Ra’anana
Region: Central District
City Type: Mid-Sized City
Population: 74,000
Demographics: Singles, Young Couples, Young Families, Families, and Retirees
Religious Makeup: Chabad, Chardal, Conservative, Dati Leumi, Haredi, Reform, Secular
Affordability: $$$$$ (range 1 to 5)
Climate
Average Temperatures
| Day | Night | |
| January | 18C/64F | 11C/52F |
| August | 31C/88F | 26C/79F |
The average annual percentage of humidity is: 62%.
Ra'anana
Overview
Ra’anana is centrally located (about a 25 minute drive) Northeast of Tel Aviv) with high living standards and a significant English-speaking population. The city is very orderly, pleasant, and well-managed. It boasts a high-tech industrial park where major global companies and local startups employ many locals.
Housing
Housing in Ra’anana is a mix of private homes and apartments throughout its well-designed neighborhoods.
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 | ₪4,000-₪5,500 | ₪1,690,000-₪3,300,000 |
| 4 Bedroom | 90m2-140m2 | ₪4,750-₪6,500 | ₪1,850,000-₪3,550,000 |
Transportation
Both local public transportation and service to destinations throughout Central Israel are good. Rail stations in nearby Kfar Saba and Herzliya provide service to the Tel Aviv area.
Employment
Ra’anana offers a mix of employment opportunities, including significant local employment, telecommuting, and home-based businesses. The industrial zone is home to a number of significant employers, including Microsoft, HP, and Waze. Ra’anana is also a bedroom community for workers who commute to Tel Aviv and other areas in the region.
Education
Schools at all levels from Gan through secondary school offer a variety of religious and secular options, and many offer programs for students with special needs and Olim from English-speaking countries. Ra’anana’s Tali school offers an outstanding path for students transitioning from the Solomon Schechter school system. Ra’anana College and the Open University of Israel provide post-secondary education, and more options are available within commuting distance.
Services for Olim
Ra’anana’s Ministry of Absorption center offers excellent support for new Olim in the city and surrounding area, including counseling, daycare, and many levels of Ulpan programs. The city also has an Ulpan for school-aged children and after-school help for elementary students. Local Synagogues serve as hubs for introductions to more experienced Olim and the opportunity to make new friends and learn strategies.
Community/Religious Life
Like many other communities in Israel, Ra’anana is home to residents with a wide range of religious affiliations, from secular through religious Zionist and Haredi, including Conservative and Reform congregations. Adult education in English, youth groups, and Shiurim tailored to people working North American hours are all available.
Amenities & Attractions
Shopping and dining options are many and varied, with a local mall that includes well-known shops, movie theaters, bowling, and more. Local museums, parks (including one very large and well-known park), and sports centers offer many recreation options.
More Information
Information on this page includes many sources, including Nefesh B’Nefesh and Wikipedia. More information can be found at:
Ra’anana Municipal Website –raanana.muni.il
Anglo List – anglo-list.com/aliyah-information/destinations/raanana2
Facebook English Speakers Raanana – facebook.com/groups/120034841498883