Character and Identity: Modiin is Israel's most planned post-state city - a clean, low-rise garden community midway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, designed for young families.
National Role: Sitting on the Trans-Israel Highway and the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem fast train, Modiin functions as a residential bridge between the country's two main centers and one of the leading destinations for Anglo-Saxon and French-speaking Olim.
Historical Development: Founded in 1996 on a master plan by architect Moshe Safdie next to the ancient Maccabi villages of Modiin, the city has grown rapidly to 95,000 residents and continues to expand through the Buchman, Moriah and Nofim neighborhoods.
Interesting Fact: Modiin is named after the ancient hometown of the Maccabees - the heroes of the Hanukkah story - and the city's emblem incorporates the menorah from the Maccabean revolt.
Annual price growth: 8.0% · Forecast: strong · up
Area: Central Israel · city · Investment category: mid-range · Population: 95,000 · 35,000 apartments · 2,000 new units/year
Record 392% surge in rental demand during wartime. Preferred destination for young Anglo families (Modern Orthodox and secular). Buchman (Moriya) and Shvatim neighborhoods are Anglo strongholds with extensive community activities.