthol on October 29, 2013, 14:56:19 PM
I too would be interested to hear from anyone living in the Tasyaka area. I'm helping a friend who has also expressed an interest in moving out to Fethiye.

As Angela has said, in value for money terms, the size of the property and in a lot of cases with accompanying stunning views, seems to make it a good idea for those looking for an apartment.

Interestingly, the three female, British born estate agents I have dealt with, all lived there. And each one was very happy to continue living there. 2 owned their apartments and one rented.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: angela on October 29, 2013, 14:59:39 PM
hellooo welcome back, I've missed you!!
(and thanks for that!!)   :)
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Menthol on October 29, 2013, 15:08:02 PM
Daft bugger.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: angela on October 29, 2013, 15:19:12 PM
 :P
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on October 29, 2013, 17:11:11 PM
Thanks Marggie, that is really helpful.  We are back in May, around the 23rd I think, so may manage to catch up with you then if you are around.  Sue and Tony xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on January 28, 2014, 08:10:38 AM
Well, we are now here on our mission and managed to narrow down the area. I wanted Fethiye town, and Tony pointed out the parking will be terrible ( at least we would save fuel as if we found a place we wouldn't move lol), so that I took on board, Tony wanted Calis, and after walking down a dark prom at night looking for somewhere to eat, he realised it will be too quite for us, so we have narrowed the search down to the area starting at the Esnaf hospital up to the new white bridge, and the same distance again a block back across the road. I don't know the name of the area so if anyone can tell us that really would be helpful.  Also, if anyone know of  anything that may come up mid/late summer onwards we would really appreciate a heads up. This includes you Jim, see you later.  Sue and Tony xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: littlereddevil on January 28, 2014, 08:36:46 AM
Tuzla? Best area IMO
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Scott and Lisa on January 28, 2014, 08:54:48 AM
im sure someone posted a map with all the areas? not sure how to find it though, woud be useful to see it again please if anyone can?
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on January 28, 2014, 09:38:19 AM
Where we live in Scotland is 1/3 of a mile up a farm lane at the top of a hill  It's very peaceful and quiet and when we first built the place my friends total me because I came from a big city I would hate it...I absolute love it, I have privacy, peace and quiet, but I can jump in my car and be in the town in 10 minutes.  It's the same where we are in Calis.  Peaceful and quiet with Farmers next to us, but 5 minutes drive to the prom or 15 minutes to Fethiye.   I would hate to live in the middle of a busy town.  I think we have the best of both worlds. If you have transport and you find a place you love and want to live there, it matters not a fig where it is, if it seems right for you.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Gilly1 on January 28, 2014, 10:52:07 AM
Hi Jacqui, Where abouts are you in Calis.
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Jacqui Harvey on January 28, 2014, 11:56:44 AM
In a lovely place that I would hate to be over populated so I am not going to big it up or suggest anyone live there.     ;D  ;) : :)
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on January 28, 2014, 16:53:00 PM
Thanks for all the replies. I can understand what you mean about where you live Jackie, but after living for three years in a fairly sleepy village we want a bit of a change, we do have a car but enjoy walking to shops and restaurants, and don't want to have to get the car out whenever we want to go out. But, that said, it is fabulous living in the country side surrounded by fields and olive groves. Think Tuzlu is near where we are looking...  I will be stick thin with all this walking I'm doing exploring...  Thanks again. Sue xx
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Kevin Sowten on January 28, 2014, 19:05:31 PM
In a lovely place that I would hate to be over populated so I am not going to big it up or suggest anyone live there.     ;D   ;) :  :)

I think most people would try to avoid it !!!   ;)
Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: Jim Fraser on January 28, 2014, 22:37:03 PM
im sure someone posted a map with all the areas? not sure how to find it though, woud be useful to see it again please if anyone can?

This reminded me of a link i was going to give to Sue and Tony.

http://www.netkayit.com/adres_arabul.php?adres=MUGLA-FETHIYE-FETHIYE-BABATASI-MAHALLESI

if you click on the area lists on the left hand side it changes the map to roughly the location - yes i know it does not show Çalış as an area   ;)

or you can type in the street name or number then press the haratida button and it will display it on the map and give the area name, handy for the street names you have jotted down during your walkabouts.

Title: Re: Best area for year round living
Post by: suecheshireuk on January 29, 2014, 07:38:56 AM
Thanks Jim.  Xx