Almaty - lovely climate, wonderful scenery, big expat community several international schools, expensive but good.
Astana - interesting new city, dreadful climate freezing winters -40C plus wind chil factor Sept - April and hot muggy summers. Vast majority of accomodation apartments will be good but noth there yet. Surrounding country side flat and dull.
Aktau - very small and issolated, Caspian shore good in the summer May to Sept No international school no non Russian speaking Expat women. Expats are limited to men on rotation.
