Are Jerusalem's Ghost Towns A Problem To Solve?

Jerusalem has an increasing number of "ghost town" neighborhoods, where tourist housing has left areas empty for much of the year. This article looks at the proposed solution to this problem, and wonders whether there is even a problem at all.

1 minute read

December 15, 2007, 11:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"It is claimed that as a result of the demand for tourist apartments, entire neighborhoods are empty for most of the year. A number of reporters referred to these neighborhoods as 'ghost towns.' The proposed remedy: encouraging more young people to move to the city center."

"This is truly Yogi Berra reasoning. There can indeed be a 'ghost town' phenomenon whereby property values are not realized because no one wants to live in an empty neighborhood. If a few bellwethers can be drawn there, perhaps by subsidies, others will follow. But these articles don't explain exactly who is suffering from the supposed 'ghost towns' of Mamilla and Rehavia."

"They're certainly not empty because the neighborhoods are unattractive. (They never seem empty to me at all - especially when I'm looking for a parking space. The claim here is in effect: 'Nobody wants Jerusalem apartments anymore, they're too expensive.'"

Friday, December 14, 2007 in The Jerusalem Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic