American origins
The story of Ra'anana begins in 1912 with the founding of "Achuza - New York," an association dedicated to Jewish immigration to Israel. After the interruption of World War I, the project resumed in 1922.
On April 2, 1922, two horse-drawn carriages left Tel Aviv carrying four members of the group, three workers, and two armed guards. After a five-hour journey, they pitched the first tent of what would become Ra'anana.
Originally named "Raanania" by its American founders, the town was nicknamed "Americaya" by neighboring Arab villages because its residents spoke mainly English. The name later evolved into the Hebrew form "Ra'anana."
A cosmopolitan city
Today, Ra'anana is home to a diverse population including many immigrants from English-speaking countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa) as well as a significant francophone community.
The city is renowned for the quality of its schools, its parks and green spaces, and its lively downtown area. Ra'anana Municipal Park is one of the finest green spaces in the entire Sharon region.
Real estate in Ra'anana
Ra'anana is one of the most popular cities among francophone and anglophone families relocating to Israel. Sustained demand makes it a consistently dynamic real estate market.
The city offers both villas and modern apartments, with new developments appearing regularly. Its proximity to Tel Aviv and the high-tech zones of Herzliya Pituach makes it a preferred place of residence for professionals in the technology sector.
Prices remain lower than in Tel Aviv while offering a living environment that many families consider superior.
