Just throw me in the trash

In my case I received residency via Pareja de Hecho with a Spaniard.

My older sis, bro in law and nephew just received permanent residency (which gives them healthcare, right to work, live indefinitely, etc) as they spent 5 years here on the NLV.

My mom and younger sis are here on the NLV as well but am looking to do a family reunificiation type visa (arraigo familiar) so they’re here on the public system faster instead of waiting 4 more years.

Yeah my mom misses my grandma a ton as well, we’ve floated the idea of moving her out here too.

And no need for a car to access Sierra de Guadarrama as there’s public transport options. I usually take bus 691 from Moncloa which drops you off right at puerto de cotos directly next to the start of various hiking trails. The cercanias line C8 takes you to Cercedilla, which gives you access to hiking routes as well as some awesome outdoor pools in the summer: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VCjmMoJg5WJssxTeA

San Lorenzo de El Escorial is another great town to checkout, there are various hiking routes which start right from the town. I did a half marathon trail race out there a few years back and it had some great scenery. Easily accesible by Cercanias or bus as well: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VCjmMoJg5WJssxTeA

I’m in a similar position, I’m even from Texas too!

What ended up happening was the whole family moved out. My mom, both sisters, bro in law and nephew made the jump a few years after me.

We’re much happier here in Madrid than Texas. I don’t think any of us regret it and we all plan to live here indefinitely.

Also, make sure y’all make it out to the Sierra de Guadarrama as there are great hiking routes to do. Better than any nature options I’ve experienced in Texas minus Big Bend

100% it has.

I couldn’t say for sure that I’d still be here if my family wasn’t. Even though the city is amazing and my partner and I both have good jobs/a good life here.

9 years in Spain now and am pretty happy.

My fam (mom, both sisters, bro in law and nephew) have also made the move and they’re all happy they’ve made the jump as well