For many Kazakhs there are two capital cities: Almaty, the official capital until 1997, still vibrant with culture and a great nightlife; and Astana, the new capital which is the vision of president Nazarbayev, and where young Kazakhs go to get ahead.
Astana
Astana has been purpose built to fulfill the aspirations of President Nazarbayez, who wanted to construct a new capital to mirror his vision of the country’s future. As a result, the city is bursting with futuristic skyscrapers and new government buildings. It’s a city of opportunity as it’s still very much in development, so it’s a great place to head if you’re an entrepreneur or interested in the politics of the region. However, it lacks the culture and vibrancy of its predecessor Almaty, and there’s less of a social scene for expats to enjoy. It also get extremely cold in the winter and has a lot less natural beauty to offer than other Kazakh cities. It also ranks as the most expensive place to live for expats in Kazakhstan.
Almaty
Although Almaty may no longer be the capital, it still has a lot of ambition to become one of the key financial players in Asia. The financial district which is in development in the south of the city reflects these aspirations, and the city continues to attract the business of a large number of multinational companies and an increasing amount of luxury hotel chains. Living costs are generally lower than in Astana and you’re close to the mountains, which offer a great excuse to get out of the city and immerse yourself in nature; particularly in winter when you can go skiing. On the other hand, the pollution in the city is pretty bad and it can be difficult to get around by car, as drivers tend to follow their own rules and rush hour traffic is horrendous.
Aktau
Aktau is a city quite far out from anywhere else and the expat community consists mostly of those who work for the oil companies. The city itself is quite small and has less going on than Astana and Almaty. It is enjoyable in the summer, as it’s located next to the Caspian sea and has some good beaches where locals and expats can unwind. However, a lot of expats tend not to stay here for long and those who do make the most of every opportunity they can to get out for a few days and go elsewhere.
Karaganda
As the second largest city in Kazakhstan, Karaganda has more to offer its expats in terms of a social life and job opportunities. The national hub for coal mining, the city has really come into fruition in recent years, and is a fairly relaxed place to live if you’re looking for a more low-key experience but still have things to do. The new town has been designed with wide streets, parks and national monument buildings which gives the city a more open feel. There is also a museum, theatres and a botanical garden to entertain those who are more culturally inclined.