Ir Yamim at a Glance
Ir Yamim is Netanya's newest and most modern neighborhood, built from scratch in the 2000s on the southern edge of the city. Where Netanya's city center has narrow streets and aging buildings, Ir Yamim has wide boulevards, new high-rise towers, manicured parks and a massive shopping mall. It's what happens when you plan a neighborhood from zero with 21st-century families in mind.
The neighborhood sits on a ridge overlooking the Mediterranean. Many apartments in the taller buildings have partial or full sea views. The beach is accessible via a short drive or the coastal road, though it's not as walkable as the city center. What Ir Yamim trades in old-world charm, it gains in convenience, space and modernity.
For families, it's arguably the best option in Netanya. Good schools, safe streets, large apartments with parking and storage, playgrounds everywhere, and the Ir Yamim Mall โ one of the largest in the Sharon region โ right in the middle of it all. It attracts young Israeli families, French-speaking Olim who want modern amenities, and professionals commuting to Tel Aviv or Herzliya.
Daily Life in Ir Yamim
Ir Yamim Mall
The neighborhood's anchor โ a large modern mall with supermarkets, fashion chains, restaurants, cinema, kids' play areas and services. It's where most daily life happens. Everything under one roof, year-round.
Parks & Playgrounds
Well-designed public parks throughout the neighborhood. Large green spaces, jogging paths, outdoor fitness equipment and multiple playgrounds. Families spend weekends outdoors here. It's designed for kids.
Modern Buildings
New construction means elevators, parking, storage rooms (mahsan), central A/C, and modern kitchens. Apartments are spacious by Israeli standards โ 4-room flats of 100-120mยฒ are common. No old-building surprises.
Schools
New schools built for the neighborhood. Religious and secular options. Good kindergartens. Families don't need to bus children across the city. The educational infrastructure was planned alongside the housing.
Car-Friendly
Unlike Netanya center, Ir Yamim is designed for cars. Wide roads, underground parking, easy highway access. Route 2 and Route 57 are nearby. Commuting to Tel Aviv (35 min), Herzliya (20 min) or Kfar Saba (15 min) is straightforward.
Beach Access
The Poleg Beach area is a short drive south. Not walking distance like the city center, but close enough for regular beach days. The Blue Bay area to the north is also accessible. You'll want a car for beach trips.
Rental Budget Guide
Ir Yamim is more expensive than Netanya's city center โ you're paying for new construction, modern amenities and space. But it's still significantly cheaper than comparable neighborhoods in Tel Aviv or even Ra'anana. The value proposition is strong: brand-new apartments with sea views at a fraction of central Israel prices.
| Type | Monthly Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Rooms (1BR) | 4,500โ6,000 โช | Smaller units, young couples |
| 3 Rooms (2BR) | 5,500โ7,500 โช | Most popular rental size |
| 4 Rooms (3BR) | 7,500โ10,000 โช | Families, sea-view premium |
| 5 Rooms (4BR) | 10,000โ14,000 โช | Large families, penthouses |
| Arnona (municipal tax) | ~3,000 โช/year | For 100mยฒ apartment |
| Va'ad Bayit | 250โ500 โช/month | Higher in towers with amenities |
Who Lives in Ir Yamim?
The Ir Yamim Community
- Young Israeli families โ the core demographic, drawn by schools and space
- French-speaking Olim who want modern living with proximity to the Francophone community in the center
- Professionals commuting to Tel Aviv, Herzliya or the Poleg industrial zone
- Anglo families looking for affordable, modern, family-friendly living near the coast
- Retirees upgrading from older Netanya apartments to modern buildings with elevators
Resident Story
"We moved from a cramped 3-room in Tel Aviv to a brand-new 4-room with a sea view in Ir Yamim. We pay less rent, have parking, a storage room, and our kids have parks everywhere. I commute to Herzliya in 20 minutes. We should have done this years ago."