MOSAIC, Ein HaYam

German Colony Jerusalem

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The German Colony is a comfortable, quiet and peaceful neighborhood in west Jerusalem, located a mere walk away from a number of well-loved locations, including the Emek Refaim high street, the Montefiori windmill, and more. For this reason, it’s long been considered a stable and attractive option for real estate buyers. But what is the German colony really like to live in, and what types of properties can be bought there? Read on to learn more.

 

Why is it called the German Colony?

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The German Colony was initially founded by German Christians who had broken off from the mainstream protestant church in their home country. They were attracted to the Jerusalem area for religious reasons, and so bought land from local Arab landowners, and settled in the neighborhood until World War II, when they were deported by the British. This was as part of a greater movement of German Templers, who founded a number of colonies and settlements around the country, including in Jaffa and Haifa.

 

This is the basis for the name, and the start of the area’s modern history. But in actual fact, the neighborhood is technically older than this – it may even have been mentioned in the Bible, under the name of Emek Rephaim (the name still used for the local high street).

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What is the German Colony like?

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The German colony is a quiet, peaceful and clean neighborhood. Its houses, like most in the city, are built in the ‘Jerusalem stone’ style, using large parchment-colored slabs on the façade to make the neighborhood look homogenous and suit the aesthetic of Jerusalem. This, combined with the abundant trees, bushes and public natural spaces, makes the German Colony a beautiful place to live in.

 

In terms of atmosphere, there are mostly families and elderly people residing in the neighborhood, although it is also popular with students and young couples. Many residents are religious, particularly modern Orthodox, and there is no lack of synagogues within walking distance from most streets. There is a thriving Anglo community in the German colony – you are just as likely to hear English as Hebrew walking along the streets.

 

In the neighborhood are parks and some excellent schools, making this a particularly family-friendly area. For those without children, the cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants are definitely a key attractor – it is possible to have great wining and dining experiences without even having to leave the confines of your neighborhood. Most of these are located on the Emek Refaim high street, a long road filled with places to eat and drink, as well as a number of convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and banks.

 

In terms of culture, the Jerusalem Theatre is located on the border between the German Colony and Talbiye/Rehavia, within a walking distance from most parts of the neighborhood. The Islamic Art and Natural History Museums are also located here.

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What type of property should I buy in the German Colony?

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Some houses in the German Colony are what is known as ‘Arab-style’ – beautiful stone buildings with high ceilings and a spacious layout, sometimes also with unusual features like vaults. Some of these houses are indeed historical, dating back to German colonization or even before. As such, they are very sought-after. In fact, they have their pros and cons – while they are very beautiful, they also tend to be cold and drafty in winter. Some may also need things like electric sockets updated, or mold treatment.

 

Other houses are new builds. These still take into consideration the aesthetics of the neighborhood, but they are also built with modern features, like elevators and updated insulation, that make life slightly easier. They are also usually designed with Jewish life in mind – Shabbat elevators and Sukkah balconies are common features of German Colony builds.

 

In either case, American buyers should update their attitude to space. While in the United States, many people are accustomed to large houses with big private yards and personal garages, the Israeli way of life is more modest – you are more likely to find an apartment for the same budget, and you are less likely to have spare rooms or purpose-built storage areas. Instead of focusing on size, focus on how spacious the apartment feels – an open plan and a strong source of natural light can go much further than an extra bedroom.