Retiring in Israel from Chicago Housing Guide
Retiring in Israel from Chicago Housing Guide
Chicago retirees often arrive in Israel with a clear purpose. Some are following children and grandchildren who made aliyah from West Rogers Park or the North Shore. Others have spent years visiting for the chagim and now want to live there full time. Many simply want to trade icy sidewalks for a mild climate and a walkable neighborhood. Retirement housing has its own priorities, from elevators and step-free access to proximity to clinics and community. This guide helps Chicago retirees choose a home in Israel that will serve them well for years.
Close to Family, Close to Community
Living near children and grandchildren is often the first priority. Beit Shemesh, Modiin, Jerusalem and Raanana have many families with Chicago ties. Consider also choosing a neighborhood with an active English-speaking community of your own generation, so your social life does not depend entirely on family schedules.
Features of a Good Retirement Apartment
If you plan to stay for many years, consider whether the building could later accommodate a caregiver, and whether there is a room that could serve that purpose.
An elevator and a step-free entrance
A single level layout with wide doorways
A bathroom that can be adapted with a walk-in shower
A protected room that doubles as a guest room
Good heating for winter and air conditioning for summer
Clinics, pharmacies and shops within walking distance
Cities to Consider
Jerusalem offers learning, culture and synagogues, and neighborhoods such as Baka, the German Colony, Talbiya and Arnona have many English-speaking retirees. Netanya has a seafront promenade and a large English and French speaking community. Raanana and Kfar Saba are green and well organized. Modiin and Beit Shemesh let grandparents live close to young families.
Senior residences and assisted living options exist in several cities, with different levels of service.
Some Chicago retirees choose to rent near family first and buy later, once they know which neighborhood they enjoy most day to day.
Health and Daily Life
New immigrants generally join an Israeli health fund. Check which clinics and hospitals serve your chosen neighborhood. Medicare generally does not cover care abroad, so speak with a US advisor if you plan to spend time in both Chicago and Israel.
Being able to walk to a clinic and a pharmacy is a real advantage, especially for those who plan to stop driving.
Public transport, including buses and the light rail in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, can replace much of the driving that was necessary in suburban Chicago.
Finances and Advice
Social Security, pensions and the sale of a Chicago home raise tax questions when you live in Israel. Consult a US CPA who works with Americans in Israel and an Israeli tax advisor. Olim may be entitled to certain benefits, which the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration can explain. We coordinate with these professionals but do not give tax advice.
Keeping in Touch with Chicago
With Israel usually eight hours ahead, calls with family in Chicago fit well in your Israeli afternoon or evening. Many retirees rent for a season before buying, spending both a summer and a winter in Israel to be sure about the neighborhood.
A guest room for visiting family, a quiet street and a good relationship with neighbors often matter more in daily life than extra space.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerusalem too cold in winter for retirees
Jerusalem is much milder than Chicago, but older stone buildings can feel cold inside. Good heating and insulation make a big difference.
Which cities have English-speaking retirees
Jerusalem, Netanya, Raanana, Modiin and Beit Shemesh all have established English-speaking communities.
Should we sell our Chicago home first
It depends on your plans. Many retirees rent in Israel first. Speak with a US CPA about the timing of a sale.
Are there senior residences in Israel
Yes, in several cities, with a range of services. Visit before deciding.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, formally Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is based on Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. The family has three generations of experience that began in industry in 1945, and the company works in development and urban renewal with backing companies and partners. Our English, Hebrew and French speaking team helps retirees judge buildings for access, comfort and long-term condition.
Planning retirement in Israel from Chicago. Our team would be glad to help you find the right home.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv