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General Discussion / Ask Our Members A Question (Madrid): Madrid - Best Neighborhood for Kids?

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1 to 6 of 6

  1.  
    • CommentAuthorjrs
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2010
     
    Hi all -

    My husband, daughter (7 mo) and I are moving to Madrid this spring. We currently live in a neighborhood in New York City with many restaurants, shops and access to several smaller parks. It's a neighborhood with a more relaxed atmosphere (for NYC) and great for kids. Can anyone recommend comparable neighborhoods - especially good for kids - in Madrid?

    And thoughts & advice would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Jennifer
  2.  
    Hi Jennifer,

    Good luck with the move! It depends quite a lot on what you want, as always, and also on whether you're going to have a car or not. If you're not going to have a car, then I'd go for the Ibiza area, which is close to Retiro park and to some English speaking playgroups (which can be really helpful). Some people love Malasaña and Chueca, but I don't find them very child friendly and there's hardly any green over there. Other areas with green that you may consider area Delicias (little patches of green rather than a big park) and Chamberí.
    If you're having a car, then maybe consider Arturo Soria or suburbia (Pozuelo, Majadahonda, Las Rozas), which some people really love.

    Cheers
    • CommentAuthorjrs
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2010
     
    Thank you so much, mariangels! We are undecided about having a car and have heard mixed opinions on whether or not it is necessary in Madrid. In your opinion, is it difficult to have a car living in the city (parking, expenses, etc.)?
    • CommentAuthorSteph123
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2010
     
    Hello

    We live in Horteleza - just off Arturo Soria and I can recommend this area, its quite peaceful, but has nice restaurants and good parks (Juan Carlos/Juan Pablo are just down the road. With regards to the car I can't comment on the expence with living in the city but if you are going to live anywhere but in the city centre I would personally suggest that you need one. I would also say that for convenience it is easier having a car, but I guess it depends on what you are used to! Having said this the Metro system is very good, but some stations aren't particularly 'child friendly' (no lifts etc). Personally I wouldn't be without a car for convenience and also travelling outside Madrid!

    All the best and good luck with your move!

    Steph
  5.  
    Hi there,

    Having lived in both NYC and Madrid, I would definitely recommend the Retiro/Ibiza area. We lived there for two years (until last week!) with young kids and it's excellent- lots of good schools, nurseries and the Retiro Park which is wonderful. It is lively but not a night-lifey area which means you won't have drunk people stumbling down your street at 2am. At the same time, you can easily walk or take the bus (or metro) to the center of the all the action. If you are used to living in nyc with no car, you definitely won't need one living in this part of Madrid. We never had one and it always seemed to me that it would be a pain to have one with parking, etc. Arturio Soria area (and further north) is more residential and also further from the city center but it is easier to find an apartment in a complex with a swimming pool, etc. There are many expats in both areas. I guess it depends on what you want. Coming from nyc you will be amazed at the prices of rents- we had a nice three bedroom, 2 bathroom in the Retiro area for 1100/month.

    Best of luck!
    Johanna
    • CommentAuthorjrs
    • CommentTimeMar 13th 2010
     
    Thank you all so much - this is all so helpful.

    Johanna, it's really encouraging to hear about your apartment - we have become so desensitized to outrageous rents that I just expected it would be similar in Madrid. I know you said that you can easily walk to the center of the city from Ibiza - would you consider Madrid a walking city like NYC? We don't currently have a car here and love being able to walk everywhere!

1 to 6 of 6

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