Homat Shmuel is a mixed community with a fairly even mix of secular and religious residents. English speakers are scattered throughout the community. Often referred to as Har Homa, which is the name of the largest neighborhood in the area, Homat Shmuel is a community that is constantly expanding.

Development plans for the area call for small, local parks to be built throughout the neighborhood, and a larger series of parks – connected by a promenade – that encircles the hillside and connects the community.

The second stage of construction in Homat Shmuel is already under way. The new project encircles the existing community, and threads around the foot of the mountain.

The popularity of Homat Shmuel stems from its close proximity to Jerusalem proper, and its significantly lower housing costs.

The first residents moved to Homat Shmuel in 2002. The community expects to double in size in the next 5-10 years.

Local Employment
Most residents work in the greater Jerusalem area.

Education / Youth
Homat Shmuel has a large number of Ganim, both private and public, many of which double as synagogues on Shabbat.

The community has two elementary schools: a secular school with a TALI (strengthened religious studies) track, and a Dati-Leumi (National Religious) school. Four more schools are currently being built. In addition, school-age children can attend schools anywhere in the city. Under the mayor’s new educational plan, children are entitled to attend school anywhere in the city. (For those who are looking for a Talmud Torah, there is one available in Gilo.)

Students in high school travel to schools all over the greater Jerusalem area.

Several youth groups are active in Homat Shmuel including Tsofim (Scouts), Bnei Akiva, Ezra and Ariel.

Transportation
4 bus lines are available: 74, 75, 34 and 5. The 74 is an express bus to downtown Jerusalem (20 minutes to the Central Bus Station and Mahane Yehuda areas), Givat Shaul and Har Nof. The 5 goes to the Bayit Vegan area and from there to the Central Bus Station. The 34 goes to the Mall and to the Malha Technology Park.

Malcha Mall and the Jerusalem train station are a 10 minute drive.

Even with good bus service, it’s most convenient here to own a car.

Olim Services
A local Merkaz Klita (absorption center) offers many cultural programs for Olim in the neighborhood.

A group of English-speaking women meet on a monthly basis for Shiurim and cultural activities.

Amenities / Services
Talpiot is close to Homat Shmuel, and provides all of one’s usual shopping needs. Within the community, there are a variety of small shops: grocery stores, pizza places, hardware stores, bakeries, hair salons, meat shops and others. There is also a post office within the community.

The nearest hospital is 15 minutes away.
Many residents use a large library that is available in Gilo. There is a smaller Torah library within the community.

Community and Religious Life
There are many synagogues in Homat Shmuel. The two that are popular amongst English speakers are Netzivot Yisrael (Rabbi Goldreich, a native English speaker) and Homat Shmuel (Rabbi Klein).

There is a Matnas (community center) in the area that offers tutoring services for children and after-school activities such as guitar, dance and martial arts.

A group of families from Har HaMor will be moving into the area, which will bolster the religious population of the community and the range of services offered locally.

For those looking for English-language programming, a Rosh Chodesh program for women is available as well as a weekly Shiur for men.

Real Estate
Homat Shmuel is primarily a community of young families who are buying or renting for the first time; in addition, the community includes many empty-nesters who are downsizing. Home purchases are reasonably priced for the Jerusalem market, but property is not abundant. Many of the apartments are equipped with elevators, parking spaces and balconies. Currently, apartment are the only type of housing that is available.

Rentals:
3-4 bedroom apartments: $1,000-1,300/month

Purchases:
3-4 bedroom apartments: $350,000 – $450,000

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