Retiring in Israel from St Louis Housing Guide
Retiring in Israel from St Louis Housing Guide
Retirees from St Louis often move to Israel to be closer to children and grandchildren who made aliyah, or to spend their later years in a Jewish environment with a milder winter than Missouri. Leaving a longtime home in Creve Coeur, Olivette or University City is a significant change, so the new home should make daily life easy from the start. This guide covers what St Louis retirees should look for in an Israeli apartment, which neighborhoods have strong English-speaking communities, how healthcare and senior residences work and what to plan before the move.
Family First
For most retirees, the location of children and grandchildren determines the city. In Jerusalem, neighborhoods such as Baka, Arnona, Katamon and the German Colony have established English-speaking retirees. In the Sharon, Raanana and Kfar Saba are popular. Modiin and Beit Shemesh suit those whose families live in central Israel, and Netanya offers seaside living with a strong community of English and French speakers.
An Accessible Home
Many St Louis homes have stairs to bedrooms or basements. In Israel, look for an elevator building with a level entrance and an apartment on one floor. In religious neighborhoods, a Shabbat elevator is important. Consider walk-in showers, wider doorways and good lighting.
Ground-floor garden apartments offer outdoor space without stairs, while higher floors bring light and breezes.
Elevator and step-free access
Walk-in shower
Clinic and pharmacy nearby
Bus or light rail within walking distance
Senior Residences
Israel has senior residences called diur mugan, offering independent apartments with shared dining, activities and nursing care nearby. Several cater to English speakers, including in Jerusalem, Raanana and Netanya. Contract structures vary widely, so review them with an Israeli lawyer before signing.
Visit several residences, have a meal with current residents and ask how care is provided if needs change over time. Some retirees prefer to stay in a regular apartment near family and bring in home care services instead.
Healthcare Close to Home
Residents join one of Israel's national health funds for primary and specialist care. Living near a major hospital such as Hadassah or Shaare Zedek in Jerusalem, Meir in Kfar Saba or Laniado in Netanya provides reassurance. Ask your health fund about English-speaking doctors at nearby clinics.
St Louis retirees used to the large medical campuses of the Central West End will find Israeli hospitals busy but professional, with many physicians trained abroad.
Financial and Legal Preparation
Social Security, pensions and retirement accounts may continue while you live in Israel, but taxation and reporting are complex. Consult a US CPA and an Israeli tax advisor before moving, and update wills and powers of attorney with lawyers in both countries.
If you make aliyah, new immigrant benefits may be available. Confirm the details with qualified professionals.
Community and Everyday Life
English-speaking synagogues, lecture series, volunteer groups and walking clubs help St Louis retirees build friendships quickly. Jerusalem offers concerts, museums and study programs, while Netanya's promenade and Raanana's parks support active daily routines.
Israel is usually eight hours ahead of St Louis, so an Israeli evening call reaches friends back home around midday.
Try Before You Commit
Many retirees rent for a season before selling their St Louis home. Living through an Israeli summer and winter reveals whether the neighborhood and apartment suit you. When you buy, ask your lawyer to review the building's condition and any planned renewal projects that could affect daily life.
Frequently asked questions
Which Israeli cities suit St Louis retirees
Jerusalem, Raanana, Netanya, Modiin and Kfar Saba are common choices.
Should I buy or rent in retirement
Both are common. Renting first helps you choose the right neighborhood.
Will I receive my US pension in Israel
Many retirees do, but tax treatment varies. Consult a US CPA and an Israeli tax advisor.
Are there English-speaking senior residences
Several exist. Visit and review contracts with an Israeli lawyer.
Elkayam Group
Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd is the real estate company of Elkayam Group, based at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv, with a family background since 1945 and three generations of experience. We work in development, urban renewal, pinui-binui, TAMA 38 upgrades that can add elevators and safe rooms, combination deals and complex transactions, with backing companies and partners and the ability to provide guarantees. We speak Hebrew, English and French.
Planning retirement in Israel Contact Elkayam Group for guidance from St Louis.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv