Tel Aviv Yourself Ep 1: Effortlessly finding an apartment in Tel Aviv

Welcome to the series about my life in Tel Aviv. Every once in a while, I will be posting short stories about my life in the city I now call home.

Now, this series is very raw and unedited. As this is my story, as I have full ownership of this blog as my creative space, you are going to get my version if you choose to continue reading. Thanks, and enjoy!

If you are regularly reading this blog, I am sure you arenā€™t surprised about my impulsive decisions on finding an apartment in  Tel Aviv.

I never planned to do this nor imagined myself living somewhere but it happened so I am embracing it with every molecule in my body.

Coming to Israel unfolded many possibilities for me. It was a life event that up until today, I still canā€™t believe how or why am I here. How did I get here?! Everything went so fast, I lost track.

I was invited by Vibe Israel, a non-profit organization igniting a new conversation in Israel by eradicating the negative connotations about the country. How they see the world is at par with my travel ethics so when they e-mailed me, I immediately said yes.

A good friend of mine whom I met in Peru was also getting married so that was another reason to go to Israel. Experiencing an Israeli wedding? Why not!

I donā€™t use guidebooks. Iā€™m a lazy researcher. When going to a new country, I always wanted to surprise myself by not knowing anything about it.

That really got me into trouble when I arrived the Ben Gurion International Airport on a warm day in August. It was a Shabbat (Saturday) which means trains are not operating and the only way from the airport to the city is by taking a taxi.

To be able to familiarise myself with the transportation system of a certain country, I am 100% anti-taxi but it seemed like I didnā€™t have a choice. This is culture I was debating with and I donā€™t think thereā€™s another way out of that.

One by one, I asked every taxi driver about the price to ride to the city. Everyone said 160 nis. I didnā€™t have a clear idea about the currency conversion so I called a friend and asked. 160 sounded too much for me.

ā€œWhat??? 32 euros? You are kidding!ā€ She then explained that I am not being ripped off. It was really the default rate for airport taxis going to the city.

That was the first surprise I experience in Israel: I did not expect it to be this expensive. ā€œBlackLane might be cheaper. Try it if you donā€™t really want to pay the 160.ā€ My friend said.

I did what my friend said and ended up paying a few bucks less. Still didnā€™t change the fact that Israel is an expensive country but it was a very comfortable ride.

As we approached Tel Aviv, the sun was shining down at the skyscrapers that seemed to welcome me with ease. It felt so weird that I literally felt the city was talking to me.

After the media trip with Vibe Israel, I have a longer story on the many reasons why I moved to Tel Aviv but yes, for now, I am here. This is my home. This is my base.

Why Tel Aviv?

The proper question should be, ā€œwhy not?ā€ I have no concrete explanation for this as everything in my life are based on feelings. My mother gave me ā€˜the ticking timebombā€™ monicker as I always am full of surprises.

ā€œAna Patricia, you are nearly giving me a heart attackā€ was her usual response. As the years passed, she got used to it and I feel very supported by her and my entire family.

ā€œWhat do you mean you are looking for an apartment in Tel Aviv? Why? How? When? For how long?ā€

ā€œI already moved. And I donā€™t know the answer to most of your questions, mum.ā€

ā€œOh my God, THIS CHILD! But okay.ā€

I donā€™t think I have to know. When I want something, I really have to be next to it. Thatā€™s how I felt about Tel Aviv. I was craving for it, it was like a drug ā€” I have to have it.

Ditching the original plan of traveling the whole Middle East (which I will still do but it will take time) made my whole community more confused about this so-called ā€˜scatteredā€™ life.

Do I have to know? I donā€™t have to know. Life is disorderly. Life does not respect the timeline we made for ourselves because times change and we should respond to that change.

No matter what we do, we trip, we cry while chopping onions, we get drunk, we fall off the bike from being drunk, we are stuck in traffic, we get into failed relationships, we fall in love over and over again, yet we end up being okay and at peace.

We might not admit it consciously but we know there are a lot of things about life we cannot control.

I am not going to control my life. Itā€™s tedious. Itā€™s a lot of work. I donā€™t have to know. I like going after something I have strong feelings for and this is one of those unexplainably strong feelings ā€” Tel Aviv.

I really donā€™t have to know. Life is happening right now. Tomorrow is another day. Seriously, I donā€™t want to know, mum.

How I found my apartment

I was traveling around Mata and the Palestine territories when I had the sudden urge and excitement to look for an apartment in Tel Aviv. I never had one for a long time and I donā€™t know, maybe turning 28 in a city I fell in love with changed the way I looked at my life. 

My Israeli friends introduced me to many Facebook groups where I can look. Apparently, hopping apartments is a trend in Tel Aviv.

I went to one group, saw a lot of postings with pictures of the apartment layout. It took me about 2 down scrolls to find one. Again, feelings.

A studio apartment was posted there, published a few seconds ago, commentless, likeless. I think I got first dibs. I immediately sent a message to the person who posted it and well, everything was magic.

ā€œI canā€™t believe you wonā€™t even personally see that flat and you already put a downpayment. You are unbelievable, Trisha!ā€ a friend who I was traveling with said.

ā€œFeelings, mate. Feelings! I know itā€™s the right place for me. You will see.ā€

I did not have the time or energy to travel all the way to Tel Aviv from Palestine and go back just to see an apartment. The pictures were pretty clear and the girl I dealt with seemed to be a pleasant and trusted contact.

ā€œAlthough I have to admit itā€™s a pretty cool catch. Itā€™s very hard to find a studio in Tel Aviv.ā€

The Tel Aviv trend is sharing an apartment with roommates. It might be people you know, more often people you donā€™t know and I didnā€™t think I was ready for that.

Having roommates would be really cool but this is a new chapter for me so I wanted to do it by myself. I need the space. I need the time to absorb the continuously piling crazy events in my life. It gets crazy by the minute, I tell you.

When it comes to renting/apartment sharing, Tel Aviv has itā€™s own dictionary. These are the things I learned along the way and nobody really explained me this when I first moved here.

Sublet (Verb: ā€œsublettingā€). Can be short term or long term but it is usually renting a place in which the contract is not under you.

The real owner of the room/apt/studio might be traveling for 2-3 months. Itā€™s like Airbnb but on a long-term basis. This word was so foreign to me but it sounded really beautiful I often used it.

Rooms. Now read this carefully. In Tel Aviv, all apartments have different layouts so the living room (common area) is always counted as a ā€œroom.ā€

When you see a posting that says, ā€œ3-roomed apartment,ā€ that means 2-bedrooms and a living room.

Bills. Often the open rental ads donā€™t include the bills in the total cost of the rental. For example, mine was posted at 3,000 nis ($776 USD).

I got so excited, said yes and didnā€™t even ask if the electric/water bills are already included. On top of the 3,000 nis, I have to pay extra 300 nis for the bills depending on my consumption.

Facebook groups where you can easily find an apartment in Tel Aviv

  1. Secret Tel Aviv
  2. Apartments/roommates in Tel Aviv
  3. Tel Aviv area apartments, rooms, and apartment stuff
  4. Roommates in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas
  5. Tel Aviv cool rooms and apartments
  6. Tel Aviv ā€“ rooms for rent, roommates, and short term sublets
  7. The Sublet ā€“ Tel Aviv
  8. Tel Aviv Apartment Available
  9. Tel Aviv Apartments
  10. Looking for an apartment in Tel Aviv
  11. Tel Aviv Apartments ā€“ Buy/Rent/Sell/Trade!!!

Choosing the area you want to live in

I tell you, every apartment in Tel Aviv is artistically rich. This is a friendā€™s shared flat in Florentin.

This is tricky most especially if you are not familiar with Tel Aviv. Most people I know who moved to Tel Aviv have visited at least once, hence the decision.

For those who got jobs here (probably with a multinational company) and have not visited prior, Tel Aviv is divided into 3 main areas namely South, Center and North:

The South

The South of Tel Aviv consists of Yehuda Halevi and Harakevet streets. Though close proximity, the famous Jaffa is also in this area but it is considered as a separate entity.

After deeply exploring the South for the past few weeks, I really am looking for an apartment here where I can move in June. This time, with roommates.

The roommate sensation have ignited my curiosity and interests ever since I started hanging out in friendsā€™ apartments. I think it is pretty cool to have roommates!

Florentin is one of the most iconic areas of the south as it is home to artists and hipsters a like. An abundant work of art, street graffiti, sleek cafes where people are often spotted smoking weed, tattoo shops parade this area.

This is a really cool terrain for artists! The famous Levinsky Market is also in the south and I am truly obsessed with this scene!

The Central Bus Station and the Haganah Train Station is also housed in the south. These are the main transportation means in and out of Tel Aviv.

The Center

The center is known to be the most accessible in terms of shopping malls, supermarkets, and the lively party scene. Dizengoff, Rothschild, Allenby and Ben Yehuda are the main avenues from South to North and this full stretch has everything in its center.

It is also close to the beach (about 2-10 min walk max) so this is where I actually chose to live! The beach is one of the most important routines I do on a daily basis so if you are a beach person, the center is for you. It is also close to many restaurants, cafes, and popular bars/clubs.

Rent is a bit higher in this area and Iā€™d like to say youā€™re paying for the accessibility and efficiency if you choose to live here.

The North

Considered as a more upscale part of the city, the north has many residential areas, several neighbourhoods and business hubs.

Anything north of Ben Gurion Boulevard and West of Ibn Gabirol Street is considered the north. The Hayarkon Park and River is also located here. 

Ramat Haā€™Chayal, a business area is flocked mostly by the work force and young professionals.

Wherever you choose to live in Tel Aviv, note that busses are the most efficient way in commuting from one place to another.

Rush hours can be really stressful so it is better if you have a bike and/or live closely to the area of your interest (i.e. work, lifestyle, hang out places, etc).

3 weeks living in Tel Aviv and I am loving every minute!

It has always been backward for me: ā€œlife gets easier as I grow older.ā€

The first time I was finally out of the house, living out of my parentā€™s radar, I was so excited to get furniture for my apartment, invite friends over for a housewarming, buy everything I see in the mall as long as itā€™s related to home decor.

We all passed this stage of being excited and declaring, ā€œHey mom! Look at me! Iā€™m an adult! Iā€™m buying a freaking furniture!ā€

But if you havenā€™t and is itching to live on your own, wellā€¦ Donā€™t rush.

After the honeymoon stage with your new life living by yourself, things will be difficult if you think this is all play. No one will be there to pick up the bags of potato chips you left on the floor from last nightā€™s party with your friends.

As you open the shower getting ready for work, water wonā€™t come out because you will realise you forgot to pay the bills. Seriously, why wonā€™t the bills just go pay themselves?!

You open the fridge to have something for breakfast but there is nothing. Itā€™s empty. You had a party, remember?

Without showering, you get ready for work only to find out that you donā€™t have a clean underwear. Plan B: wear bikini bottoms.

These are just small thingsā€¦ But major things happen. Of course, you donā€™t want to call home and ask for help. It will defeat the purpose of you trying to be independent. An adult.

You donā€™t want to prove your mom right. But deep inside, you want to say, ā€œCan you just please take me back!ā€

Thereā€™s no denying it tho. I miss how I can just sit down and wait for food prepared by mum. Then eat, and eat and eat. I miss the high-end washing machine (that does things by itself, btw).

I miss the fridge and cupboards that I can always hack for munchies ā€” FOR FREE.

But what got me through is not getting past it but swimming through it. It was a hell of a ride and now that I am back in having my own place again, I feel like a better person and have surprised myself a lot of time,

ā€œWow, man, I am really good at this.ā€

And believe me traveling the world for years had nothing to do with it.

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30 Comments

  1. It looks like a really cool neighbourhood. Do you have any pics of what it looked like after you rearranged it? It would be cool to see before and after shots.

  2. Ask me about Shabbat! If you don’t plan in advance you could be stuck ! We had to walk 12 Kms since there were no taxi also that day.
    Oh you reminded me of Israel.

  3. Wow, what an experience to just dive right in and live in a new city. I’ve heard that Tel Aviv was amazing, one of these days I’ll have to visit and see it for myself.

  4. A great resource for people looking at moving to Isreal. Especially the explanation on apartment descriptions. Its good to know that the bus network works well and is great to move around on.

  5. Your posts always inspire me. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, just be impromptu and move. I usually am impromptu with travel plans but with moving —– I take my sweet time. I admire you though. Thanks Trish.

  6. I can only imagine how much research you may have done to have so much of comprehensive information on apartment-hunting. It is definitely a very useful post for people who are looking to live in Tel Aviv and are lost on how-where to begin. Great post.

  7. So glad you’re loving your time in Tel Aviv – congrats on the apartment. I’m always so impressed with your strong will and willingness to act on your gut instincts! Life’s an adventure that way!

  8. Glad to know you aren’t overthinking it. Life has a way of taking you where you are destined to go, you just need to take the first step on your journey. Sounds like you are living large and making memories. I can’t wait to hear more about them in the upcoming months.

  9. Way to follow your heart and take a chance! Apartment hunting is hard, anywhere you go, but I’m glad you put this resource together for those wanting to go to Tel Aviv.

  10. Really love your stories Trisha. You’re so brave! Im even following your tips on getting a visa for Spain. Im on my way too so wish me luck! I hope to meet you soon somewhere around the globe.

  11. Seems you’re loving it in Israel! I’ve been reading your most recent posts and I’m now quite intrigued about Tel Aviv. Definitely would love to visit.

  12. I had no idea “apartment hopping” was a thing. Learn something new everyday. Sounds like Tel Aviv is a place for you to thrive and learn. I’m anxious to visit being a history and archaeology buff.

  13. I went through similar experiences when I was younger. As I went to live in Spain, I could barely cook and didn’t have the luxuries of a dishwasher, dryer, or heat in the house (it got cold too!). But, I think that these experiences help you to grow the most. I hope you have a fantastic time there. It will be an experience you always remember šŸ™‚

  14. Well, you certainly are impulsive, and I think that’s a real plus when you’re traveling the world. It’s great that you will get to really immerse yourself in the area and call it home for a while.

  15. I usually know pretty quickly if I like a place or not and have made the decision to stay put rather than travelling spontaneously a few times. And if the vibes for Tel Aviv were good, then why not try it? If you get fed up, just move in again but at least you have tried it.

  16. It’s incredible how Tel Aviv just really pulled you in, some towns really do that. Making Tel Aviv your home is so exciting and what a great chapter for you. Can’t wait to read more of your adventures.

  17. I too love this kind of travel – expect the unexpected and then tackle it. šŸ™‚
    Taxi fares are expensive else where in Europe too. I remember shelling out 40euros from airport to hotel. That too we were dropped at the end of the street and not in front of the hotel. How does one argue in a new place!

  18. Looks like you found your own little paradise in Tel Aviv. I have never been but now I am quite interested in heading there. I hope you enjoy every part of it!

  19. Congrats for the new apartment baby!!
    I now the feeling of needing your own place desperately! After years of roaming, I felt the same, has being two months that we are “settled” in Chiang Mai, and even buying kitchen appliances. OMG!!!
    As you said, live the moment as long as it feels right!
    We are dying to go to Tel-Aviv, and afraid to fall in love with the city, as our friends only tell us good stories about the city. Maybe we go and visit you! šŸ™‚
    Be happy and thanks for such comprehensive guide!
    Kisses,
    Nat

  20. What an adventurous nomadic life you have, Trisha! I visited Israel in 2007 with a group of Holocaust educators to study at Yad Vashem and other locations. We explored many regions of Israel, but did not spend much time in Tel Aviv. Glad you found an apartment and hope you enjoy your time in Israel!

  21. I’m totally looking forward to visiting Tel Aviv. You’ve absolutely convinced me. This is a fabulous post. Finding accommodation can be fun or a pain in the ass. Your right, go with the flow as long as it feels right … and not on Shabbat!

  22. To be a traveller is awesome, to be a nomad is so awesome. We are set be free from worldly affairs, used to travel like anything, migrating to suitable places according to the seasons, following different cultures. And in Tel Aviv FeelHome vacation rentals are so awesome. Visit FeelHome at http://feelhome.co.il/

  23. Great article! I love your tips on the special vocabulary on the apartment findings, as very few foreign people are familiar with it, so they will have no problems with the searches. Great post! Love it! Tel Aviv is a fabulous place to visit.

  24. Itā€™s now 2018, I wonder if youā€™re still in Tel Aviv? I was under the impression one had to be Jewish in order to rent long term in Israel. I also thought in order to ā€œworkā€ in Israel one needs a work permit!?! Tel Aviv is quite beautiful but Jerusalem is just as majestic! I hope by now youā€™ve visited all of Israel and enjoyed your visit!

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