A survey among residents of the Community of Madrid reveals that housing, safety, and cleanliness are the main demands. Neighbours value job and cultural opportunities but fear they may not be able to adapt to growth.
Mercedes Rodríguez, a resident of Usera, sums it up in one sentence: “Madrid is growing in every way, but there are still many things to be done.” Like her, dozens of citizens have participated in a citizen's overview that lays bare the strengths and weaknesses of the region. Housing, safety, and cleanliness top the list of complaints; cultural offerings and youth are the biggest attractions.
Inaccessible housing: the problem driving young people away
Laura Vázquez, who lives in the Chamberí district, is clear: “I would like more green spaces and more affordable housing. A lot is being built now, but it is still difficult.” Her diagnosis coincides with that of many other respondents. The price of housing is one of the main sources of concern, especially among those under 40.
“If you don’t have a good salary, it’s very difficult to live here, and that drives people away,” adds Mercedes. The region offers unique job opportunities, but the cost of living is rising at a pace that not everyone can keep up with. The demand for protected housing and affordable rentals is echoed across all districts.
For Mariano González, who arrived in Madrid 65 years ago, the city has always been expensive, but he now notices a worsening. “I love the buildings, the people, the life… But it needs maintenance,” he states. The aging of some neighbourhoods and the lack of rehabilitation are other complaints.
Safety and cleanliness: two pending issues
Marlen Estévez, a resident in the centre, points directly to safety: “I worry about pickpockets, thefts… You have to be on high alert in the centre. It makes us increasingly tense.” The perception of insecurity is not limited to the historic centre; even in peripheral neighbourhoods, a lack of surveillance is mentioned.
Cleanliness is another battleground. Mariano González expresses it bluntly: “What I like least is that I see it as very dirty. I would like a future with better maintenance in all its corners.” Complaints about dirt in streets and parks are widespread across all districts, from Salamanca to Villaverde.
Maria de las Mercedes, on the other hand, sees improvements in mobility: “Public transport is improving a lot, and I hope that will ease traffic.” The metro works and new bike lanes are viewed positively, although the noise and inconveniences during construction generate criticism.
Opportunities and youth: what is most valued
Despite the problems, residents highlight the virtues of the region. “It is a community that has unique opportunities. It gives you that first quality job and helps you build a CV that would be very complicated elsewhere,” values Mercedes. The cultural and leisure offerings are another major attraction, with museums, theatres, and restaurants for all tastes.
Laura Vázquez corroborates this: “There is a lot of diversity, culture, plans…”. The presence of young people is also a strong point. “I see a very good Madrid right now because it is growing in every way. But what I like most is the amount of youth we have,” says Mercedes.
However, the future generates anxiety. Residents fear that growth will not be accompanied by the necessary infrastructure and services. Sustainability and reducing traffic are recurring demands. “I would like a future with a more sustainable, greener, and quieter region,” concludes Laura.
The citizen overview will serve as a basis for upcoming municipal and regional policies. The Madrid City Council has already announced that it will incorporate these demands into the mandate plan. In the meantime, Madrileños will continue to grapple with the balance between the opportunities offered by the capital and the effort it takes to live in it.
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