Making Aliyah from New Jersey and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from New Jersey and Finding a Home in Israel
Walk into almost any shul in Teaneck, Bergenfield, Passaic or Highland Park and you will meet someone with a child, a sibling or a former neighbor who has made aliyah. That network is one of the biggest advantages a New Jersey family brings to Israel. Housing is still one of the hardest parts of the move. Families have to choose a city before they fully know it, decide whether to rent or buy, and navigate an unfamiliar property system while settling children into school. This guide focuses on the housing decisions and how to approach them calmly, with benefits and taxes covered in general terms only.
Following Your Community or Choosing a New One
New Jersey olim often cluster where friends have already settled. Beit Shemesh and Ramat Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Katamon, Baka and Arnona, Raanana and Efrat all have large English-speaking populations with deep New Jersey connections.
It is worth visiting at least two options. A family from Fair Lawn looking for a relaxed suburban feel may prefer Modiin, while a family used to the density of Passaic may feel at home in a Jerusalem neighborhood.
Rent First, Then Buy
Most advisors suggest renting for the first year. It lets you learn the neighborhood, test the commute and see which school your children thrive in before you commit to buying.
A signed lease also helps with practical registration steps such as enrolling in a health fund and setting up utilities. Ask the landlord to confirm that the apartment has a protected room, called a mamad, or access to a shelter.
What to Look for in an Israeli Home
A mamad or shelter access
An elevator if you have young children or older parents joining later
A sukkah balcony, which many observant families consider essential
Walking distance to the synagogue you plan to join
Storage, since Israeli apartments often have less than a New Jersey basement
Parking arrangements, which vary widely by building
Benefits and Taxes in General Terms
New immigrants may be entitled to certain benefits, which can include favorable treatment on purchase tax for a first home, municipal tax discounts and absorption assistance. The details, eligibility and deadlines change, so confirm them with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor.
Your US tax obligations continue after aliyah. A US CPA familiar with Israeli residents can explain how filing works going forward.
Coordinating the Move from New Jersey
Israel is usually seven hours ahead of New Jersey, so remote apartment hunting means evening calls for you and morning calls for Israeli landlords. Short visits on the nonstop flights from Newark or JFK can be used to view shortlisted apartments with a local representative who has already filtered out the unsuitable ones.
Time the lift of your belongings with the lease start date, and keep a buffer in case the apartment is not ready.
When You Are Ready to Buy
Once you know where you want to live, hire an Israeli lawyer, get the registry documents, and have the property checked for permits and building issues. If you are considering a new building, understand the sale law guarantees that protect buyers on paper. Being an oleh does not remove the need for careful due diligence.
Frequently asked questions
Should we buy before making aliyah
Some families do, but many prefer to rent first. Buying before you arrive can work if you already know the neighborhood well.
Where do most New Jersey olim settle
Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Jerusalem and Raanana are common choices, often following family and community networks.
Are there tax benefits for olim buying a home
New immigrants may have certain benefits on purchase tax for a first home. Eligibility and timing matter, so consult an Israeli lawyer and tax advisor.
Is a mamad required
Many newer apartments include one. In older buildings check the nearest shelter arrangement. It is an important question for any family moving to Israel.
Elkayam Group
Our firm, Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is based in Tel Aviv on Rival Street 37 and grew out of a family business with roots in 1945. We speak English, Hebrew and French and understand what American families expect from a home. Our work spans development, urban renewal and complex combination deals, supported by partners and backing companies.
Making aliyah from New Jersey. Talk with our team about the housing side of your move.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv