Izmit is the centre of Kocaeli, at the eastern end of the Gulf of Izmit, with the provincial offices, hospitals, shopping streets and a long seafront park. It is the region's busiest city and is well connected by motorway and rail. It suits families and professionals who work in the area and want city services close by.
Bursa, Kocaeli and Sakarya are three provinces near Istanbul with lower prices and more nature. Sakarya is known for Lake Sapanca and its summer homes; Kocaeli combines the industrial city of İzmit with the nature of Kartepe overlooking the lake; and Bursa is a large green city at the foot of Mount Uludağ, with the modern district of Nilüfer. Istanbul is reached by motorway, high-speed train and sea ferry. Because the region was hit by the 1999 earthquake, choose modern buildings built to the new regulations.
