Making Aliyah from Chicago and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Chicago and Finding a Home in Israel
Chicago has a warm and connected Jewish community, from the synagogues of West Rogers Park and Peterson Park to Skokie, Lincolnwood, Evanston and the North Shore suburbs. Families making aliyah from Chicago often move in waves, following friends and relatives to the same Israeli communities. Housing is still a big decision. Should you rent or buy, choose a city or a suburb, an older apartment or a new building. This guide focuses on the home-finding side of aliyah for Chicago families, with benefits and taxes covered only in general terms.
Following the Chicago Network
Many West Rogers Park families have settled in Beit Shemesh, Ramat Beit Shemesh, Modiin and Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Katamon and Har Nof. North Shore families from Highland Park, Deerfield and Glencoe often look at Raanana, Hod Hasharon or Modiin, where the pace feels more suburban. Visiting two or three options before deciding helps you see which community truly fits.
Some Chicago families prefer to be the first in a newer community rather than follow others. Cities such as Harish, Hadera and parts of Netanya have also attracted English speakers looking for newer apartments and more space, so they are worth a look if the established communities feel out of reach.
Rent for the First Year
Renting first gives you time to understand schools, synagogues and commutes. It also lets you experience an Israeli summer and winter before committing. Look for a mamad or shelter access, an elevator if needed and reliable heating, since Jerusalem winters can be cold inside stone buildings even if they are mild compared with Chicago.
When you compare rentals from Chicago, ask for a daylight video tour, the distance to the school and synagogue you have in mind, and the guarantees the landlord expects.
Adjusting from a Chicago Home
Basements are rare, so storage is limited
Israeli room counts include the living room
Many kitchens are smaller than in suburban Chicago homes
Laundry is usually inside the apartment or on the balcony
Parking can be tight in central neighborhoods
Olim Benefits in General Terms
New immigrants may be eligible for certain benefits, including possible favorable treatment on purchase tax for a first home and municipal tax discounts for a period. Conditions and timing matter, so confirm the details with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor. Your US filing obligations continue, so keep a US CPA involved.
Planning from Eight Hours Behind
With Israel usually eight hours ahead of Chicago, early morning is the best time for calls with Israeli landlords and agents. A focused pilot trip, whether on a nonstop from O'Hare when available or through a connection, lets you view a shortlist prepared in advance. Time the arrival of your shipment with the start of your lease.
When You Are Ready to Buy
After a year or so, many families know exactly where they want to live. At that stage, hire an Israeli lawyer, review the registry and permits, and consider whether an older apartment with renewal potential or a new building suits you better. Careful due diligence matters as much for olim as for any buyer.
Your first year in a rental is also the best time to learn how building committees work, how municipal tax is billed and what maintenance looks like in an Israeli apartment.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Chicago olim usually settle
Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Jerusalem and Raanana are common choices, often following community networks from West Rogers Park and the North Shore.
Should we rent or buy first
Most families rent for the first year, then buy once they know the area well.
Are Israeli apartments well heated
Heating varies. Newer buildings are usually better insulated. Ask about heating and insulation when you view apartments, especially in Jerusalem.
Who explains olim benefits
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, together with an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor.
Elkayam Group
Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, part of the Elkayam Group, is located at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. The family business traces its roots to 1945 and three generations, and today works in development, urban renewal and complex deals with backing companies and partners. Our team speaks English, Hebrew and French and helps olim from Chicago understand each property before they commit.
Making aliyah from Chicago. Talk with our team about finding your Israeli home.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv