Expat Advice: Moving to R'aanana, Israel

An expat in Ra'anana talks about choosing to live there because there is highway access to nearby Tel Aviv (40 minutes) and a mix of apartments and single-family homes.

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

R'aanana

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

Here are three things not to bring: 1) Appliances that are designed for US homes 2) Anything that you are even thinking about discarding 3) Books that have already been read, unless you are a show off.

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What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

I would be very reluctant to move into a home that I bought without having some real experience in the country and the city. It is too significant a purchase to make without a serious study of what the specific neighborhood, let alone the city is like. Walking through a neighborhood is insufficient.

Here is an article that I wrote in the Wall Street Journal that gives more detail on moving to Israel.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

We live in a private home that is not attached on any side. It is the American ideal. Most families here in Israel live in homes that are attached or apartments.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

Ra'anana was suggested to us. Within the city, we decided that it would be worthwhile living as close to the highways leading to Tel Aviv as possible. We were looking for an attractive neighborhood with mixed housing (apartments as well as single-family homes).

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

Housing costs in Ra'anana are high. A home comparable to ours would probably price out at least at $1 million. This is typical of the city in which we live.