I’m a U.S. citizen and investment advisor who spent 23 years in New York building a business, Nardis Advisors, that’s still proudly headquartered there. But in 2016, I made the move back to Israel for deeply personal and family reasons.

This article isn’t about urging you to pack up and move tomorrow. It’s simply a window into what it’s been like to relocate while still keeping strong roots in my professional U.S. life. And if you’re someone wondering whether it’s possible to make a meaningful change without abandoning everything you’ve built, here’s proof that it is. This is an updated version of a previous blog written in 2022 .

But first, if you’re new to life in Israel, check out our other helpful reads on moving abroad, cross-border finances, and tax-smart planning for expats:

What to do when you get kicked out of your US brokerage account

Can one use a US Power of Attorney in Israel, (and vice versa)?

Immigrating to Israel

A guide to retiring in Israel

Checklist for moving to Israel

A guide to investing abroad

Israel expat case studies

Social Security for expats

Financial planning for US citizens living abroad

Selling a house in Israel as a US citizen

Why US Expats should look before they leap into a Roth 401k

Compliance with reporting of foreign assets: tips for US expats to avoid stress

What expats need to know about Brokerage Accounts for non-US residents

And now let’s get into the blog!

A New Era, New Possibilities

We live in a time where remote work has shifted what’s possible. You can manage teams, advise clients, and run companies across continents. But along with that flexibility comes something no one likes to talk about: isolation. Even with the buzz of notifications and Zoom calls, it’s easy to feel untethered.

That’s part of what made my move feel right, not just professionally, but emotionally and socially.

Why I Moved Back to Israel

After more than two decades in the U.S., I returned to Israel seeking:

• Stronger personal connections: Family, long-time friends, and cultural familiarity.
• A sense of rootedness: A place where I could belong not just professionally, but personally.
• A different pace of life: Israel’s rhythm is intense but human; people talk to each other, care about each other, argue, hug, and show up for one another. This has been especially true in the past two years. 

Day-to-day, I prefer living here. Yes, I love visiting New York, but Israel gives me a sense of community I didn’t quite feel as deeply in the U.S.

The Pros and Cons of Living in Israel as an American

Let’s be honest; living here isn’t utopia. But there are many positives that often go unspoken, and a few challenges worth being aware of.

What I Love

• Social support: People are warm, direct, and ready to help. There’s a strong sense of “we’re in this together.”
• Universal healthcare: Quality care at a fraction of U.S. prices. Supplementary insurance is also affordable.
• Access to travel: From Israel, I have travelled extensively, with Europe, Asia, and Africa all close by.
• Community and lifestyle: I’ve made friends through culinary events, hiking, and diving trips. Israelis know how to work hard and enjoy life with spontaneity and soul.
• Affordable education: University tuition is drastically lower than in the States.
• Vibrancy: Israel is full of innovation, conversation, and constant motion. It’s rarely dull. It is this creativity that motivates me.

Challenges You Should Expect

• The “bad neighborhood” factor: Geopolitical tension is part of life in Israel, and you learn to adapt to it. The past two years since the October 7, 2023 attacks have been especially difficult, but they’ve also revealed something beautiful: the remarkable sense of unity, generosity, and community that defines Israeli life even in the toughest times.
• Customer service culture: It’s, well… different. More direct. More chaotic. But also more personal and improving, especially as one gets to know one’s service providers. 
• Cost of living: Some things, like cars, electronics, and restaurants, can be more expensive than in the U.S. (though there are always workarounds).
• Professional differences: Flatter hierarchies, direct communication, and a fast-paced, improvisational business culture, balanced by slower, often frustrating bureaucratic processes, make the Israeli work environment quite different from the U.S. model. I think it is easier to be oneself here than in NYC.

Running a U.S. Business While Living in Israel

Yes, it’s possible. My firm, Nardis Advisors, still serves clients in the U.S. We have a U.S. team in place, and I manage operations remotely with the help of strong systems and a healthy dose of time-zone juggling.

If you’re a business owner wondering if you can live abroad without pausing your career, the answer is yes, with some planning and flexibility.

Tips for Cross-Border Business Life:

• Establish local help: Having a trusted team in the U.S. is invaluable.
• Invest in asynchronous workflows: Embrace tools that allow people to work across time zones without needing 24/7 real-time meetings.
• Stay visible: Be deliberate about check-ins, updates, and client communication.

Some Unexpected Joys

• Scuba diving: I picked it up recently and have dived in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Madagascar, Philippines, Greece, Cyprus and South Africa.
• I have hiked the Camino de Santiago five times in the past two years. It helps me “refresh”. 
• Daily variety: From shuks to beaches to hikes to networking groups, life in Israel can be unpredictable, in a good way. The creativity is contagious.
• Reconnection: I feel at home here. 

Thinking About Moving to Israel?

You don’t have to make a radical, all-or-nothing decision overnight. But if the idea has been on your mind, I’m happy to chat.

Whether you’re:

• Planning retirement in Israel,
• Exploring dual-continent work,
• Or just curious what the day-to-day is like here,

…feel free to reach out. I’ve also written the following blogs you might find helpful:

• Checklist for moving to Israel
• Immigrating to Israel
• A guide to retiring in Israel

Let’s Talk!

We’re financial advisors for expats, both in the U.S. and in Israel, and can help you plan your transition wisely. Whether you’re balancing U.S. assets, managing remote income, or figuring out healthcare and retirement, we’ve helped dozens do just that.

If you are moving to Israel or another country and don’t know where to start when it comes to the financial side of things, please contact us.

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Disclaimer

Nardis Advisors LLC (“Nardis”) is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm regulated by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Nardis does not render or offer to render personalized investment advice through this medium. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or legal advice. Investment advice can only be rendered after delivery of the Firm’s disclosure statement (Form ADV Part 2) and execution of an investment advisory agreement between the client and Nardis.