Thinking of moving to Spain? If the coast isn't your thing and you're looking for city life, then Spain's capital city, Madrid, is an excellent option. When people ask if Madrid is good for families, the answer is absolutely, and living in Madrid with a family is an increasingly popular option thanks to the city's excellent education system, its international schools, green parks and much more. Madrid is also known as a safe city, adding to the appeal. Where do families live in Madrid? Let's find out the best places to live in Madrid for families, including neighbourhoods in the city centre and on the outskirts.
Is Madrid suitable for kids?
Madrid is a fantastic city for families with kids. It offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, attractions, and amenities that cater to children of all ages, whether you choose to live in the city or just visit for a few days. Here are some reasons why Madrid is suitable for kids:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Madrid boasts numerous parks and green areas, such as Retiro Park, Casa de Campo, and Madrid Río, where children can play, run around, and enjoy outdoor activities.
- Museums and Cultural Attractions: Madrid is home to several museums and cultural institutions that offer kid-friendly exhibits and activities. For example, the Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofía, and Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza often have programmes or workshops designed for children.
- Amusement Parks: There are several amusement parks in and around Madrid, including Parque Warner Madrid and Parque de Atracciones, which offer rides, shows, and entertainment suitable for children and families.
- Zoos and Aquariums: Madrid has a zoo (Zoo Aquarium de Madrid) and another zoo and botanical garden (Faunia) where children can learn about animals and nature through interactive exhibits and attractions.
- Family-Friendly Events: Throughout the year, Madrid hosts various family-friendly events and festivals, including street fairs, cultural celebrations, and holiday festivities.
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés: Many restaurants and cafés in Madrid are family-friendly, offering children's menus, high chairs, and play areas to accommodate families with young kids.
- Safety and Infrastructure: Madrid is generally a safe city with well-developed infrastructure, making it easy to navigate with prams or young children. Public transportation is efficient and accessible, and there are plenty of amenities like playgrounds, pediatric services, and family-oriented facilities.
Overall, Madrid offers a vibrant and welcoming environment for families with kids, providing a mix of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for children to enjoy.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Madrid
What is the best neighbourhood for a family in Madrid? Choosing the right place to live with a family can be a tricky decision with so much to consider, from schools, to leisure activities, safety and much more. The best neighbourhoods in Madrid for families are those with plenty of green areas and parks, a wide range of schools and something for all budgets. Our top picks for the best family-friendly neighbourhoods are Retiro and Chamberí in the centre, and Arturo Soroa, Conde Orgaz and Mirasierra, still in the city but in more residential areas.
Retiro
Starting off close to the heart of the city, we're heading to Madrid's Retiro neighbourhood, best known for its large park which will go down a treat with the whole family, not to mention that this is also one of Madrid's safest areas. There are great schools and services in the area, with basically everything you need right on your doorstep. One downside of this area of Madrid for families looking to buy or rent property is the high real estate prices, given the prestigious nature of the neighbourhood, as well as its proximity to the centre of the city.
Chamberí
Staying close to the centre of Madrid, another great option for families is the Chamberí neighbourhood. The area is dotted with spacious plazas, squares and play parks, while the district's main street, Calle Fuencarral, is pedestrianised every Sunday making way for kids' activities until 2pm. The area also has public swimming pools, leisure centres, public and private schools, and property prices, while still on the expensive side, are lower than in the Retiro neighbourhood, making Chamberí one of the best places to live in Madrid for families.
Arturo Soria
Arturo Soria is a neighbourhood which is closer to the airport in Madrid and is popular with families thanks to the selection of public and private schools on offer. Transport links are good, as the area is built up around the Arturo Soria metro stop, and is home to a lot of Spanish families who favour the fact that this area is further from the centre, therefore less touristy and less crowded. You'll find everything you need in the area, including bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping centres and much more. As the area is close to underground stations and is well connected, property prices remain high, but you'll certainly be able to get more for your money compared to the city centre.
Conde Orgaz
Conde Orgaz is Madrid's most exclusive neighbourhood for families and despite being almost completely residential, the area is prestigious and you'll need a generous budget if you wish to buy or rent property here. In spite of the high price tag, Conde Orgaz is highly popular with expat families in Madrid, especially French families who send their children to the well known Lycée Français which is located nearby. This neighbourhood is also great for those who want to live close to the city but live in a house rather than a flat, and somewhere where you can have your own garden.
Mirasierra
Mirasierra is a residential area of Madrid that is continuing to grow and is one of the more affordable options for families who want to live in Madrid with access to good public transport, such as the Madrid metro, without the elevated city centre prices. "Mirasierra" literally translates as "look at the mountains" and was named as such for obvious reasons, and is located somewhat between the city suburbs and the centre.
Towns and municipalities outside the city of Madrid
If you'd rather live outside the city in a smaller town or municipality, there are also plenty of options in the ever-expanding Madrid suburbs. You may need to rely more on a car in these areas, although there are still buses, trains and underground available in many parts which will easily connect you with the city of Madrid. One of the main advantages of living in the outskirts of Madrid for families is when it comes to buying or renting property. You'll get more for your money with bigger and better quality houses, not to mention more outdoor space and properties swimming pools in many cases.
Las Rozas
One of the best towns on the outskirts of Madrid for families in Las Rozas. Located just a 15 minute drive from the city centre, numerous intercity buses also serve the area and take you straight to the Moncloa bus station in Madrid. Las Rozas also has several international schools, including British and American schools.
Pozuelo
Also home to international schools with an excellent reputation, such as the British Council School, Pozuelo has been named as Spain's wealthiest municipality, as well as the Spanish town with the least unemployment. It's therefore no surprise that Pozuelo is home to one of Spain's most luxurious residential areas known as La Finca, an area known for its affluent residents, most notably football players and Formula 1 driver, Carlos Sainz.
Alcobendas
Alcobendas is another area of Madrid that is great for expat families and has something for everyone. From the more humble streets of the town centre, to the wealthy La Moraleja area, also home to famous footballers, Alcobendas is a firm favourite thanks to its wide range of schools, parks, shopping centres, affordable flats and luxury villas. Alcobendas is located roughly 8 miles north of Madrid.
Valdebebas
Valdebebas has positioned itself as one of the best neighbourhoods in Madrid to live with children, thanks to its modern design and commitment to sustainability. This emerging neighbourhood, located in the northeast of the capital, is perfect for families looking for a contemporary lifestyle in a natural environment. Surrounded by green areas, including the Valdebebas Forest Park, it offers an unrivalled space for outdoor leisure and contact with nature.
The Valdebebas neighbourhood stands out for its modern infrastructures, with newly built homes incorporating the latest trends in comfort and energy efficiency. Families can enjoy a wide range of services, including high quality educational centres and shopping centres that cover all daily needs. Connectivity is another strong point, with direct access to the M-11 and the Cercanías station, providing easy access to the centre of Madrid and other important areas of the city.
What are the safest neighbourhoods in Madrid?
Madrid, like any major city, has its safer and less safe areas, but it's essential to note that safety can be subjective and can vary based on individual experiences and perceptions. However, some neighbourhoods are generally considered safer due to lower crime rates, better infrastructure, and community amenities. Many of these coincide with the areas that are the most family orientated and include:
- Salamanca: Known for its upscale residential areas, Salamanca is one of Madrid's most affluent neighbourhoods with high levels of safety and security.
- Chamartín: Another affluent area, Chamartín is characterised by its residential streets, parks, and excellent transportation links. It's generally considered safe.
- Retiro: Home to the famous Retiro Park, this neighborhood offers a mix of residential areas and cultural attractions. It's known for its safety and pleasant environment.
- Chamberí: Chamberí is a vibrant neighbourhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It's considered safe and has a strong sense of community.
- El Viso: El Viso is a quiet, residential neighbourhood known for its large houses and green spaces. It's one of Madrid's safest areas.
While these neighbourhoods are generally regarded as safe, it's still essential to exercise caution and common sense regardless of where you are in the city. Additionally, it's a good idea to stay informed about local safety concerns and to take necessary precautions to ensure your well-being.
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