Best Cities to Live in Israel: A Guide to Making Aliyah from the UK
Making Aliyah from the UK to Israel involves more than choosing a property and booking a flight. You are choosing where to build friendships, find your routine, learn Hebrew and feel at home.
Ra’anana, Netanya, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beit Shemesh and Herzliya are useful cities to compare.
Each offers a different balance of community, surroundings and everyday convenience. The right choice depends on your household, work, budget and preferred way of life.
This guide offers a practical shortlist rather than a numbered ranking. A city that suits a young professional may be quite different from the place that works for a family with school-age children or someone retiring close to relatives.
Who is this guide for?
This article is for individuals, couples and families exploring Aliyah from Britain for best cities to live in Israel, including people who want an English-speaking community, parents researching schools, and households deciding what to ship from their UK home.
It focuses on choosing where to live and planning the physical move. For your application, eligibility and individual requirements, begin with the Jewish Agency’s Aliyah service, which provides guidance through the application and integration process.
Which is the best cities to live in Israel should you consider first?
The suggestions below are editorial starting points based on the community profiles linked in each city section. They are not official rankings or guarantees about schools, employment or housing availability.
Your priority | Cities to explore | What to investigate locally |
An established English-speaking community | Ra’anana, Netanya, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh | Whether people of your age and life stage live nearby |
Business connections and an active urban lifestyle | Tel Aviv, Herzliya | Your actual workplace, travel time and suitable housing |
Coastal surroundings | Netanya, Haifa, Herzliya, Tel Aviv | Distance from the beach, everyday amenities and property access |
Religious community and Jewish cultural life | Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh | The specific synagogue, school and neighbourhood culture |
A family routine built around local services | Ra’anana, selected areas of Netanya and Beit Shemesh | School placement, after-school activities and walking routes |
A varied city with an established immigrant community | Haifa | Neighbourhood terrain, transport and access to your support network |
Choose the neighbourhood as carefully as the city. Speak with residents whose circumstances resemble yours, and ask about a normal working week rather than only holidays and weekends.
1. Ra’anana: An established English-speaking community
Ra’anana is a strong starting point if building a support network is a priority. Its established English-speaking population, range of religious affiliations and local services can make it appealing to households looking for a residential setting within reach of the wider Tel Aviv area. The Nefesh B’Nefesh Ra’anana profile describes its community, education options and transport connections.
For families, begin with the school rather than an attractive property listing. Ask about places, support for children learning Hebrew, and the journey from the proposed home. For commuters, test the complete route at the time you would actually travel.
A useful question: Can you reach school, work, shopping and your chosen community without making every day a complicated journey?
2. Netanya: Coastal living with an international community
Netanya combines a Mediterranean setting with a substantial immigrant population, including English speakers. Areas to research include Ir Yamim, Ramat Poleg, Kiryat
Hasharon and the surroundings of Nitza Boulevard, all identified in the Nefesh B’Nefesh Netanya guide.
It deserves consideration if you want to explore coastal living while retaining access to a sizeable city. Families and retirees should assess different neighbourhoods separately: being near the seafront does not automatically mean being close to a particular school, clinic or friendship group.
When viewing flats, ask for the building’s regular charges, check lift access and inspect the route from the entrance to the apartment. These details also matter when arranging furniture delivery.
A useful question: Would this location still suit you on a busy weekday when you are not using the beach?
3. Jerusalem: Community, history and neighbourhood choice
Jerusalem offers a broad range of neighbourhoods and a large English-speaking population. Baka, Katamon and other residential areas provide starting points for research, but their atmosphere and housing options should be explored individually. The Nefesh B’Nefesh Jerusalem profile outlines the city’s varied communities and services.
If synagogue life, Jewish learning or particular schools shape your decision, identify those institutions first and work outwards. A home that looks close on a map may involve a less convenient walking route than you expect.
For the move itself, ask about steps, parking, lift dimensions and vehicle access before confirming your shipment. Photographs of the entrance and staircase can help a removals company assess delivery requirements.
A useful question: Does this particular neighbourhood fit your household’s daily and religious routine?
4. Tel Aviv: Urban life and professional connections
Tel Aviv is worth exploring if you want city life, cultural activities and proximity to business networks. Its English-speaking residents are spread across the city, and its mix of arts, food and commercial life gives it a different character from quieter residential locations. See the Nefesh B’Nefesh Tel Aviv-Yafo profile for a community overview.
Before deciding, compare suitable homes near your actual workplace or regular destinations. Visit the street at different times and consider noise, storage, building condition and how you would manage without a car if that is your plan.
A detailed floor plan is particularly useful before shipping furniture. Measure your sofa, bed and dining table, then compare both the room dimensions and the access route.
A useful question: Are you choosing a home that supports your everyday life as well as the lifestyle that attracted you?
5. Haifa: A varied coastal city
Haifa offers a multicultural environment and an established English-speaking community. Its community profile identifies Ahuza, Neve Sha’anan and Kiryat Shmuel as areas to research, alongside municipal support for newcomers. Check current services directly rather than assuming every programme remains available. See the Nefesh B’Nefesh Haifa guide.
When comparing properties, look beyond the view. Check the walking route to shops and public transport, steps around the building and how easily you can reach work or relatives.
Haifa can be a useful addition to a shortlist dominated by central Israel, but compare current listings for the same property size and standard before drawing conclusions about affordability.
A useful question: Will the specific location work comfortably for everyone in your household, including anyone with mobility needs?
6. Beit Shemesh: Community fit comes first
Beit Shemesh and Ramat Beit Shemesh have substantial English-speaking communities. Areas such as Nofei Aviv, Givat Sharett and Ramat Beit Shemesh offer different starting points for research. The Nefesh B’Nefesh Beit Shemesh profile illustrates the range of neighbourhoods and services.
For families seeking a particular religious environment, the most useful research happens at neighbourhood and school level. Speak with several residents, visit relevant institutions and ask how children arriving from abroad are supported.
If your work will be elsewhere, assess the commute separately from the community decision. A strong social fit is valuable, but so is a sustainable working week.
A useful question: Have you found a specific community that feels right, or are you relying on the city’s general reputation?
7. Herzliya: Coastal surroundings and business access
Herzliya may appeal if you want to compare a coastal setting with access to a city associated with technology and business. The Nefesh B’Nefesh Herzliya profile provides an introduction to its setting and newcomer information.
Assess the exact address rather than assuming that every property offers the same beach access or journey to work. Ask where you would shop, attend appointments, meet friends and take children to activities.
Compare the full cost of the property, including building services, and check which furnishings and appliances are included. That information can help you decide what is worth shipping from Britain.
A useful question: Does the home offer the practical location you need, alongside the surroundings you want?
How to compare the cost of living before choosing a city
Broad claims that one city is “cheap” or another is “expensive” can hide substantial differences between properties. Build your comparison around homes you would genuinely rent or buy, using the same number of bedrooms and similar requirements.
Budget item | What to request or compare | Why it matters |
Housing | Current asking price, condition and included furnishings | An unfurnished home may need a larger setup budget |
Municipal charges | The property’s actual arnona bill and payment arrangements | Use the address-specific figure in your budget |
Building fees | Va’ad bayit or management charges and what they cover | Lifts and shared facilities may add regular costs |
Utilities | Recent bills where available and the equipment installed | Your usage will depend on the property and household |
Transport | Your actual work and school routes | Include fares, parking or car costs as applicable |
Children’s activities | Written prices for the services you expect to use | School location alone does not describe the full routine |
Arrival costs | Temporary accommodation, household purchases and moving services | These can overlap during the transition |
Contingency | Funds for a delayed handover or changed delivery arrangements | A practical buffer gives you more flexibility |
Keep your working budget in Israeli shekels, then convert it into pounds using the rate available when you make the comparison. If funds will come from the UK, check the actual conversion and transfer costs rather than relying on a headline exchange rate.
Where can you look for a home in Israel?
Yad2 and Madlan are useful starting points for researching both rentals and purchases. Nefesh B’Nefesh provides English navigation guides through its community and housing directory.
Use listings to create a shortlist, then verify each property. Ask for a floor plan, current photographs, an inventory of included items and details of access to a protected space. If you are considering renting first, assess whether the lease gives you enough time to settle and whether the furniture you intend to ship will fit.
When buying, obtain independent local legal advice before committing. When renting, make sure you understand the complete agreement, required guarantees and payment obligations before transferring money.
Planning Aliyah and your household move together
Your immigration arrangements and your removals booking are connected, but they are separate processes. The Jewish Agency provides an application route and individual Aliyah guidance. Confirm your requirements and progress directly before making commitments that depend on an arrival date.
For the household move, work through these steps:
Prepare an inventory. Identify what you will take, sell, donate or leave in storage.
Check the destination home. Measure rooms, doors, lifts and stairs before committing to large furniture.
Arrange a survey. Give the mover accurate collection and delivery details so the volume and access can be assessed.
Confirm customs instructions. Ask the appointed destination agent which documents and item details are required for your circumstances. Obtain confirmation of any claimed relief before dispatch.
Read the service scope. Check packing, delivery access, storage, unpacking, charges and protection arrangements in writing.
Plan the period before delivery. Keep documents, medicines and everyday essentials with you and prepare for a gap between arrival and the shipment.
Do not assume that a particular immigration status means every item can be imported without restrictions or charges. Resolve questions about specific goods with the destination customs agent before packing.
Security and travel considerations
Security conditions form part of relocation planning. Check the FCDO’s Israel travel advice before a research visit, booking travel and dispatching your shipment. Its guidance includes regional warnings, insurance considerations and the possibility of travel disruption.
For each property, ask about the location and accessibility of its protected space and follow local emergency guidance. A lifestyle comparison cannot establish which city will be safest at a future date. Keep travel and delivery plans flexible enough to respond to changing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Israel and Making Aliyah from the UK
Which is the best city in Israel for British people making Aliyah?
The best city depends on your family, budget, work and preferred community. Ra’anana and Netanya are useful starting points for English-speaking connections; Jerusalem offers varied communities and religious and cultural institutions; Tel Aviv suits people exploring an active urban lifestyle. Haifa, Herzliya and Beit Shemesh also deserve consideration.
These are starting points rather than rankings. Compare specific neighbourhoods and speak with residents whose circumstances resemble yours. The Nefesh B’Nefesh community guide provides profiles to help you build a shortlist.
Which cities have established English-speaking communities?
Ra’anana, Netanya, Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv have substantial English-speaking communities, while Haifa also has an established English-speaking population. However, an English-speaking community is not necessarily a British community, and its age profile and social life may differ between neighbourhoods.
Ask whether there are local groups, activities and community contacts relevant to your household. Meeting families, professionals or retirees with similar interests can tell you more than a city’s general reputation. Explore the community profiles and contacts before deciding.
Is Ra’anana or Netanya better for a family moving from the UK?
Start with your school and daily routine. Ra’anana is worth exploring for its established English-speaking residential community. Netanya offers coastal surroundings and a range of neighbourhoods with international communities.
For each city, identify a suitable school, investigate admission arrangements and compare homes within a practical travelling distance. Then check your commute, childcare needs and access to friends or relatives. Use the Ra’anana profile and Netanya profile as starting points, rather than assuming either city is automatically the better choice.
Should I choose Tel Aviv or Jerusalem?
Tel Aviv may appeal if business connections, restaurants, cultural activities and urban social life are priorities. Jerusalem may be a stronger starting point if you want to live close to particular religious institutions, established communities or cultural interests.
The practical comparison should include suitable properties, your workplace, transport and the people you expect to see regularly. Explore individual neighbourhoods using the Tel Aviv guide and Jerusalem guide.
How should I choose a city when moving with children?
Begin with your children’s educational and social needs. Before committing to a property, ask prospective schools about admission, language support, experience with children arriving from abroad and any additional support your child requires.
Consider the journey to school, after-school arrangements and opportunities to make friends nearby. For teenagers, include them in discussions and visits where possible. A suitable school and a supportive local network should carry more weight than a city’s popularity with other newcomers.
Can I settle in Israel without speaking Hebrew?
An English-speaking network can help with the early transition, but it is sensible to build Hebrew learning into your relocation plan. When comparing locations, ask about nearby ulpan classes, their schedules and how they fit around work or childcare.
Also consider everyday situations: communicating with a school, understanding correspondence and attending appointments. Look for a location where you can access support initially while developing confidence and independence. The Jewish Agency provides information about Hebrew study and integration programmes.
Should I rent before buying a home in Israel?
Renting first can give you time to test whether a neighbourhood suits your everyday life. You can assess commuting, schools, local services and community connections before making a longer-term commitment.
However, include the possibility of a second move, temporary furnishings and storage in your budget. If you already know the area well, your priorities may be different. Obtain independent local legal advice before signing a purchase agreement, and make sure you understand any rental agreement and its payment obligations.
Where can I search for property to rent or buy?
Yad2 and Madlan are useful starting points for comparing rental and purchase listings. The Nefesh B’Nefesh housing guide links to English explanations of how to use them.
Before committing, verify the property’s condition, dimensions, included furnishings, building charges and access arrangements. Request a floor plan and a viewing where possible. For your household shipment, check the lift, staircase and entrance as carefully as the rooms themselves.
How much should I budget for moving from the UK to Israel?
Separate your budget into one-off relocation costs and ongoing household expenses.
Relocation costs may include travel, temporary accommodation, packing, shipping, storage and purchases for your new home. Your ongoing budget should cover housing, municipal charges, building fees, utilities, food, transport and childcare where relevant.
Use current property listings and written quotations rather than a general city-wide average. Keep your working budget in shekels, compare its value in pounds using the available conversion rate, and allow for overlapping expenses during the transition.
Who should I contact to start the Aliyah process from the UK?
Start with the Jewish Agency’s official Aliyah service. It provides an application route and individual guidance on the process.
Ask which documents are required for your circumstances and which steps must be completed before arranging travel. Coordinate your moving plans with the progress of your application. Your removals company can organise the transport of your belongings, but eligibility and immigration approval must be handled through the appropriate authorities.
Is it worth shipping furniture from the UK?
It depends on the furniture’s condition, replacement cost, sentimental value and suitability for your new home. Prepare an inventory and compare a shipping quotation with the cost of buying the items you would otherwise need in Israel.
Measure large pieces before making your decision. A sofa may fit the living room but be difficult to move through the building’s entrance or staircase. Confirm what is already included in the property so you do not pay to transport items you will not need.
Does making Aliyah mean my belongings will automatically clear customs without charges?
Do not assume that Aliyah approval settles every customs question. Before dispatch, ask the appointed destination customs agent to confirm the treatment of your shipment, the documents required and any relief applicable to your circumstances.
Provide an accurate inventory and flag unusual items in advance. Ask the mover to explain which clearance services are included and how any inspections, storage or other additional charges would be handled. Obtain clarification before the shipment leaves the UK.
What should a UK-to-Israel removals quotation include?
The quotation should identify the shipment volume, collection and delivery addresses, transport service and packing arrangements. It should also explain the included services and any conditions affecting the price.
Ask specifically about delivery access, customs administration, unpacking, furniture assembly, storage and shipment protection. Check whether stairs, restricted parking, a smaller delivery vehicle or specialist lifting equipment could create additional charges. A clear written scope makes quotations easier to compare and reduces uncertainty later.
Can I arrange my move before I have a permanent address in Israel?
You can begin the survey and quotation process while you are still choosing a home. Explain what is confirmed and what remains undecided, including the likely destination city and your preferred dates.
Before authorising dispatch, agree how delivery or storage will be handled if the property is not ready. Ask about storage charges, handling costs and the effect of changing your destination. Keep documents and everyday essentials with you so they remain accessible.
How should current security conditions affect my moving plans?
Check the FCDO’s Israel travel advice before travelling and again before dispatching your belongings. Regional conditions can affect travel arrangements, and the advice includes information about insurance and potential disruption.
When assessing a property, ask about access to its protected space and follow local emergency guidance. Discuss flexibility with your mover and accommodation provider. No city comparison can guarantee future safety or uninterrupted travel and delivery.
Planning Your Move to Israel with Reloux
Choosing where to settle is a personal part of making Aliyah. Whether you are still exploring cities or have already found your new home, understanding your moving options can help you plan with greater confidence.
When you feel ready, Reloux International Moving can help you explore the practical arrangements for moving your furniture and personal belongings from the UK to Israel. A conversation about what you would like to take, your destination and your preferred timing is a useful place to start.
If you would like guidance or a tailored quotation, you are welcome to get in touch—even if some of your plans are still taking shape.
