Arnona Neighborhood in Jerusalem

Nestled in the southern part of Jerusalem, a short light rail ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, lies the charming suburb of Arnona. This understated residential neighborhood offers a quiet reprieve from the crowded streets and tourist attractions of central Jerusalem. Arnona’s treelined blocks, low-rise apartment buildings, and brightly painted homes give it a peaceful, small-town feel that belies its strategic location beside the Green Line.

Originally one of Jerusalem’s first Jewish suburbs in the early 20th century, today Arnona is a microcosm of the Holy City‘s diversity. Young families, immigrants, religious students, and professionals all wander its main thoroughfare quietly coexisting as church bells, adhan calls, and Shabbat prayers intermingle. In review, we’ll take a closer look at everyday life in Arnona – one of Jerusalem’s most affordable, multicultural communities off the beaten tourist track. We’ll learn about its history, attractions, people, culture, and hints for living like a local!

Here are some key facts about the Arnona neighborhood in Jerusalem:

1. Location: Arnona is located in southern Jerusalem, south of the city center. It sits between Talpiot and Ramat Rachel.
2. History: Arnona was established in the 1920s as one of Jerusalem’s first Jewish suburbs outside the Old City walls. It saw growth and expansion after Israeli independence in 1948.
3. Character: Arnona has a quiet, suburban feel compared to central Jerusalem. Many streets are named after biblical figures. The area is home to families, young professionals, and immigrants.
4. Sites: Major landmarks include Yad Kennedy, a memorial to John F. Kennedy, and the Musmus and Ramat Rachel archaeological sites. The Israel Museum and Knesset are close by.
5. Housing: It contains a mix of single-family homes, low-rise apartments, and newer high-rise towers. Housing prices are more affordable than central neighborhoods.
6. Population: Approximately 35,000 residents live in Arnona. The population is socioeconomically diverse, with many religious and secular Jewish families.
7. Culture: Educational and cultural centers include the Torah and Avodah religious seminary and the Binyanei Hauma community center and concert hall.
8. Transportation: It is served by the Arnona Light Rail station. Road access includes Derech Hebron, a major Jerusalem artery. Buses run frequently to the city center.

8 More interesting things to know about the Arnona neighborhood in Jerusalem

1. Diversity – Arnona has a mix of secular, traditional, orthodox and ultra-orthodox Jewish residents living side-by-side, adding to its diverse character. The population is a microcosm of Jerusalem’s complex social mosaic.
2. Commerce – While residential, Arnona also has some commercial zones, mainly along Derech Hebron. These include grocery stores, cafes, shops and other small businesses catering to local needs.
3. Parks – Arnona is home to several pocket parks and playgrounds for families, such as Gan Nahum, Gan Arnona and Gan HaPa’amon. Wooded areas like Park Eshtaol provide green spaces.
4. Schools – Many schools are located in Arnona ranging from secular public schools to religious institutions like Talmud Torah Arnona. This variety reflects the educational diversity.
5. Borders – The neighborhood borders are generally considered to be Derech Hebron to the east, HaMefalsim Street to the north and the Israel-Palestine Green Line border to the south.
6. Real Estate – Increased demand has led to many new upscale residential towers in recent years. However, Arnona still maintains some of Jerusalem’s most affordable options.
7. Local Interests – Preserving Arnona’s community feel and suburban character from dense development is an issue of importance for local activists and resident associations.
8. Accessibility – The Arnona Light Rail stop provides direct transit access to the center of town and surrounding Jerusalem districts for residents.

8 Fun things to do in the Arnona neighborhood of Jerusalem

Here are some recommended must-visit attractions in Jerusalem’s Arnona neighborhood:

1. Yad Kennedy – This memorial monument and garden dedicated to John F. Kennedy is a popular landmark in Arnona. It commemorates Kennedy’s visit to Jerusalem in 1963.
2. Binyanei HaUma – Also known as International Convention Center Jerusalem, this cultural venue hosts concerts, exhibitions and conferences in its striking auditorium.
3. Musmus House – Located in Ramat Rachel, this archaeological site contains the ruins of a 6th century Byzantine church and monastery.
4. Ramat Rachel Archaeological Site – Dating back over 2,500 years, this site contains fascinating ruins and artifacts from its days as an ancient royal estate.
5. Bloomfield Science Museum – This interactive science museum contains thousands of exhibits on topics from physics to astronomy suited for kids and adults.
6. Israel Museum – While just outside Arnona, the world-class Israel Museum and its Dead Sea Scrolls collection is a close highlight.
7. Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Park – Provides beautiful trails and views of local wildlife like mountain gazelles and porcupines.
8. Eden Burger Bar – A popular local burger joint known for its specialty burgers and vegan options.

Here are some options for guided tours in Arnona and the surrounding area:

• The Bloomfield Science Museum offers daily guided tours in Hebrew and English that provide more insight into the different exhibits. Tours can be booked on their website.
• The Israel Museum has free daily tours in multiple languages that hit the highlights like the Dead Sea Scrolls and model of ancient Jerusalem. Tours meet at the information desk.
• Adventure Israel and other tour companies offer private and group tours of sites like the Israel Museum and Ramat Rachel archaeological site. These provide expert explanations.
• Abraham Tours has a half-day Jerusalem Sampler Tour that includes Yad Kennedy and the Israel Museum with a guide.
• Viator has several Jerusalem walking tours departing from the city center that could be tweaked to include Yad Kennedy as a stop.
• Local tour guide companies like MEJDI Tours can likely arrange private custom tours to include the top attractions in Arnona on request.
• Free weekly walking tours by the municipality sometimes include southern Jerusalem neighborhoods like Arnona. Check the calendar.

So in summary, many guided tour options are available both through specific sites and private guides. Booking ahead of time, especially for a group, is recommended for the best experience. Let me know if you need help finding any specific tours!

Featured image: Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2666699