Jerusalem area

Jerusalem

Israel's capital and largest city, with a large English-speaking population and tens of thousands of Nefesh B'Nefesh olim. Neighborhoods range from historic to suburban, and some are religiously homogeneous while others are mixed. Arab residents make up about 37% of the population, and the Jewish population leans religious.

Visit Jerusalem Local Compare Jerusalem with other cities

What draws people

Large English-speaking population and tens of thousands of NBN olim. source ((opens in a new tab))
Light rail (Red Line) running since 2011, plus a fast train to Tel Aviv from Yitzhak Navon station. source ((opens in a new tab))
Wide choice of neighborhoods and school types, from historic areas to quiet suburbs. source ((opens in a new tab))

What to weigh

Rent is above most cities in the CBS table: about NIS 6,180/month on average for 3.5-4 rooms (Apr-Jun 2026). source ((opens in a new tab))
Some neighborhoods are homogeneous in religious affiliation, so fit depends heavily on the neighborhood. source ((opens in a new tab))

The facts

Region: Jerusalem area
Population: 1,050,153 (2024 estimate)CBS 2024 estimate as listed on Wikipedia; includes East Jerusalem.source ((opens in a new tab))
English-speaking community: Very large (5 out of 5)· judgment call
French-speaking community: Medium (3 out of 5)· judgment call
Russian-speaking community: Small (2 out of 5)· judgment call
Religious mix: Mixed, leaning religiousMixed, leaning religious. Only 18% of Jewish residents are secular and Haredim are 35% of the adult Jewish population; Arab residents make up about 37% of the population.source ((opens in a new tab))
Rent (family-size apartment): NIS 6,180 – 7,748 a monthCBS averages, Apr-Jun 2026 (3.5-4 rooms to 4.5+ rooms)CBS average rent in Jerusalem, Apr-Jun 2026: 3.5-4 rooms (min figure) and 4.5+ rooms (max figure). These are averages, not the cheapest or most expensive listings.source ((opens in a new tab))
To Tel Aviv: About 41 min to Tel Aviv by trainAbout 41 min by train from Yitzhak Navon to Tel Aviv Center, or about 48 min by bus (Rome2rio estimates).source ((opens in a new tab))
Train station: Yes
Light rail: Yes
For families: High (4 out of 5)· judgment call
Quiet: Fairly low (2 out of 5)· judgment call

Why these scores

English-speaking community: NBN: 'Large English-speaking population; Tens of thousands of NBN Olim.' source ((opens in a new tab))
French-speaking community: Wikipedia: in 2005 most new immigrants to Jerusalem came from the US, France and the former Soviet Union. No current figure found. Judgment call. source ((opens in a new tab))
Russian-speaking community: Same 2005 Wikipedia mention of FSU immigrants; no current figure found. Judgment call. source ((opens in a new tab))
For families: Judgment: NBN lists every school type and quiet residential areas, but it is a large, busy city. source ((opens in a new tab))
Quiet: Judgment: city of over 1 million; quieter suburban neighborhoods exist (NBN). source ((opens in a new tab))

Sources

Checked 8 November 2026

Jerusalem Local

Listings, guides, neighborhoods and Shabbat times for Jerusalem, on the city's own site.

Visit Jerusalem Local

Nefesh B'Nefesh community guide ((opens in a new tab))

Other cities

Jerusalem area
Ramat Beit Shemesh / Beit Shemesh
Beit Shemesh is a fast-growing city between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv that has become a major center for English-speaking immigrants, who tend to be Orthodox.
English-speaking community
Very large (5 out of 5)
Facts and sources
Jerusalem area
Ma'ale Adumim
A city 7 km east of Jerusalem with a mall, library and sports facilities and desert views.
English-speaking community
Small (2 out of 5)
Facts and sources
Tel Aviv area
Tel Aviv-Yafo
Israel's main center for business, culture and dining, in a metropolitan area of more than 4 million people.
English-speaking community
Large (4 out of 5)
Facts and sources

The 17 cities