Madrid is the best city in Spain to live in because of the quality of life that characterizes it. This has made it one of the favorite cities to emigrate to. Thousands of people from all over the world move year after year to Madrid for all the opportunities that the capital offers. If you want to be one of them, we leave you a selection of the best neighborhoods in Madrid for expats.  

This great city combines the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis with centuries of history. Visiting its streets you will find a fun city, full of art and culture, a great climate and an unbeatable transportation system. For all these reasons living in Madrid is a great idea. Madrid has 21 districts and more than 100 neighborhoods, so choosing where to live can be a bit complicated. Now we won’t make you wait any longer, here are the best neighborhoods in Madrid for expats! 

Where to live in Madrid as an expat? 

Some of the best neighborhoods in Madrid for expats are concentrated in the center of the city. Not surprisingly, most newcomers prefer to live there rather than in the suburbs.  The city center offers better transportation facilities, job offers in international companies, educational institutes and a larger network of contacts. In this post we will concentrate on four main districts, Centro, Retiro Chamberí and Salamanca. The Centro district is usually the most sought after by expats as it is home to the famous neighborhoods of Sol, Malasaña, Chueca, La Latina and Lavapiés.  

Sol

It is the emblem of the center of Madrid, where tourist attractions such as the Perta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are located. In this neighborhood you will enjoy the largest leisure offer, restaurantese important stores at your doorstep. It is the perfect neighborhood for short stays, since living here you will be able to make the most out of Madrid’s hustle and bustle. For this reason, it is one of the favorite neighborhoods for expatriates who come to Madrid for a season. The downside of living in the center of all the action in Madrid is that prices can be quite high.  

Malasaña

Malasaña is perfect for those looking for a jovial and bohemian atmosphere with lower prices than Sol. This picturesque neighborhood is full of life at all hours of the day. Early in the morning you can enjoy strolling through its graffiti-covered streets, antique stores and cafes. In the evening its restaurants, bars and clubs are sure to provide you with a good time. It is no surprise that this neighborhood has gained popularity among young people who like an active social life.  

La Latina

This is the best neighborhood to live in Madrid if you are looking to experience the most authentic side of the city. La Latina is the oldest neighborhood in the city, so it has a very particular historical charm. It is distinguished by its narrow streets, historic buildings, bars, restaurants and taverns. Undoubtedly its artistic and cultural offer makes it one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in Madrid as an expatriate.  

Lavapiés

It is the perfect option for those looking to live in an eclectic neighborhood of the city with affordable prices. More than 90 nationalities live in this neighborhood, which has made it the most multicultural neighborhood in the city. For this reason, it is also one of the favorite areas for young people looking for an international experience. While it is a good neighborhood to live in, it may not be ideal for all tastes. Due to its gastronomic and leisure offers, its streets are noisy and on weekends can attract crowds of people. Weekly events such as El Rastro, the largest flea market in the city, are held here. 

Chamberí

It is one of the main districts of Madrid, and has established itself as one of the best areas to live in the city. It is an area with a privileged location, full of stores, leisure and entertainment options. However, it is a quiet area to live in. One of the points against this neighborhood is that it lacks green spaces and sports facilities.  

Salamanca

It is the Spanish district with the most expensive square meter in Spain. For this reason, it has exclusive locals, the best gastronomic offers and some of the main points of interest of the city. Undoubtedly, the stately atmosphere of this neighborhood can make you fall in love with it, but its prices make it an impossible love. If this is the case, we recommend you to take a look at the neighborhoods of Fuente del Berro and Guindalera, where prices can be adjusted to your pocket.  

Retiro

This is another emblematic area of Madrid, named after its main attraction: El Parque del Buen Retiro. Being so close to the main lung of the city center, it is usually one of the favorite areas for families and young people who enjoy the outdoors. Although the price of housing increases with the proximity to the park, it is possible to find more affordable housing in other neighborhoods in the district.  

Whichever neighborhood you choose to live in, we are sure you will have a wonderful experience in Madrid. In Lodgerin you can find the best accommodation options in the city. 

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