Ra’anana is widely considered the “go-to” city for English-speaking Olim who want suburban tranquility, excellent public services, and a strong Modern Orthodox or Dati Leumi community. With beautifully landscaped streets, bilingual services, and a warm, close-knit environment, Ra’anana offers a soft landing for Anglo families making Aliyah from the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
Known for its clean aesthetic, high standard of living, and strong education system, Ra’anana strikes the perfect balance between urban accessibility and family-oriented comfort.
Why Anglos Love Ra’anana
Ra’anana has one of the highest percentages of English speakers per capita in Israel. Walk through the city center and you’ll hear American, British, and South African accents blending seamlessly with Hebrew. Many local institutions, schools, and businesses offer services in both languages, making the city feel more like a suburban Jewish neighborhood in the diaspora—only with falafel on every corner and palm trees lining the streets.
Top reasons Anglos move to Ra’anana:
- Strong, integrated Anglo religious communities.
- Beautiful, spacious homes with parks and greenery.
- Top-tier schools with English support.
- Warm, inclusive synagogues with active community life.
- Easy commuting distance to Tel Aviv and Herzliya.
City Overview
Ra’anana is located in Israel’s Central District, just 20 minutes from Tel Aviv. The city was founded by American immigrants in the early 20th century and has retained its Western-style planning and feel.
Quick Facts:
- Population: Approx. 80,000
- Religious make-up: 60% secular/traditional, 40% Dati Leumi/Modern Orthodox
- Language: Hebrew and English are widely spoken
- Public transport: Buses, train access from nearby Herzliya or Kfar Saba
- Known for: Clean streets, parks, strong education system, Anglo integration
Neighborhood Guide
North Ra’anana
- Vibe: Affluent, quiet, predominantly religious
- Residents: Anglo families, professionals, retirees
- Features: Private homes, duplexes, high-end apartments
- Shuls: Young Israel of North Ra’anana, Kehillat Ohel Ari
Perfect for: Modern Orthodox families looking for community and quiet.
Central Ra’anana
- Vibe: Mixed religious and secular
- Features: Proximity to shops, cafes, and main street (Ahuza)
- Housing: Apartments, some private homes
- Shuls: Beit Knesset Hanassi, Ra’anana Community Kollel
Perfect for: Singles, couples, or families who want walkable access to everything.
South Ra’anana
- Vibe: Slightly more secular but family-oriented
- Residents: More sabras and veteran Israelis, with a growing Anglo presence
- Schools: Still includes some religious options
Perfect for: Families seeking affordability and a quieter lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Ra’anana
Ra’anana is known for its high quality of life—and its prices reflect that. It’s not the cheapest place to live, but for those who can afford it, the amenities and peace of mind are worth the investment.
| Category | Monthly Cost (NIS) |
|---|---|
| 4BR apartment rent (North Ra’anana) | ₪10,000–₪14,000 |
| 3BR apartment rent (Central) | ₪8,000–₪11,000 |
| Utilities (family of 5) | ₪1,200–₪1,500 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | ₪4,000–₪5,500 |
| Private Gan (preschool) | ₪2,000–₪3,500 |
| Housekeeper (hourly) | ₪70–₪90 |
Tip: Buying a property in Ra’anana ranges from ₪28,000–₪45,000 per sqm, depending on the neighborhood.
Religious Life
Ra’anana is home to a wide variety of Dati Leumi and Modern Orthodox shuls, many with English-speaking rabbis and vibrant youth programming.
Popular English-speaking shuls:
- Young Israel of North Ra’anana
- Kehillat Shivtei Yisrael
- Kehillat Ohel Ari
- Beit Knesset Hanassi
Ra’anana also has:
- Women’s Tehillim and learning groups
- Daf Yomi and shiurim in English and Hebrew
- Religious Zionist community activism and charity events
- Separate and mixed chugim (after-school Torah programming)
Schools and Education
Ra’anana is a dream for parents seeking quality education with a soft landing for their children. Many schools provide English-speaking staff, tutoring, and klita (absorption) programs.
Religious Schools:
- Amit Renanim (boys and girls, junior high and high school)
- Ohel Shmuel (Talmud Torah)
- Noam School
- Yavneh Ulpana and Yeshiva High Schools
Secular and Mixed Options:
- Metro West (prestigious secular high school)
- Tali School (pluralistic, high academic standards)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) programs available
Private options: There are also Montessori-style schools and special needs programs in the area.
Healthcare and Services
Ra’anana is serviced by:
- All major kupot cholim (Clalit, Maccabi, Leumit, Meuhedet)
- English-speaking pediatricians and specialists
- Walk-in urgent care clinics and private practices
- Physical therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists who speak English
Nearby hospitals: Meir Hospital (Kfar Saba), Beilinson (Petach Tikvah), and Herzliya Medical Center.
Work and Commuting
Many Ra’anana residents work in:
- High-tech (Ra’anana is home to major tech offices, including Amdocs, SAP, Microsoft)
- Law, accounting, and finance
- Education and tutoring
- Remote work for overseas companies
Commuting to Tel Aviv:
- 20–25 minutes by car
- 30–40 minutes by train (from Herzliya or Kfar Saba)
- Bus access via Egged and Metropoline
Community and Anglo Life
Ra’anana is ideal for Anglos who want community without sacrificing comfort or professionalism.
Anglo resources include:
- Ra’anana English Speakers (RES) community group
- Nefesh B’Nefesh office in nearby Tel Aviv
- Anglo-focused chugim for kids: sports, music, art
- Active WhatsApp and Facebook groups for Ra’anana Olim
- English book swaps, lectures, and social clubs
Real Estate Overview
| Area | Purchase Price (avg per sqm) | 3BR Rent (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| North Ra’anana | ₪38,000–₪45,000 | ₪10,000–₪14,000 |
| Central | ₪30,000–₪38,000 | ₪8,000–₪11,000 |
| South | ₪26,000–₪32,000 | ₪7,000–₪9,500 |
Ra’anana also has new developments and penthouses available with luxury amenities like private parking and rooftop gardens.
Who Should Move to Ra’anana?
Ideal For:
Dati Leumi or Modern Orthodox families
Anglo retirees seeking community and calm
Professionals in high-tech or remote work
Families with children needing English-friendly schools
Olim looking for a supportive community without culture shock
Less Ideal For:
Strictly Charedi families
Olim on a tight budget
Those seeking intense Torah immersion (better in Jerusalem or Beit Shemesh)
People who prefer mixed religious-secular environments (Ra’anana is more culturally cohesive)
Final Thoughts: Suburban Israel with Anglo Soul
If you’re looking for a place in Israel that combines the best of Western lifestyle with a Torah environment, Ra’anana is a top-tier choice. With top schools, clean streets, English-friendly everything, and a strong kehilla, it’s easy to see why so many Olim choose to make their first—or permanent—home here.
Whether you’re walking your child to gan, attending a shiur in English, or shopping for Shabbat on Ahuza Street, life in Ra’anana feels both distinctly Israeli and warmly familiar.
Need help moving to Ra’anana?
At Easy Aliyah, we’ll guide you through every step—from choosing the right neighborhood and finding a school to dealing with bureaucracy and moving in.
Get in touch today to start your seamless Ra’anana relocation.