Haifa
Region: Central
City Type: Major City
Population: 286,000
Demographics: Singles, young couples, young families, retirees
Religious Makeup: Chabad, Chardal, Conservative, Dati Leumi, Haredi, Reform, Secular
Affordability: $$$ (range 1 to 5)
Climate
Average Temperatures
Day | Night | |
January | 16C/61F | 9C/48F |
August | 30C/86F | 23C/73F |
Average relative humidity ranges from 59% in November to 82% in August.
Haifa
Overview
Haifa Aliyah is a popular choice, with a strong support network for Olim and a significant English-speaking population. Haifa is a major economic and scientific center on the Mediterranean coast with a varied population. The smaller, but growing, Haredi population and relatively larger unaffiliated or non-Jewish populations vary from the Israeli average. The city has a varied cultural life and an unhurried lifestyle.
Housing
Haifa offers an extensive range of housing opportunities in a variety of neighborhoods, often with beautiful views. Construction ranges from studio apartments to private homes, in neighborhoods with a variety of cost and building styles.
Housing prices vary widely, based on location, features, and condition, but recent searches yielded these prices for apartment rentals and purchases:
Type | Size (Sq. Meters) | Rent | Purchase |
2 Bedroom | 70m2-110m2 | ₪1,800-₪3,000 | ₪319,000-₪1,165,000 |
4 Bedroom | 90m2-140m2 | ₪3,500-₪4,500 | ₪629,000-₪2,150,000 |
Transportation
Haifa is served by a rich network of public transportation within the city and connecting to other areas. The Carmelit subway, a cable car, and shared taxi services augment the local bus system. Intercity trains and buses offer frequent and convenient connections to Tel Aviv and destinations throughout Israel. Commuter ride systems are also available. Highways connect Haifa to other parts of Israel, including the coastal highway connection to Tel Aviv.
Employment
Haifa is a major employment and economic center, with a large number of jobs in a variety of industries. Haifa is home to the oldest industrial park in Israel, which houses offices of a large number of well-known international companies. Universities, the chemical industry, the military, and the Israel Electric Company are major employers. Workers also commute to Tel Aviv, Netanya, and other locations within a 1-hour travel radius.
Education
A large number and variety of local schools serve students from preschool and kindergarten through university, including special education programs. Many outstanding secular schools operate, and a variety of religious neighborhood schools offer a range of educational opportunities. Post-secondary institutions include the world-famous University of Haifa and Technion, as well as a number of colleges and training programs.
Services for Olim
Haifa Aliyah offers a softer landing and integration with numerous services for Olim. The city has support for arriving immigrants with employment and housing services, language training, and special assistance for schoolchildren. Online support from the municipality and various online groups add to the community resources, offering a very extensive network of support for Olim.
Community/Religious Life
Haifa is known for peaceful coexistence between Jews of many traditions and the city’s Christian, Muslim, Druze, and other populations. Many synagogues serve a variety of communities in the neighborhoods favored by Orthodox and traditional residents. Significant numbers of English speakers are found in a variety of neighborhoods, and tend to be well-integrated in general Israeli/Haifa society.
Amenities & Attractions
As a large city with an active seaport, Haifa offers a very wide range of shopping, dining, cultural, sport, and other activities. Youth, adult, and senior groups offer education, entertainment and cultural experiences. Libraries, sports and recreation areas, museums, and theaters abound. The local region offers a wider range of nature-related and other destinations for every age and taste.
.
More Information
Information on this page includes many sources, including Wikipedia. More information can be found at:
Haifa Municipal Website haifa.muni.il
Haifa Aliyah Website haifaaliyah.co.il
Facebook Haifa Aliyah Group facebook.com/groups/280775821996057/
Facebook Haifa Young English Speakers Group facebook.com/groups/haifayoungenglishspeakers