Forum

Madrid - Spain

Moving to Madrid - Spain

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. South Asian Community: Predominantly Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali populations.

• Significant Sri Lankan and Afghan presence.

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2. Areas with South Asian Populations

• Lavapiés: Known for its multicultural atmosphere, including a vibrant South Asian presence.
• Usera: Popular among Indian and Bangladeshi communities.
• Tetuán: Home to Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents.
• Carabanchel: Growing South Asian population.

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3. Main Market Areas

• Lavapiés: Central hub for South Asian markets, restaurants, and cultural shops.
• Tetuán: Local shops offering South Asian products and services.

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4. Grocery Stores

• Sabores del Sur (Lavapiés): Offers a wide range of Indian and Pakistani spices and ingredients.
• Tienda Himalaya (Usera): Nepali and Indian groceries.
• Supermercado Hindú Taj Mahal (Tetuán): Popular for Indian products.
• Pak Supermarket (Carabanchel): Caters to Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities.

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5. Transportation

• Public Transport:
  • Metro, buses, and suburban trains cover the city extensively.
  • Monthly transport pass: Approx. €55 for unlimited travel within the city.
• Ride-Sharing: Uber, Bolt, and Cabify are popular options.

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6. Religious Places

• Temples:
  • ISKCON Madrid (Alcobendas): A popular Hindu temple.
  • Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: For Hindu worship and cultural events.
• Gurdwaras:
  • Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Madrid (Usera): A community hub for Sikhs.
• Mosques:
  • Central Mosque of Madrid (Tetuán): Caters to Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims.
  • Bangladeshi Mosque (Lavapiés): A community mosque for South Asians.

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7. Cost of Living

• Rent:
  • One-bedroom apartment in the city center: €900–€1,200/month.
  • In suburban areas: €700–€900/month.
• Groceries: Monthly costs for South Asian ingredients: €150–€250.
• Transportation: Monthly pass: €55–€75 depending on zones.
• Utilities: €100–€150/month (electricity, water, gas, and internet).

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8. Best Public Schools

• Elementary Schools:
  • CEIP Juan Sebastián Elcano (Usera): Multicultural student body.
  • CEIP Nuestra Señora de La Paloma (Lavapiés): Focus on inclusive education.
• Middle Schools:
  • IES Jaime Vera (Tetuán): Known for diverse programs and inclusivity.
  • IES Cervantes (Lavapiés): Popular among South Asian families.
• High Schools:
  • IES Ramiro de Maeztu (Salamanca): High-ranking public school.
  • IES Vallecas Magerit (Vallecas): Located near South Asian neighborhoods.