IR YAMIM
Ir Yamim is a large area in the southwestern part of Netanya, built with the sea as its focal point. Proximity to the sea assures its success, according to real estate developers. Netanya is the favorite destination for many overseas residents who want a holiday home in Israel; it is located in the center of the country and is a seaside town. In relation to the total population, Netanya has the largest number of overseas residents. According to rough estimates, it has an overseas population of nearly 9 percent, most of whom have a house or an apartment that they use as a holiday home. Ir Yamim was designed with these people in mind. Its high-standard design and construction has much in common with the modern architectural motifs of Mediterranean seaside towns. Ir Yamim has nature on three sides: to the west, the Mediterranean Sea; to the south, the Poleg Nature Reserve; and to the east, the Irusim Nature Reserve. The buildings are designed so that the maximum number of apartments have sea views. As is typical of a quality development near the sea, the dwellings are not cheap – and they’re not meant to be. The closer an apartment in Ir Yamim is to the seashore, the more it costs.
Haifa
Haifa is Israel’s third-largest city, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea. There are a number of great things to do, including the Bahai Gardens, German Colony, as well as a number of top museums. The city is part of Israel’s so-called “Silicon Wadi”. High-tech companies around the Matam technology park, where Google, Apple and IBM have offices. Popular among English speaking olim are the neighborhoods of Ahuzza, Upper Hadar and Neve Shaanan. Ahuzza areas are fairly affluent neighborhoods and are home to both religious and secular communities. Near to Haifa University, makes this area desirable to international students and expats who make this neighborhood their home. The Upper Hadar is situated halfway between The Central Carmel neighborhood and the Hadar shopping district. Property prices are lower and all major bus routes, the Carmelit route and in close walking distance to shopping, this is an ideal location if you do not have your own car. The Upper Hadar offers wonderful views of Haifa Port, the bay and Galilee. Neve Shaanan is a large residential and commercial center with a selection of suburban shops, supermarkets and restaurants. This area is a very popular choice for English speaking, young immigrant, observant Jewish couples. Join Devorah Benarroch from KIm Bash Real Estate to meet some Anglo’s who are now living in Haifa, Israel. Community & Real Estate information, by Kim Bash
Efrat
Considered the capital of Gush Etzion, it had a population of 10,806 in 2019. Modern Efrat was established in 1983 by Moshe Moskovits, who became the first mayor of Efrat and Shlomo Riskin, an Orthodox rabbi from New York City who settled in Efrat and became its Chief rabbi.
Efrat’s population are mainly religious Zionist, with a small number of ultra-orthodox and of non-observant residents. There are more than twenty Orthodox synagogues, mainly Ashkenazi, but a Sephardi and a Yemenite synagogue also exist and there are several Yeshivot, and Kollelim. The population includes native-born Israelis, and immigrants who have made aliyah from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, South Africa, Argentina, The Netherlands, Canada, and Russia.
Efrat is made up of seven neighborhoods named for the Seven Species: Rimon (pomegranate), Te’ena (fig), Gefen (grapevine), Dekel (date palm), Zayit (olive), Tamar (date), and Dagan (grain – symbolizing both wheat and barley).
Neve Daniel
Neve Daniel is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of Jerusalem. It is situated atop one of the highest points in the area, and offers views as far as Tel Aviv to the west and the mountains of Jordan to the east. The settlement is under the administration of the Gush Etzion Regional Council. The population has grown rapidly, and includes Olim from a variety of countries, including a significant percentage of English speakers. The majority of residents are Orthodox, and English speakers generally show a high level of interest in integrating with greater Israeli society.
Hashmonaim
Hashmonaim is a beautiful and friendly Orthodox yishuv with a population over 900 families located north of Jerusalem just outside of Modiin. The yishuv began to grow in 1987 and has been the choice of many American olim over the past 20 years. Hasmonaim’s central location (25-minute drive from Jerusalem, 40-minute drive from Tel Aviv, 25-minute drive from Ben Gurion Airport, 10 minute drive from Modiin) makes this yishuv a perfect location for families who want to live right next to Israel’s main metropolitan areas. There is a nice mix of Sfardi and Ashkenazi families from Israel and all over the diaspora with good schools, shuls and community events. Join Kim Bash to meet Anglos living in all areas of Hashmonaim.
Be’er Sheva
Be’er Sheva is Israel’s fourth-most populated city located in the south near the Negev Desert. The city is a mix of Sephardi, Mizrahi, and Ashkenazi families as well as diverse population of Jews from India, Russia, Ethiopia and now the United States. The game of chess is very popular in Be’er Sheva so much that it’s become Israel’s national chess center, with more chess grandmasters per capita than any other city in the world. Be’er Sheva is also home to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. This city also serves as a center for Israel’s high-tech and developing technology industry. There is a lot of new construction, schools, shuls of all kinds, modern shopping centers, and walking paths, with low cost housing options.
Ramat Beit Shemesh
Ramat Beit Shemesh is a well known Anglo area filled with singles, families and 55+ community members. It’s Shomer Shabbat with people of all religious levels, living together. There is shopping, medical resources and community resources for everyone. You will hear lots of English, Hebrew, Spanish and French spoken on the street.