Hey All-

Hows it goin? I'm a 25 year old guy from the states (Denver, by way of Chicago, moving here from Uganda, I know, a bit random), and new in Istanbul (will be here 6 months). I'm loving it so far, but about to not be loving it quite so much. I'm here for work, and in a week we're moving offices to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. I'm wondering where I should stay for my time here.

I'm most concerned about living in a cool area with lots of Turkish culture (or at least activity), and minimizing travel time as much as possible. I want to take advantage of the fact that I'm in Istanbul, so I don't want to live in a crappy, generic suburb by the airport. Fortunately my job will cover costs, so I'm not concerned about how much it will cost to live or how much transport will cost (I can take a cab back and forth every day). I can either stay in a hotel or rent an apartment. I was currently thinking about either renting an apartment or getting a hotel in the Taksim area, taking a boat to the asian side, then taking a cab to the airport. Does anyone have an idea of how long that will take me each way? I could also stay on the Asian side. Does anyone know any interesting areas? Any suggestions on places to get an apartment (as well as how to find a furnished apartment!) or hotels in interesting areas? I'd definitely be down to share an apartment as well, if anyone is looking for a roomate (I work with one other girl, 26, who would probably be interested in sharing an apartment as well).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

By the way, I'll be around all weekend and would love to meet laid back, interesting people. Feel free to give me a call if you want to grab a drink (at the place of your choice, I have no idea where to go). My cell is 05397459491.

Thanks!

Shelby

Don't even consider living on the European side if you're going to be working at Sabiha - not because of the transport cost but because unless you work funny hours you'll be spending hours en-route each day. My suggestion would be one of the nicer districts on the Asian side e.g. Caddebostan from where work will be accessible.

What do you mean by culture? If you mean you want to be immersed in traditional Turkish culture then try Tuzla, Kartal etc. I doubt anyone would ever describe any of these places as cool though.

Just a suggestion, I think you might want to post the above intro, in the intro section of the forum. The bit where, highlighted in red, it says that all new members must introduce themselves first.

Welcome to the forum by the way.

Thanks for the reply. In response to your question:

"What do you mean by culture? If you mean you want to be immersed in traditional Turkish culture then try Tuzla, Kartal etc. I doubt anyone would ever describe any of these places as cool though."

I suppose I'm just looking for an area with lots of activity (walk to restaurants, bars, people milling around, stuff to do), that doesn't feel like I'm in states or a non-descript city. I'm currently staying at a hotel in the business district, but if I walk outside I can't tell where the hell I am - it definitely doesn't feel like Istanbul.

Caddebostan and yes, please post an intro.

I think it would hard to be find an area near Sabiha like that as when i have been around there it seems mostly blocks of flats in new developments and motorways, with an increasing number of office buildings appearing but it won't be a close knit culture you seem to be looking for. Sounds like your looking for somewhere like Beyoğlu, Beşiktaş or maybe Kadıköy in terms of atmos.

Try living in the ortakoy area on the European side, then you can take the morning / evening boats back n forth across to the aisan side then taxi to work. I know of someone doing the same and they say it works pretty well, they work in Pendik which i beleive is further past the airport.

atasehir, kozyatagi, k. bakkalkoy.
all places that'll take you about 25 minutes ot sg without killing yourself.
Kozy. is the best option.

Where you choose to live will depend on how long you want to take to get to and from work, also on whether you will be working shifts or office hours.

If office hours then you will be traveling against the flow of traffic most of the time, so a Havas (airport service) bus might be OK. These depart from many places in Istanbul, although some might not go directly to the airport. I think there's one from Kadikoy but there should also be others on the Asian side.

If thinking of using a taxi then bear in mind the time it might take to get to the motorway.

Whatever your working hours, or mode of transport, you should consider the Asian side, as it's impossible to say what traffic conditions on either of the bridges can be at any time of day.

Indeed I'm glad I chose to stay on the same side as my work. Yoru quality of life will be much better. There are good palces on the asian side choose the one that appeals the most, sounds like you would like Moda!

Like yourself, I am new to Istanbul and can give you no advice in terms of where you should live. But, I can tell you a little about the Caddebostan area. I've been living in Fenerbache- walking distance from Caddebostan-for about 3 weeks. It's a really nice area. The main "drag" is Bagdat Cadd. which has all the stuff you're looking for- restaurants, cafes, pubs. I understand not wanting to feel like you're at home- it definitely doesn't feel like the states. Good luck with wherever you choose!

I believe Kadikoy or Moda would be up your alley.

Fenerbahce/Caddebostan are great (I live there after all) but there are few places in Istanbul more like "being in the States" which you mentioned wanting to avoid. There's a Schlotzsky's, for godssake!

Would your work allow you to change hotels a few times? If so, you could spend a week in a few different areas and get an idea about the surroundings, commute, etc, before deciding on a permanent location.

haha. Forgot about the Schlotzsky's...