Moving to Alanya, Turkey with Family — Experience & Tips
Moving to Alanya, Turkey with Family — Experience & Tips
Thinking about moving to Alanya, Turkey with your family? You're not alone — thousands of expats from Europe, Canada, and the United States are discovering that living in Alanya offers the perfect mix of Mediterranean comfort, affordability, and family-friendly values.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from schools and healthcare to housing, daily life, and the true expat experience in Alanya.
1. Why Families Choose Alanya
Alanya is one of Turkey's most international cities, combining sunny coastal living with a strong community spirit.
Top reasons families relocate here:
- 300+ days of sunshine and clean beaches
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods
- Lower cost of living than in Europe or North America
- High-quality education and healthcare
- A welcoming expat community with multilingual schools and activities for children
Unlike big cities like Istanbul, Alanya offers a peaceful, small-town vibe — ideal for raising children while enjoying modern infrastructure.
2. Best Areas in Alanya for Families
Finding the right neighborhood is key when relocating to Alanya with children.
| Area | Lifestyle | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Oba | Central & family-oriented | International schools, parks, modern apartments |
| Cikcilli | Quiet & residential | Close to malls and sports centers |
| Kestel | Coastal & calm | Sea-view apartments, beach walks, international nurseries |
| Tosmur | Convenient & affordable | Near river parks, markets, and schools |
| Mahmutlar | Multicultural & vibrant | Large expat population, kindergartens, cafés |
3. Housing Options for Families in Alanya
Family housing in Alanya ranges from modern apartments to spacious villas with pools and gardens.
Rental prices (2025 average):
- 2+1 apartment near the beach: €900–€1,200/month
- 3+1 duplex in a complex with pool: €1,200–€1,800/month
- Private villa with garden: from €2,000/month
If you plan to stay long-term, buying property can be more economical. Turkey allows foreigners to own real estate freely, and RestProperty — a TÜRSAB-licensed agency in Alanya — helps expats find, buy, and manage family homes safely.
4. Schools and Education
Alanya offers a mix of Turkish public schools and private international schools that teach in English, Russian, or German.
Popular international schools:
- Alanya Bahçeşehir College (English & Turkish curriculum)
- Waldorf International School Alanya
- TED Alanya College
- Alanya International School (British-based)
Preschools and kindergartens are widely available and cost around €300–€600/month depending on the language and location.
5. Healthcare for Families
Turkey's healthcare system is modern and affordable.
Alanya has several private hospitals offering English-speaking doctors and international standards:
- Alanya Anadolu Hospital
- Baskent University Hospital
- Yaşam Hospital Alanya
You can also register for SGK (Social Security Insurance) or choose private health insurance starting from €400/year per adult. Children are often covered under the parent's policy.
6. Family Life and Daily Routine
Life in Alanya is slow-paced, outdoorsy, and safe for kids. Families spend evenings walking along the promenade or enjoying local cafés with playgrounds.
Popular family activities:
- Beach walks and bike rides along the Alanya coastline
- Picnics near Dim River
- Water parks and cable car rides to Alanya Castle
- Football, gymnastics, and swimming clubs for kids
Children grow up surrounded by nature — from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea — while parents enjoy a relaxed work-life balance.
7. Cost of Living for a Family in Alanya
The cost of relocating to Turkey and maintaining a family in Alanya is significantly lower than in Western countries.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (2+1 apartment) | 600–1,200 |
| Utilities & Internet | 100–150 |
| Groceries | 400–600 |
| Kindergarten | 400–600 |
| Healthcare insurance | 40–70 |
| Leisure & restaurants | 200–300 |
A family of four can live comfortably in Alanya on €2,000–€2,500/month.
8. Legal Residency and Moving Process
To move to Alanya with your family, you'll need:
- Valid passports and rental/ownership documents
- Private health insurance (mandatory for residence permit)
- Residence permit application (ikamet)
- School registration (if applicable)
The process is straightforward and usually completed within 2–4 weeks.
RestProperty's relocation team assists families with residence permits, translations, and utilities setup.
9. Pros and Cons of Family Life in Turkey
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Most expats agree that the benefits far outweigh the challenges — especially the safety, sunshine, and family-first lifestyle.
10. Living in Alanya — Real Family Experience
Families who've moved to Alanya often say it's the best decision they've made.
Children adapt quickly, parents enjoy lower stress levels, and weekends feel like mini-vacations.
Local communities are friendly and multicultural — it's easy to make friends from around the world.
And thanks to Turkey's digital infrastructure and visa policies, more families are settling here for the long term.
11. Why Work with RestProperty
RestProperty, established in 2003, is a leading real estate and relocation agency in Alanya, officially licensed by TÜRSAB.
The company provides:
- Family-friendly housing solutions and legal purchase support
- Relocation assistance (residency, insurance, school registration)
- Long-term property management for expats abroad
- Multilingual team (English, Russian, Turkish)
With RestProperty, your move to Alanya becomes smooth, legal, and stress-free — from finding your home to settling into daily life.
12. Final Thoughts
Living in Alanya, Turkey with family offers an exceptional balance of affordability, safety, and well-being.
From quality schools to modern healthcare and warm hospitality, it's no wonder more expats are calling this Mediterranean city home.
