EconomyMixedest. 1926
Vatikim
One of the oldest residential neighborhoods in central Bat Yam. Historic Beit Vegan, low-rise houses on spacious plots — a rarity for the city.
About the district
Vatikimim (literally "Old-timers") is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Bat Yam. At the popular level, the neighborhood is called "Shikun Vatikimim" ("houses of old-timers"). Part of it is officially included in the historic neighborhood of Beit Vegan — the first settlement from which Bat Yam grew in 1926.
Architecturally, the neighborhood differs from typical shikunim of the 1950s–60s: here there are low-rise buildings (2–3 stories) on spacious plots with gardens. This is a rarity for dense Bat Yam and potentially an excellent base for pinui-binui with low density of existing construction.
Today, about 5,000 people live in the neighborhood, mainly elderly vatikimim — old-timers of the city. The atmosphere is quiet, green, "Israeli 60s" with front gardens and clotheslines between balconies.
History
In 1926, 13 families founded the settlement of Beit-Vegan, which grew into the future "Shkhunt-Bat-Yam" (from 1937 — Bat Yam). This is the territory of modern Vatikima — the historic core of the entire city.
The main mass construction of typical low-rise "shikunim" — late 1940s – 1950s, in the wave of settlement of new repatriates.
Over the decades, the district was barely modernized, but in the 2010s was included in municipal urban renewal programs (Tama 38 and pinui-binui). The low density of existing construction makes the district particularly attractive to developers.
Vibe and advantages
A quiet old-built neighborhood in the "green" heart of Bat Yam; the feeling of "Israeli 60s" with front gardens and pensioners on benches. Suitable for investors awaiting pinui-binui, immigrants with limited budgets, and families ready for renovation.
- Central location — 5-10 minutes walking to Ramat Yosef and the commercial axis
- Low building density and greenery — a rarity for Bat Yam
- High renovation potential (Tama 38 + pinui-binui) — upside for investors
- Moshe Sharett School and gardens within walking distance
- Close to future LRT stations (He'Amal, HaKomemiyut)
Best for
InvestorsRepatriatesRetirees
Schools and kindergartens
Elementary· 1
Moshe Sharett Elementary
Secular
Transport
Operating· 5
Light rail Red— Red Line — HaKomemiyut
Light rail Red— Red Line — He'Amal
Bus 10
Bus 26
Train Coast— Coast Line
Planned· 1
Metro M1— Metro M1 (planned)2032
Future metro line from Bat Yam to Rehovot via Tel Aviv. Construction started in 2024, opening planned 2032 at earliest.
What's nearby
Gan Virak