Quedar instead of Estar?

Question

Hola todosI have been told that it is very common to use 'quedar' instead of 'estar' to indicate where a place is, for instance 'Mi casa queda cerca del parque.'I have read quedar used in this way, and have seen it in some dictionaries. However, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say it to me, which is odd as I must have used sentences where it might come up hundreds of times on the many occasions I've been navigating neighbourhoods during visits to Spain. Could it be more common in Latin American Spanish?Can you clarify?Saludos

Answer

Hola Graeme
Yes, you're right! We do use quedar in this precise context, as you explain. It is very very common in Spain and it is more colloquial than "estar". Is it very often accompanied by "por" as in "¿Por dónde queda la farmacia? (=¿Dónde está la farmacia?)
I believe it's equally used in Latin America. I have heard it from friends from different Latin American countries. 
Saludos
Inma

Answer

Thanks InmaSo, I guess Spaniards are being kind to me, they know I am student of their language and am unlikely to know this nuance (I already know for sure they speak slower to me jaja). Maybe I can surprise them next time!Saludos