Making Aliyah from New York and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from New York and Finding a Home in Israel
Aliyah from New York can start almost anywhere, from an Upper West Side apartment to a house in Lawrence or a walk-up in Midwood. Wherever you are coming from, the housing questions are similar. Which city fits your family, should you rent or buy, and how do you judge an Israeli apartment from across the ocean. New York olim also arrive with expectations shaped by the city, such as walking to everything and living in dense neighborhoods, which can make some Israeli cities feel instantly familiar and others surprisingly quiet. This guide focuses on the home-finding side of aliyah and leaves benefits and taxes to the professionals.
Matching Your New York Neighborhood to an Israeli City
Olim from the Upper West Side or Riverdale often feel at home in Jerusalem neighborhoods such as Rehavia, Baka, Katamon and the German Colony, where apartment living and walking to shul are normal. Families from the Five Towns, West Hempstead or Great Neck, used to houses and cars, frequently look at Modiin, Raanana, Beit Shemesh or Efrat.
Brooklyn families from Flatbush, Midwood or Crown Heights may be drawn to communities in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh or other cities with strong religious infrastructure. Secular New Yorkers who work in technology often head to Tel Aviv, Givatayim or Herzliya.
Why Most Olim Rent for the First Year
Renting gives you time to learn how a neighborhood feels on a weekday, how long the commute really takes and which school suits your children. It also means you are not rushing a major purchase while dealing with the paperwork of arrival.
Look for a lease that starts close to your arrival date and ask whether the landlord is flexible about an early start.
What New Yorkers Often Miss About Israeli Apartments
Room counts in Israel include the living room, so a four room apartment usually has three bedrooms
Many older buildings have no elevator
Kitchens may be delivered without appliances in some rentals
A mamad or a nearby shelter is an important safety feature
Laundry is usually inside the apartment rather than in a basement room
Benefits and Buying as a New Immigrant
New immigrants may be eligible for certain benefits, which can include favorable purchase tax treatment on a first home and discounts on municipal property tax for a period. These rules have conditions and time limits. Confirm them with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor before relying on them.
Your US filing obligations continue as an American living abroad, so keep a US CPA in the picture.
Selling or Keeping Your New York Home
Some families sell before they move, others rent out their New York apartment or house. Each choice has tax and practical consequences. Coordinating the timing with your Israeli rental or purchase avoids having two homes empty or paying for storage longer than needed.
Planning from Seven Hours Behind
With Israel usually seven hours ahead of New York, you can hold video viewings in your early morning. A pilot trip on the nonstop flights from JFK or Newark, with a tight list of pre-screened apartments, makes the most of limited time on the ground.
Frequently asked questions
Which Israeli city is most like New York
Tel Aviv has the density and pace that many New Yorkers expect, while Jerusalem neighborhoods offer walkable community life with synagogues close by.
Can we buy an apartment before aliyah
Yes, foreign residents can buy. Many families still rent first so they can choose with local knowledge.
How do Israeli room counts work
Israelis count the living room as a room, so a three room apartment usually has two bedrooms.
Who should we consult on olim benefits
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor. A US CPA should advise on your US obligations.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group works from Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv and brings a three generation family background that began in industry in 1945. Our team speaks English, Hebrew and French and understands the expectations New York families bring with them. Because we work in development, urban renewal and complex deals with partners, we can help you understand the buildings and neighborhoods behind each listing.
Making aliyah from New York. Talk to us about finding the right home in Israel.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv