Best area for year round living

[julesbob0303]

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! 

[suecheshireuk]

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

[Menthol]

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  ) 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

[johntaylor49]

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

[suecheshireuk]

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

[Marggie]

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.

[suecheshireuk]

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

[Marggie]

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.

[Kevin Sowten]

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

[angela]

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.