Making Aliyah from Dallas and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Dallas and Finding a Home in Israel
Update: Israel's national TAMA 38 plan expired on 18 May 2026. New building-strengthening and renewal projects now go through alternative routes, such as municipal replacement plans and pinui-binui.
For families from North Dallas, Plano, Richardson or Frisco, aliyah often grows out of years of involvement with a synagogue, a day school such as Akiba, Yavneh or Levine Academy, or trips to Israel with the community. The housing decision is at the heart of the move. Israeli homes are smaller, neighborhoods denser and daily life more walkable than in North Texas. Careers, schools and community will shape where you live, and the timing of selling a Texas home can affect your finances. This guide walks Dallas olim through choosing a community, deciding whether to rent or buy, and preparing for the practical side of the move.
Community First
Many Dallas olim choose a community before choosing an apartment. Modiin attracts families wanting a planned city between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with a strong English-speaking presence. Raanana and Kfar Saba offer suburban calm near the business centers of the Sharon. Jerusalem suits those seeking a deeply Jewish environment and a broad range of synagogues.
Beit Shemesh has become home to many English-speaking religious families, while Zichron Yaakov and Haifa appeal to those who want a quieter northern setting.
Career Paths and Commutes
Dallas professionals in technology, finance and healthcare often find opportunities in the Tel Aviv area and in Herzliya Pituach. Commutes in central Israel can be heavy, so living near a railway station or major bus route matters more than you might expect.
Those keeping a US job remotely will be working in the Israeli evening to overlap with Dallas hours, since Israel is about eight hours ahead. A quiet home office becomes a priority.
Renting While You Settle
Most Dallas families rent at first. A lease gives time to learn the neighborhood, test the commute and see how children adjust to school. It also allows you to understand how Israeli apartments compare, from storage to parking and protected spaces.
When buying, many olim look for a garden apartment or a larger unit in a newer building to keep some of the space they were used to in Texas.
Benefits for New Immigrants
New immigrants may be entitled to support and, in some cases, to reduced purchase tax on a home bought within a set window after aliyah. The details depend on individual status and can change.
Confirm eligibility with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, an Israeli lawyer and a tax advisor. Keep working with a US CPA, since US citizens continue to file US returns after moving.
Your Texas Home
Some families sell their North Texas house before aliyah to fund an Israeli purchase. Others keep it and rent it out, which requires a reliable property manager and planning for Texas property taxes and insurance.
Coordinate the sale or rental with your Israeli timeline, so funds are available when needed and you are not rushed into decisions.
Making the Move Smooth
A few practical steps help Dallas families settle into their new homes.
Measure furniture before shipping, since Israeli rooms are often smaller
Plan for fewer vehicles and more reliance on public transport
Check that the building has an elevator and a mamad if needed
Visit schools and youth programs in the neighborhood
Arrange your flight from DFW with connections that suit a family with luggage
Frequently asked questions
Where do Dallas families tend to settle after aliyah
Modiin, Raanana, Kfar Saba, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and Zichron Yaakov are common, depending on work, schools and religious community.
Is it better to rent or buy when first arriving
Many families rent first to learn the area. Buying early can suit those who know a community well. Discuss any time-limited benefits with your advisors.
Can I work remotely for a Dallas company from Israel
Many olim do, though the time difference means working into the Israeli evening. Check employment and tax implications with advisors in both countries.
Will I still need a US CPA after aliyah
Yes, US citizens generally continue to file US tax returns. A CPA experienced with Israel can help you meet obligations in both countries.
Elkayam Group
The company is active in development, urban renewal, pinui-binui and TAMA 38 projects as well as combination and complex deals, working with backing companies and partners and able to provide guarantees where a transaction calls for them. Clients from Dallas work with a team that speaks English, Hebrew and French and keeps communication clear throughout the process.
Planning aliyah from Dallas. Speak with our team about communities and homes that suit your family.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com