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Emek Refaim's cafés, Templer stone houses, the First Station and the Train Track Park. The best-known English-speaking address in Jerusalem.
Short answer: the German Colony, HaMoshava HaGermanit, is the best-known English-speaking neighbourhood in Jerusalem: 19th-century Templer stone houses, Emek Refaim Street's cafés, restaurants and shops, the First Station and the Train Track Park on the doorstep, and a mix of families, retirees, diplomats and long-time Israelis. It is walkable, lively and among the most expensive places to live in the city.
At a glance
- Who lives here: English-speaking families and retirees, Israeli professionals, and a diplomatic and international community.
- Housing: restored Templer and Arab-era houses, apartment buildings of every age, and new luxury projects.
- Price band: high.
- Getting around: buses along Emek Refaim to the centre; a 20-minute walk to the centre and about 35 minutes to the Old City; no light rail.
- Everyday shopping: Emek Refaim for groceries, bakeries, pharmacies and cafés; the First Station for restaurants.
- Green space and sport: the Train Track Park, and the Jerusalem Pool community sports centre.
Community
Every flavour of English-speaking shul is within about ten minutes' walk, alongside secular and traditional Israeli neighbours. The neighbourhood has no women's mikvah of its own in our directory; the mikvah directory lists the nearest, in Baka, Katamon and Rehavia. Finding your community explains where people meet.
Pros and cons
- For: walkability, cafés and restaurants, the park, English everywhere, and a neighbourhood that stays busy on weeknights.
- Against: the price, traffic and parking on Emek Refaim, noise near the main street, and many older buildings without a mamad.
Who it suits
English-speaking families and retirees with the budget; visitors staying longer. Where to stay covers short stays.
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: Baka, Katamon, Rehavia and Talbiyeh.
Common questions
Why is it called the German Colony?
It was founded in the 1870s by the Templers, a German Protestant community, whose stone houses still line Emek Refaim.
Is the German Colony expensive?
Yes; it is one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Jerusalem to rent or buy in.
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