Making Aliyah from Boston and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Boston and Finding a Home in Israel
Every year families from the Boston area close up homes in Brookline, Newton, Sharon and the North Shore and move to Israel. The emotional and practical sides of aliyah are well covered by aliyah organizations and by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, but housing is often where new olim feel least prepared. The Israeli rental and purchase market works differently from Massachusetts, and the choice of city shapes schooling, community and daily life for years. This guide offers a clear framework for thinking about where to live, whether to rent or buy first, and how to approach the process from Boston.
Rent First or Buy Right Away
Many olim from Boston rent for a period before buying. Living in a neighborhood through a full school year shows you commute times, community life and how your children settle in a way no visit can.
Others prefer to buy from the start, particularly if they already know a neighborhood well from years of visits. Olim may be entitled to certain benefits related to purchase tax and other matters for a limited period, but eligibility and details change, so confirm with an Israeli lawyer or tax advisor before deciding on timing.
Communities Where Boston Olim Settle
Jerusalem remains a strong draw, with neighborhoods such as Baka, the German Colony, Katamon, Arnona and Talpiot offering established English speaking communities. Beit Shemesh, especially Ramat Beit Shemesh, has attracted many religious families looking for more space.
Modiin offers a planned city with young families and rail links, while Raanana, Kfar Saba and Hod Hasharon appeal to those who want a suburban life closer to Tel Aviv employers. Some Boston families with ties to the academic world choose Haifa or Rehovot, near the Technion and the Weizmann Institute.
Jerusalem for community and heritage
Beit Shemesh for space and religious life
Modiin for a planned family city
Raanana and Kfar Saba for suburban living
Haifa and Rehovot for academic ties
Schools and Daily Life
For Boston families used to choosing between public schools in Newton or Brookline and day schools such as those in the area, the Israeli system has its own streams, including state, state religious and independent options. Where you live typically determines which schools you can register for, so research schools before signing a lease or purchase.
Consider also the ulpan you will attend, public transport to work, and proximity to a synagogue or community that feels familiar.
Preparing Before You Leave Massachusetts
Gather documents that Israeli landlords, banks and lawyers may ask for, such as proof of income and bank references. Decide what to do with your Boston property, whether to sell, rent it out or keep it for family, and discuss the tax consequences with a US CPA.
If you plan to buy, arrange an introduction to an Israeli lawyer early. Many families conduct initial property visits during a pilot trip, timed around school vacations.
Working Across Time Zones
Boston is typically seven hours behind Israel. During the planning stage, morning calls from Massachusetts catch the Israeli afternoon. Flights from Logan can be nonstop at times or connect via New York or Europe, so plan pilot trips with enough time to see several neighborhoods.
Understanding Israeli Apartments
Israeli homes are usually measured and marketed differently, with terms such as the number of rooms counting the living room as a room. Many apartments include a protected room known as a mamad, a storage room and a sukkah balcony in religious neighborhoods.
Kitchens and closets may not come with the property in some rentals, so ask exactly what is included before comparing options.
Frequently asked questions
Do olim receive housing benefits
Olim may be entitled to certain benefits, including rental assistance for a period and potential purchase tax relief. Eligibility and terms change, so check with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and an Israeli lawyer.
Should we sell our Boston home before aliyah
It depends on your finances, family plans and tax position. Discuss the options with a US CPA and an Israeli tax advisor before deciding.
Which city is best for Boston families
There is no single answer. Jerusalem, Modiin, Beit Shemesh and Raanana are all popular. Your choice should reflect schools, work, religious life and budget.
Can we buy before arriving in Israel
Yes, it is possible to buy remotely with a lawyer and power of attorney, although seeing the property and neighborhood in person first is strongly recommended.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is a Tel Aviv company at Rival Street 37 with roots in a family business since 1945. Three generations on, we are active in development, urban renewal and complex real estate deals with the support of backing companies and partners. Our team speaks Hebrew, English and French and is used to helping new arrivals understand the Israeli market.
Making aliyah from Boston Let us help you think through where and how to find your home.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv