Quiet streets, stone houses, the Train Track Park and one of the city's biggest English-speaking family communities. What living in Baka is really like.
Short answer: Baka, officially Geulim, is a quiet, leafy family neighbourhood in south Jerusalem, between the German Colony and Talpiot. It has one of the largest English-speaking religious-Zionist communities in the city, streets of old stone houses mixed with apartment blocks, a village-style high street on Derech Beit Lechem, and the Train Track Park along its edge. Rents are high, though lower than the German Colony, and there is no light rail: life runs on foot and by bus.
At a glance
- Who lives here: young and established families, many English-speaking and religious-Zionist, alongside long-time Israeli residents and some secular households.
- Housing: arched-window stone houses with gardens, 1950s–70s apartment blocks and newer buildings. The older blocks towards Talpiot are the better value.
- Price band: high to mid-high.
- Getting around: buses to the centre in about 20 minutes; the First Station and Emek Refaim are a 10–15 minute walk; no light rail.
- Everyday shopping: Derech Beit Lechem's groceries, bakeries and cafés, with Talpiot's malls and superstores a few minutes away.
- Green space: the Train Track Park (HaMesila) on the western edge, and small neighbourhood parks and playgrounds.
Community and religious life
Baka's community life is its main draw: a dense network of English-speaking shuls and minyanim within a few minutes' walk of each other, active WhatsApp groups, and neighbours who have been through aliyah themselves. Our mikvah directory lists Baka's women's mikvah with address and phone. Finding your community explains how people plug in.
In our directory
Local entries include Super Deal (groceries), Feingold Bread on the Train Track Park, Grand Cafe and Super Hamizrach, a laundry, a hardware store and hair salons. See groceries and bakeries and speciality food for the full lists.
Pros and cons
- For: community, quiet streets, walkability to the First Station and Emek Refaim, strong English-speaking infrastructure.
- Against: rents and purchase prices, older buildings without a mamad or lift, a bus-only commute, and parking on narrow streets.
Who it suits
English-speaking families, especially religious-Zionist ones, who want community and walkable streets and can stretch the budget; retirees who want quiet with buses nearby.
Before you sign
Visit at different times: a weekday morning, Friday afternoon and Shabbat tell you more than any listing. Check the building's mamad or shelter, the stairs and the heating. The renting guide covers the contract, the bills guide covers arnona and the va'ad bayit, and the city-wide neighbourhoods guide compares every area. Nearby alternatives: the German Colony, Katamon, Arnona and Talpiot.
Common questions
Is Baka a good neighbourhood for families?
Yes; it is one of the city's main family neighbourhoods for English-speakers, with a large religious-Zionist community, parks and walkable streets.
Is there a mikvah in Baka?
Yes. Our mikvah directory lists it with the address and phone number.
Is Baka on the light rail?
No. Buses run to the centre in about 20 minutes, and the First Station and Emek Refaim are within walking distance.
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