Holiday Home in Israel for Chicago Families
Holiday Home in Israel for Chicago Families
When Lake Michigan freezes and the wind comes off the lake, many Chicago families think about Israel. A holiday apartment there can offer a mild winter by the Mediterranean, Pesach and Sukkot in Jerusalem, or a base to visit children in yeshiva, seminary or university. Families from Skokie, West Rogers Park, Evanston and the North Shore each use a holiday home differently, and the best location depends on those habits. This guide explains how Chicago families can choose a holiday home in Israel and look after it from eight hours away.
A Winter Base or a Chag Home
Families who want a winter break often look at the coast, where Netanya, Herzliya, Tel Aviv and even Eilat offer mild weather during the Chicago winter. Families who come for the chagim tend to prefer Jerusalem, especially neighborhoods such as Rehavia, Talbiya, Baka and the German Colony, within walking distance of synagogues and the Old City.
Some families split the difference with a central location such as Modiin or Raanana, within reach of both Jerusalem and the beach. The right answer depends on whether your visits are built around the calendar of chagim or around school breaks.
Families with children studying in Israel often choose to be close to them, which may point to Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh or the neighborhoods near a university campus.
What Makes a Good Holiday Apartment
A sukkah balcony open to the sky
Space for visiting children and grandchildren
A kitchen that works for Pesach
An elevator and, for some families, a Shabbat elevator
Lockable storage for personal belongings
Heating, Cooling and Building Condition
Chicagoans know how important heating is, and Israeli winters can feel cold indoors, especially in Jerusalem stone buildings. Check heating, insulation and air conditioning before buying. On the coast, ask about sea air and facade maintenance. A local engineer can review the building condition for you.
Looking After the Apartment from Chicago
Arrange for a manager or relative to check the apartment regularly, run the taps, test the air conditioning and water heater and handle building committee payments. Because Israel is usually eight hours ahead, messages sent at the end of the Israeli day arrive during your Chicago morning, which makes coordination straightforward.
A simple list of trusted technicians and a spare key held locally will save time when something needs attention.
Before each visit, ask for a cleaning and a quick check that the heating works, so you arrive to a warm apartment after the long flight.
Renting It When You Are Away
Some owners rent the apartment for part of the year to other visitors or on a medium-term lease. Short stays face municipal rules and building restrictions in several cities. Check the rules with your lawyer, and discuss the tax treatment with an Israeli tax advisor and a US CPA.
Travel and Purchase Logistics
Nonstop flights between O'Hare and Tel Aviv have operated at times, and many families connect through New York or Europe. Plan viewings and the signing around longer visits, and use a power of attorney if needed. Owning more than one home in Israel may affect purchase tax, so get advice early.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eilat a good winter holiday home location
Eilat has warm winters, though it is far from the center of the country. Many families prefer the central coast for easier access to family and Jerusalem.
Are Jerusalem apartments cold in winter
Some older stone buildings can be cold. Check heating and insulation carefully before buying.
Can we rent the apartment when we are not there
Often, but local rules and building policies vary. Check with your lawyer first.
Who can manage the apartment for us
A professional manager or a trusted relative, with a clear list of tasks and regular updates.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group operates from Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. Three generations of the family have built on a family business that began in 1945, and the company today is active in development, urban renewal, TAMA 38 and combination deals with backing companies and partners. The team works in English, Hebrew and French and knows how buildings perform through every season.
Dreaming of a winter or chag home in Israel. Let our team help you choose from Chicago.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv