Ask ten families abroad where they want to live in Israel and you will hear the same six or seven names. That is not a coincidence. Community follows community, and the places that have welcomed olim for decades keep attracting them. Here is how I describe each one to clients, with the trade-offs that the brochures leave out.
Jerusalem
The default for families from the United States, the United Kingdom and France who want a walk-to-shul life in the capital. Baka, the German Colony, Rechavia, Talbiya and Arnona are the classic Anglo neighbourhoods; Katamon and the new projects around the light-rail extensions offer better value. Jerusalem is Israel's most expensive family market after Tel Aviv, inventory is thin, and good apartments sell before they are listed. If Jerusalem is the answer, start early and buy through access, not search.
Ra'anana and the Sharon
Ra'anana is the suburban Anglo capital of the Center: English spoken everywhere, strong schools, a short drive to Tel Aviv's job market. Kfar Saba and Hod Hasharon next door offer similar life at somewhat lower prices. The trade-off is price: the Sharon is not cheap, and houses with gardens are a different budget tier from apartments.
Netanya and Herzliya
Netanya's Ir Yamim and Poleg neighbourhoods have become the address for French-speaking olim and, increasingly, for Anglo second-home buyers who want the sea. Modern towers with Mediterranean views cost well below equivalent Tel Aviv property, and the train reaches Tel Aviv in about 25 minutes. Herzliya Pituach is the premium coastal option for villas and the marina lifestyle. Netanya is also where rental demand from the community keeps second homes productive until the owners arrive.
Beit Shemesh and Ramat Beit Shemesh
One of the largest Anglo olim populations in the country, strong religious infrastructure, larger apartments and gardens at prices below Jerusalem, and a commute to Jerusalem that works. New neighbourhoods keep launching, which means developer pricing for families who plan ahead. The city is young and growing fast; infrastructure is catching up with population, and that is both the opportunity and the caveat.
Modi'in
A planned, green city halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with excellent schools and a secular-to-traditional mix that suits many families. Apartments are larger than in the big cities, parks are everywhere, and the train runs to both metros. Modi'in is where families who want "normal suburban life, but in Israel" tend to land.
Tel Aviv and the inner ring
For younger buyers, investors and anyone whose work is in tech or finance, Tel Aviv itself, and Ramat Gan and Givatayim beside it, offer the deepest rental market and the strongest liquidity in the country. Prices are the highest, apartments are smaller, and the new-build pipeline is extensive. This is my own home market, and it rewards buyers who know which projects and which streets.
Haifa and the North
The city most families overlook and the one investors ask me about most. The Technion and the University of Haifa anchor rental demand, the Carmel neighbourhoods offer sea and mountain in one view, and entry prices are the lowest of any major Israeli city. Zichron Ya'akov nearby has a growing Anglo community for families who want small-town life.
How to choose
Decide three things before you decide the city: how religious a community you want, how far from a major job market you can be, and whether you are buying to live in now, later, or to rent out first. Those three answers usually narrow the list to two places. Then visit both, in term time, on a weekday and on Shabbat. The apartment comes last.
Niv Blushinsky is the General Manager of Aliyah Partners, a real-estate attorney (LL.M., LL.B.) and co-founder of City Square.