Living in Netanya: The Israeli Riviera's Hidden Gem
Discovering Netanya: My Journey to Israel's Coastal Paradise
When I first considered moving to Israel three years ago, Tel Aviv dominated every conversation. The bustling metropolis seemed like the only option for someone seeking Mediterranean beaches alongside urban amenities. Then a local friend suggested, "Why not check out Netanya? You get the beaches without the Tel Aviv prices."
That casual recommendation changed everything. After three years of living in this beautiful coastal city, I'm sharing my insider's guide to Netanya – what some call Israel's best-kept secret.
Why Netanya? The Coastal City with Room to Breathe
Situated halfway between Tel Aviv and Haifa, Netanya offers 14 kilometers of stunning beaches with a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other Israeli coastal cities: dramatic sandstone cliffs rising 30-50 meters above the Mediterranean. These cliffs not only create breathtaking views but provide the elevation that allows cool sea breezes to flow through the city, making even summer evenings pleasant.
Unlike the dense urban sprawl of Tel Aviv, Netanya feels spacious. Wide boulevards, abundant parks, and that endless horizon where the Mediterranean meets the sky create a sense of openness that's rare in Israeli cities. Yet with nearly 230,000 residents, it's no sleepy beach town – you'll find all the services and amenities you need for comfortable living.
A Day in the Life: Morning Coffee to Sunset Strolls
My typical Netanya day begins at one of the cafés along the cliff-top promenade, where I enjoy my morning coffee with a panoramic sea view. The city wakes up later than Tel Aviv – the pace is noticeably more relaxed here.
By mid-morning, locals are hitting the beaches, accessible via the unique glass elevators built into the cliff face (an experience in themselves!). Poleg Beach in the north attracts the surfing crowd, while families tend to prefer the calmer waters of Lagoon Beach with its protective breakwaters.
Lunchtime brings difficult choices between authentic hummus at a family-run spot in the shuk (market), fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, or perhaps a French-inspired meal at one of the many bistros that reflect the city's large French population.
Afternoons might include shopping at the modern Ir Yamim Mall in the north or exploring the pedestrianized section of historic Herzl Street in the city center. As evening approaches, the promenade fills with joggers, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and families enjoying the sunset from strategically placed viewing areas along the cliff top.
The Multicultural Tapestry: Where the World Meets
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Netanya is its multicultural character. Walk down any street and you'll hear a symphony of languages – Hebrew, of course, but also French, English, Russian, and Spanish.
"Netanya isn't just a place where people from different countries live side by side," explains David, a British immigrant who's called Netanya home for a decade. "It's a place where communities have transplanted pieces of their home cultures while embracing Israeli life."
This is most evident in the French influence that has earned Netanya its nickname "The Israeli Riviera." An estimated 20,000+ French residents have created a vibrant French ecosystem – from authentic patisseries and bistros to French-speaking medical practices and schools.
The "Anglo" (English-speaking) community is equally established, with organizations like ESRA (English Speaking Residents Association) hosting regular social events and volunteer opportunities. Russian speakers, primarily immigrants from the former Soviet Union, have their own cultural centers and businesses, while a growing Latin American community brings Spanish flair to certain neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Spot
Each of Netanya's neighborhoods has its own distinct personality, catering to different lifestyles and budgets:
North Netanya: Modern Luxury
Ir Yamim is Netanya's showcase neighborhood – a masterfully planned community of modern high-rises with sea views, wide boulevards, and manicured parks. Popular with wealthy Israelis and foreign investors (particularly French), it offers upscale living with amenities like pools and 24-hour security. The neighborhood centers around the impressive Ir Yamim Mall, with premium shopping and dining options.
Nearby Ramat Poleg offers a mix of luxury apartment complexes and private villas, with a significant Anglo and French population. It's close to Poleg Beach, popular with surfers, and features several international schools.
Central Netanya: The Heart of the City
The area around Independence Square (Kikar Ha'atzmaut) forms Netanya's historic and commercial center. The large plaza overlooks the Mediterranean, with the main beach access via a cliff elevator. This area blends older apartment buildings with luxury towers, creating a vibrant mix of tourist amenities and residential life. It's the most urban part of Netanya, with shops, restaurants, and cafés lining the streets.
The Beach Area (Sironit) features premium real estate with sea views, popular with foreign investors who often use properties as vacation homes. The beautifully developed promenade (tayelet) runs along the cliff top, lined with restaurants and cafés.
South and East: Value and Community
For those seeking more affordable options, neighborhoods like Neot Shaked and East Kiryat HaSharon offer newer apartments at more accessible price points. These areas are popular with young families and first-time buyers, with good schools and growing commercial infrastructure.
Religious residents often choose Kiryat Sanz, known for its strong Hasidic presence and religious institutions, or the more Modern Orthodox areas within other neighborhoods.
Housing Market: More Bang for Your Buck
One of Netanya's biggest draws is its housing value compared to Tel Aviv. While still not cheap by international standards, Netanya offers significantly more space and amenities for your money:
A 3-4 room apartment with sea views ranges from ₪2.5-6 million ($700,000-1.7 million) depending on age, location, and amenities
Modern apartments in premium neighborhoods without sea views run ₪1.8-3 million ($500,000-850,000)
More affordable options in developing areas start around ₪1.2 million ($340,000)
Rental prices follow similar patterns, with a typical one-bedroom apartment ranging from ₪3,000-6,000 ($850-1,700) monthly depending on location and quality.
For foreign buyers, the purchase process is straightforward, with no restrictions on property ownership. However, first-time buyers should engage a local attorney familiar with Israeli real estate law and be prepared for a property purchase tax (Mas Rechisha) of approximately 8% for foreign buyers.
Getting Around: Connected to Israel and Within
Netanya's central location on Israel's coastal plain makes it an ideal base for exploring the country. The train station offers frequent service to Tel Aviv (25-35 minutes), Haifa (40-50 minutes), and Ben Gurion Airport (with connection).
Within the city, an extensive bus network connects all neighborhoods, though service is limited during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Many residents use private cars, with parking significantly easier than in Tel Aviv.
For beach access, Netanya's unique cliff elevators are a highlight – glass-enclosed elevators that transport you from the cliff top down to beach level, offering spectacular views during the descent.
Beach Life: The Heart of Netanya's Appeal
Netanya's beaches are undoubtedly its crown jewel, offering a different experience than the flat coastline of Tel Aviv. The dramatic sandstone cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to the Mediterranean waters and create a sense of discovery as you descend to each beach.
From the surfing hotspot of Poleg Beach in the north to the family-friendly Lagoon Beach with its protective breakwaters, each beach has its own character. Sironit Beach serves as the main central beach below Independence Square, complete with restaurants, beach equipment rental, and a unique "beach library" lending books in multiple languages during summer months.
The beach promenade (tayelet) runs along the cliff top for nearly 10km, offering spectacular views and serving as the city's primary public space for walking, jogging, and people-watching. Outdoor fitness equipment, children's playgrounds, and numerous benches and seating areas make it accessible to all ages.
Working in Netanya: Local Options and Commuter Life
While many residents commute to Tel Aviv or Herzliya for work (a 30-60 minute journey depending on transportation method), Netanya's local economy is growing steadily.
The high-tech sector has established a presence in the Poleg Industrial Area and Netanya Industrial Zone, with several R&D centers and technology companies. The diamond industry, historically significant in Netanya, still maintains operations, while tourism, retail, education, and healthcare provide substantial employment opportunities.
For remote workers and digital nomads, Netanya offers an attractive quality of life at lower costs than Tel Aviv, with reliable internet infrastructure and some co-working spaces emerging to serve this growing population.
The Practical Side: Healthcare, Education, and Daily Life
Healthcare that Works
Israel's universal healthcare system extends to Netanya, with all four major health funds (Kupot Holim) maintaining multiple clinics throughout the city. Laniado Hospital serves as the city's medical center, while specialists across all fields practice locally.
For foreign residents, the healthcare system is particularly navigable in Netanya, with many medical professionals speaking English, French, or Russian. "I was worried about handling medical issues in a new country," shares Sarah, an American immigrant. "But I found doctors who speak perfect English and take the time to explain everything. The digital systems for appointments and prescriptions are actually more advanced than what I had back home."
Education for a Global Community
Netanya's multicultural character shines in its educational options. Beyond the standard Hebrew-language public schools, the city offers several international and bilingual options:
French Schools like Collège Français Marc Chagall follow the French curriculum alongside Hebrew studies
English-Language Programs cater to the Anglo community
Specialized Religious Education ranges from Modern Orthodox to Ultra-Orthodox options
Netanya Academic College provides higher education locally, while the world-famous Wingate Institute just north of the city serves as Israel's national center for physical education and sport.
For adults, Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language) programs help newcomers integrate, with both public and private options available to fit different schedules and learning preferences.
Beyond the Basics: Culture, Cuisine, and Community
A Taste of Netanya
Netanya's dining scene reflects its multicultural population, with exceptional strength in Mediterranean, French, and North African cuisines. Fresh seafood features prominently on many menus, while the significant French population has brought authentic patisseries, boulangeries, and bistros throughout the city.
The Netanya Market (shuk) offers a traditional Israeli market experience with fresh produce, spices, and prepared foods, while various ethnic grocery stores ensure that ingredients from around the world are readily available.
Cultural Life and Recreation
While not matching Tel Aviv's cutting-edge cultural scene, Netanya offers plenty to keep residents engaged:
The Netanya Cultural Center hosts performances, exhibits, and events
Multiple sports facilities, including the professional-grade Wingate Institute
Water sports from surfing to paddleboarding along the coast
Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and family entertainment centers
An active community calendar with festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations
Finding Your Community
Perhaps Netanya's greatest strength is how quickly newcomers can find their place within the community. Whether through nationality-based groups, religious communities, or shared interests, there's a social circle waiting to welcome you.
Organizations like ESRA for English speakers, the Association of French Immigrants, and various Russian cultural centers provide ready-made communities for newcomers, while hobby groups, sports clubs, and volunteer organizations offer additional ways to connect.
The Netanya Lifestyle: Is It Right for You?
Netanya isn't for everyone. Those seeking the cutting-edge nightlife and startup energy of Tel Aviv might find it too laid back. Hardcore urbanists might miss the density and intensity of bigger cities.
But for many, Netanya hits a sweet spot that's increasingly rare in modern life – a place where you can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and a relaxed pace while still accessing urban amenities and staying connected to major centers.
"I used to think I was compromising by choosing Netanya over Tel Aviv," admits Jonathan, who relocated from London three years ago. "Now when friends visit and I show them my spacious apartment with sea views, the beautiful beaches and promenade, and my five-minute commute to my co-working space, they wonder why anyone would choose differently."
Making the Move: First Steps
If Netanya has caught your interest, consider these first steps:
Visit during different seasons to experience the city beyond the summer high season
Connect with expat communities through Facebook groups like "Netanya Anglos" or "French-speaking Netanya"
Explore different neighborhoods to find the area that best matches your lifestyle and budget
Research visa requirements based on your nationality and circumstances
Begin learning Hebrew basics, even if you'll primarily use your native language within your community
Whether you're seeking retirement paradise, a family-friendly beach city, or an affordable base with good connections to Israel's major employment centers, Netanya deserves serious consideration. This "Israeli Riviera" offers Mediterranean living with a multicultural twist that just might be the perfect combination you've been searching for.
About the Author: After three years in Netanya following a decade in Tel Aviv, I'm constantly discovering new reasons to love this coastal gem. Follow my continuing adventures in Mediterranean living at this blog.
Have questions about Netanya? Drop them in the comments below, and I'll do my best to answer from my experience.