Holiday Home in Israel for New Orleans Families
Holiday Home in Israel for New Orleans Families
New Orleans knows how to celebrate, and many local Jewish families like to spend major holidays in Israel with children, parents, or friends. A holiday home can turn those visits into a real second base, somewhere familiar to return to each year. Owning a second home abroad does require planning, from choosing a location that works in every season to arranging someone to look after the apartment when you are back in Louisiana. This guide covers what New Orleans families should consider when buying a holiday home in Israel, including whether to rent it out between visits and how to keep costs and responsibilities under control.
Picking a Location You Will Actually Use
Think about why you travel. Families who come for the High Holidays often want Jerusalem, where the atmosphere during the festivals is unique and many relatives gather. Families who travel in summer may prefer the coast, with Herzliya, Netanya, or Tel Aviv close to the beach.
Proximity to Ben Gurion Airport also matters when journeys from New Orleans already involve at least one connection.
Jerusalem for festivals and family gatherings
Netanya and Herzliya for beach summers
Tel Aviv for culture and dining
Zichron Yaakov or Caesarea for a quieter pace
Apartment Features That Matter for Visitors
A holiday home should be easy to lock up and leave. Buildings with an elevator, secure parking, and a safe room offer comfort and peace of mind. A balcony, known as a mirpeset, is often where families spend holiday evenings, much like a porch on a New Orleans street.
For observant families, a location within walking distance of a synagogue is important for Shabbat and festivals.
Caring for the Home While You Are in Louisiana
Israeli buildings are maintained through a residents committee, and monthly contributions cover cleaning and shared repairs. Municipal arnona is paid regardless of whether you are in the country.
Arrange for someone to check the apartment regularly, run taps, and handle any leaks. A trusted local contact makes a big difference when you are eight time zones away.
Renting Between Visits
Some owners rent the apartment during months they are not using it. This can offset some costs but requires management and flexibility. Short-term rentals face municipal rules in some cities, and taxes on rental income must be considered.
Consult an Israeli tax advisor and a US CPA before renting, and have your lawyer prepare any agreements.
Buying Process for a Second Home
The legal process is the same as for any Israeli purchase: your own lawyer, registry checks, a signed contract, and registration of your rights. Because this is not your primary home, purchase tax treatment may differ from that of a resident's single apartment, which your advisors should explain in advance.
Travel Planning from New Orleans
Flights from New Orleans connect through a larger hub before continuing to Israel, so many families plan longer stays that justify the journey. Israel is usually eight hours ahead of Central Time, which is worth remembering when coordinating with building committees and caretakers.
Keep a simple checklist for arrivals and departures, covering water, electricity, shutters, and a key holder, so each visit starts smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth owning rather than renting a holiday apartment
It depends on how often you visit and how you value stability. Families who come several times a year often appreciate having their own home.
Can I rent out my holiday home when I am away
Often yes, subject to municipal rules and building regulations. Plan management and tax treatment with your advisors first.
Which city is best for the High Holidays
Jerusalem is a favorite for the High Holidays, though many families enjoy the festivals in coastal cities near relatives.
What ongoing costs should I expect
Typical costs include arnona, building committee fees, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. Your advisors can outline these for a specific property.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group is the name under which Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd works from Rival Street, Tel Aviv. With a family history from 1945 and three generations in the field, we are involved in development, urban renewal, pinui-binui, TAMA 38, and combination and complex deals, supported by backing companies and partners that can provide guarantees. We work in Hebrew, English, and French.
Looking for a holiday base in Israel Call or email Elkayam Group from New Orleans.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv