Kusadasi,

What It Is Like to Retire in Kusadasi

Kusadasi (pronounced Koos' a dah' sha) is one of the most popular summer beach destinations in Turkey. Located on the southern coast of the Aegean Sea, the population of the "Island of Birds" swells to almost 1 million in summer from a winter time count of about 250,000.  Its glittering bay is the destination for a steady parade of cruise ships who come here to visit the amazing ancient ruins of Ephesus - one of the largest and richest cities of the ancient world.  Thousands of summer homes and apartments rise up along the terraced hills going away from the harbor. Busy markets on the popular shopping boulevards near the harbor team with expensive rug and jewelry stores, not to mention hundreds of souvenir stores and restaurants.

Located about 10 kilometers from Kusadasi is Ephesus. It is thronged by tourists in summer who come to walk down the marble Acadian Road, where Anthony and Cleopatra once stepped. The reconstructed Celsius was the 3rd largest library of the ancient world. St. Paul wrote his famous letters to the Ephesians from a nearby prison -and Mother Mary supposedly spent her last days nearby.

Where to Retire in Kusadasi and Home Prices

There are many apartments and homes in Kusadasi to choose from.  Retirees will find a complete infrastructure with many restaurants and entertainments.  Retirement here is much less expensive than in the more affluent northern European countries.  Home prices range from about 50,000 to 150,000 Euros. There are many apartment developments where you could find a mix of retirees and summer people. The city decidely quiets down in the rainy winters.  Most of the residents are Turkish or European.

What Is Special about Kusadasi

There are many nice beaches. The ruins of Ephesus make this one of the top tourist destinations in the world, so there are many restaurants and shops. Food is very inexpensive, gasoline is decidely not! The area is predominately Muslim, but Kusadasi is extremely tolerant.

What Is Not Special about Kusadasi

Thronged with tourists in summer when the cruise ships come in. You have to get used to the very aggressive rug and jewelry salesmen.

Who Will Like Retirement in Kusadasi

Europeans would feel a lot more comfortable living here than would Americans, just because it is so different. The people are very friendly to all.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism and construction

Climate and Physical Environment

Kusadasi is located on Turkey's southwestern coast - on the Aegean Sea.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

It is dominated by the magnificent ruins of Ephesus

Crime

Medical facilities

There are modern medical facilities in Kusadasi

Transportation

There is a small airport and many ferries connecting to Greece and Istanbul