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Lifetransplanet
Colorado, Puerto Rico and life elsewhere on the planet.
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I just happened to stumble upon this site and have found it to be helpful. Just wanted to give some feedback in regards to places to visit while in Puerto Rico to help out others in making their vacation a memorable one. Me and my boyfriend both have family in Puerto Rico and therefore did a tour of the island this year and last year. We drove around exploring trying to find new scenes and places to visit. I highly recommend the Caverns in Camuy- It is a beautiful nature experience, but careful it gets slippery inside the caverns. We also got on the Ferry in Fajardo to visit the island of Vieques- they had beautiful beaches that we were able to visit by renting a scooter.Just make sure to get to the Ferry early in the morning because it can get very packed around mid day.
Our family lives in Guanica, southern part of Puerto Rico, and my bf just purchased a home there. Guanica is not a very touristy spot yet, but it has some beautiful beach areas. You can catch a ferry to Gilligans Island and see the crystal clear blue water! There are also some very good spots to go fishing by the Malecon. As mentioned in a previous comment, La Parguera- bioluminescent bay- is about 15-20 minutes away from Guanica by car and is very easy to get to.
Last but not least- Old San Juan is my favorite place to visit. They have several bars/restaurants, unique stores and occasionally, salsa in the park. The streets have an old colonial feel to it and the buildings are very charming. It is definitly a must see on a trip to Puerto Rico.
Hi Guys,
Stumbled across your site today and entertained myself with your adventure. Wanted to wish you well in your move. Puerto Rico can be somewhat of an enigma. All in one place you may find….incredibly rude people/the most genuinely friendly people, litter everywhere/the most incredible landscapes, traffic jams/horseback as transportation, inefficient government/no taxes, etc.
I live part-time in PR and rest-time in upstate NY. I own a place in Palmas Del Mar – which is not really representative of PR – however I am out and about on adventures when I am down on the island. May call it permanent home some day. If you ever need any help – don’t hesitate to email.
Saludos
David ,it seems you’re talking about New York City instead ,don’t you.Don’t think you as a real Newyorker
Love your blog! My husband and I are planning to move to Rincon area in October as well!!! We hope to fly down in September to find a home. We are selling everything including cars in Indiana and moving with our dog and cat.
Do you have an knowledge of the mortgage process, or what companies to contact? I read through some of your FAQ’s about the realtor situation, so i’ve been doing research on my own for homes.
Also, are you shipping furniture? Or did you find a furnished place? Do you think it’s best to just buy new stuff there rather than deal with shipping?
Car situtation, do you plan to buy one there?
Thanks for any help!
Here is the Guy I use for shipping to PR Papolo’s Moving & Shipping. (610)-570-2183
I have shipped a 4X4 Geo Tracker it was there with in 2 to 3 weeks had no problems just make sure you bring a can of gas it was just about empty. I have also shipped a whole kitchen cabinets sink counters etc. I have found it much cheaper to buy stuff here in the states off of craigslist then buying large stuff like this there. Besides the quality of kitchen cabinets there are terrible.
Please may I gain permission to save and use the photograph of chickens and rose bush, lovely shot.
Hi Sasha,
Yes you may use the photograph, please just give credit to this site wherever you use it.
Thanks
Hello, I’m having trouble with the verification section. Anyway, my wife and I are looking into moving to PR this year or next but we cannot find any info on how strict the bulding permit/inspection process is. In the states it is very strict and you must have an inspection done at every turn. Is it like that in PR? We will be completely off-grid with a self built concrete dome home, rain catchment, solar, wind, etc. and we are wondering if we will be hounded about it much, THANK YOU!!!! P.S. great blog, lots of info!!!!!!
I am really happy for you. It takes a lot of guts to relocate from Colorado to Puerto Rico. I was born in Rincon and moved to the stats as a kid. I am in the process of buying a farm in Mayaguez this month and do just like you. My family owns the 3 story house with all the sea shells by the beach.
Hi,
I have enjoyed reading your posts. I was recently reading of problems with hawks trying to get at your chicks. I was telling to the story to my husband who Is from Puerto Rico. He said to put statues of owls in your yards or on top of chicken coop to frighten the hawks. He said hawks are afraid of owls as they attack them.
Thanks for posting frequently. Hopefully one day in the near future we can move to the island.
Hello!
What a wonderful site you have. I am leading a group in Salem, Oregon that is petitioning to allow backyard hens in the unincorporated areas of Marion County. They are allowed in city limits as well as in the county but a few of us live on “county islands” with in city limits and are not allowed to keep hens.
We have started a petition to get the commissioners to change their minds.
I was hoping you would allow us to use parts of the article you have written about myths and realities of backyard hens.
It is absolutely perfect to point people to who just don’t know. We will of course give you the credit and put your sites address and info.
Thank you so much!
Janine
Janine,
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, of course, you can use the article. That is exactly what it is for. Good luck on passing the new law. We love our chickens and can’t understand why they wouldn’t be allowed everywhere!
Hello!
My wife and I have a strong desire to move our small family to PR. I have previously lived in Mexico for 2 years and have also spent a summer in PR about 10 years ago (San Juan area). I speak Spanish but my wife does not. We have 2 small children (5 and 4). We have started our 5 year old daughter in a dual immersion English/Spanish school and she loves it!
We are excited for a new adventure in our lives and have always talked about moving out of the country to give our children the opportunity to experience a culture outside of the US.
Our first concern is that of jobs and standard of living. PR currently has a 15% unemployment rate and I’m struggling to find a job down there. I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and have back ground in Financial Services. I am a Mortgage Broker and my wife is a Real Estate Agent. We are willing to give up our salaries and jobs if I can find anything down in PR that would sustain us. We are willing to sell everything we own and just travel down with the shirt on our backs if we need to.
What would you feel would be a necessary salary to support a family of 4 in PR? Would a $30,000 a year salary be sufficient to live frugally? Combined we currently make over $100k a year, but like I said, we are willing to give it all up for the experience.
I’d love to hear any tips or suggestions that might make our moving process easier. First and foremost, If you are aware of any jobs, I’m humble and open to anything! It doesn’t need to be in Finance, Banking or Real Estate. I’ll dig ditches or wash dishes if it would be enough to support my family and provide for this opportunity. We would love to live in the Rincon area of the island.
Any insight or directions for a livable paying wage would be appreciated!
Brandon
Brandon.j.griffiths@gmail.com
Hi Britton and Cassie-
I actually used to work with Britton and the big I and I am leaning closer and closer to leaving this rat race as well. I’m wondering what your biggest challenges were with your move. My partner and I have been to Vieques and would love to relocate there. Of course, we are both nervous at the prospect of trying to sustain ourselves, but we think it would be worth it. What is the health care like in PR? Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks-
Sarah
Hi Sarah!
The biggest challenge for us was and is being sustainable and reaching financial independence. Many people move here in their own unique way. For some that is working, others setup a business and simply reducing expenses goes a long way. We ended up reducing expenses, saving and investing. So far this has worked out fine as a person can spend next to nothing living or the exact opposite and spend everything they’ve got on luxury items and consumer goods and services. The latter choice will probably not work if one is trying to get out of the rat race.
Check out this post we wrote about financial independence:
http://www.lifetransplanet.com/2014/03/29/myths-about-financial-independence/
And this one talks about the cost of living as well as health care:
http://www.lifetransplanet.com/2014/02/18/cost-living-puerto-rico/
Also the IENV B side queue is backing up on TSS, you might want to check it out 馃槈
Hi there!
My husband and I and our 12 year old son are from Lakewood, CO. We are really looking for a place to move where we can slow life down and enjoy a different culture and way of life.
The question we have is that we are not independently wealthy or have alot. Worldly possessions don’t mean much to us. Where would we work? Could you survive there if you don’t own a business or a college degree?
Hi, I cam across your card when cleaning out some things in my office at Aims recently. This is the first time I have checked out your site since you were in Spanish class (how long ago now??). I am happy to see that it looks like your dream is working out for you both. Best regards, and don’t be surprised if I stop by to say “hola” on some of my upcoming travels. –Rafa
Would you be able to recommend an auto mechanic in Rincon? Particularly one who keeps older vehicles rolling…
Many thanks!
I so far have done all my work so I can’t really recommend anyone. Maybe someone else can comment with a suggestion?
Hi Cassie, what an awesome site you have created. I have been doing a lot of research on Puerto Rico. We were there about ten years ago and loved it. We want to retire and will have a comfortable income. Everything I have encountered on the web has been very negative until now. We want to visit and shop for a small home one to two bedrooms one bath is fine with a bit of land to have chickens, garden and so forth. We have been on the road for over ten years so we are used to moving and is no problem. We could rent for a year with no problem, Just to get our footing. I keep backing out because of the negativity I have been hearing. I think we could help make a difference in the community. We loved Rincon and met great people there. Do you know any anyone that we could contact for rentals?
Hi Cassie,
Great site! Question – the version of the site that I see is about the plan to move to PR, which was set for fall 2013 (in your case). So at this point you would have been on the island for over a year, so it would seem there would be follow-on content that would detail the various discoveries/lessons/advice based the realities of the move & new situation. I see that there is a little additional content up to the current time, so it’s still an active site & I’d like to hear all the details of the post-move, up to current time.
I’ve been looking for properties in PR for about a year. There are lots of them for sale, but actually trying to follow-up on them has proved to be a bit frustrating. As was mentioned by others, the realtors tend not to be very helpful, esp if you’re interested in property someone else has. Also I’ve tried to work directly with owners (no realtor), which has been a little better (if they are motivated to sell), but at some point you need to get “unbiased” information on the property with a site visit. Since I can’t just drive over to see it, I need local help to go over for a 1st hand assessment – that has proven exceedingly difficult, people will say they will help, make commitments, etc., then fade away. Or they will ask for $500 to make a 10 minute drive and take a few pictures. So it seems that creating a PR network where people from the states work together to facilitate moving to and living in PR would be very useful.
For example, I only plan to live in PR part time for about the next 10 years. So I need to avoid the issues with having a vacant home & am willing to have someone live on property for low or no cost to them just for the value they bring by occupying the property & avoid looting. Perhaps there would even be ways for them to work with me, such as a bed and breakfast arrangement, where they could earn money for their help in that regard. But how do I find local people interested in that type of opportunity? So far, I have had no (0) luck & if I can’t find a way to keep the property continuously occupied, then I can’t consider buying it. I don’t want to buy an apartment in a gated community simply to be safe when I’m away. My ideal property will have some land for fruit trees, gardening, etc.
Hello John S.
The site is still very much active. We moved to Puerto Rico in
September 2013. You can start with that link to see what we have done in that time by following each post after or you can just go to the homepage of LifeTransPlanet.com. and start where we are currently and read back.
There is a lot of information in these pages and in those that led up to the move. On the sidebar of the site I have also added an Archives and Calendar button so you can navigate the site a little more easily.
All of the arrangements and ideas you have mentioned (housesitters, B&Bs, etc) are completely possible and I have met people who do exactly those things. Most of life here is done in person and through social networks (both online and the good old fashioned actual social network). You will want to start reaching out and meeting people whenever you visit. This is a friendly place!
In these early stages when you don’t know anyone it can be a little harder to check out properties since there is no central resource -no MLS- so you’ll need to plan on a few visits or just rent a place for a month or two and use that time to search. Since there is no MLS there is no motivation by other realtors to show you anything that they have not listed (they would not get any of that sale). You will have to visit a variety of real estate agencies as well as for sale by owner (FSBO). There are a lot more FSBO here. And don’t forget that Spanish is the preferred language. It all eventually works out, but you just have to have patience and time (Island Time).
We call these inconveniences “Paradise Taxes” because it’s just part of the price of living in paradise. Keep looking, keep visiting and keep talking with people. Ask for what you need and the coconut telegraph will start providing. 馃檪
I first found out about Vieques via a show on HGTV and a couple purchased a home there and was instantly interested in the area. We are a family of 3 and presently reside near Hilton Head Island, SC. and I would like to know about the schools for our child and the best and safest areas to look for a home to purchase. What about grocery stores and medical facilities, etc.
Rachel,
I wouldn麓t move to Vieques or Culebra; especially Vieques. Not the safest place in PR. Plus, it麓s quite challenging to live on such a small island like those. There麓s nothing there. Whenever you need something important, want to go shopping, want to see a movie…you麓ll have to take a ferry (takes around an hour and not everyone can handle it; a friend of mine that was used to boats when I took her there got sea sick) and have to plan the day to the last second since you have to be back at the the pier at certain an hour in order to take the ferry back. Just people that were born there are used to it.
As for other places in Puerto Rico? It depends on where you麓d like to live. If you want modern life then it麓s the Metropolitan Area (San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo or Bayam贸n); I麓d choose one of the first three. Do you want to live in a place that麓s peaceful, old and has just the right amount of commodities (and like the hot weather) choose Ponce. Do you want to live semi retired on the beach? Then choose the West Coast (Cabo Rojo, Aguadilla, Rinc贸n…) Do you want to live on a modern that has everything but it麓s not the Metropolitan Area and it麓s not far from it? Caguas. Do you want to live in the mountains? Then choose a town from the centre of PR on the Cordillera Central for an extremely peaceful life; Aibonito, Jayuya, Orocovis, Utuado, Adjuntas… Do you want to live on the beach but not feel as separate from commodities? Then choose Fajardo, Luquillo or Can贸vanas on the East.
It麓s all a matter of preferences.
Hello! So happy to find your site! Our Denver:) family… with 3 boys 6,12,15.. is seriously considering moving us/our IT business to PR. We would probably do some type of online school, so I’m not worried about that, but am wondering what a “realistic” home price would be for a 4+ bedroom, nice yard, walking distance to beach/town.
We could move anywhere with internet, but would like the most affordable area- taking in consideration safety, and like I said, a good walk-ability factor. Any thoughts/ideas? We will be visiting this summer to check it out-I can’t wait!! Thanks so much:)
Hi there Everyone! You know what’s odd? I can barely find any decent photos or videos of the town itself, Rincon. Sure there are a ton of photos of the great beaches but I’d like to see what it would be like to walk around town, real life, the different shops, stores and local flair. Just can’t find much on the net for some reason. If you could post some photos that would be Awesome. Thanks. 馃檪
Hi Erica,
I will work on finding and posting some pictures around town as a blog post. The town is divided into “Barrios” or neighborhoods. Are you mostly interested in the downtown plaza area? There are other neighborhoods by the beach and in the hills. And then Puntas is kind of like a whole town in itself when there are tourists especially down by the north beaches. Thanks for the great suggestion!
UPDATE: Post is now online:
http://www.lifetransplanet.com/2015/03/27/a-tour-around-rincon-in-pictures/
Whatever you feel is good to post is fine by me. I’d love to see it all. I just want to know if we get a 2nd home there, what will the REAL day to life in the towns be like. Been there to visit but did not have car so could not wonder off the resort too much. Thanks, I appreciated it.
Hi guys! I happened upon your website, and it’s been so helpful. Thank you! My two toddler aged kids, and the hubs and I are planning to move down to PR for a year or so. We want to rent for the year (possibly buy after that). Is Rincon family friendly? We have extended family in Aguadilla, but don’t necessarily want to live there. Cabo Rojo is an option, but I read that you chose Rincon because of access to amenities. Any thoughts for someone moving down with young children? Thank you!
Cassie and Britton,
We love your site and have been following it since we first visited Rincon last March. This year we took the plunge and bought a house in Stella. We’ve only been able to make one short visit so far, but look forward to many more future extended visits before retirement down the road.
The pictures and information you post are so helpful and interesting. A special thanks for your recent post of pictures from around town. This will be great to share with our family and friends (some of whom I’m sure think we’re a bit crazy for buying a house so far away from home in Ohio).
Maybe we’ll run into you on one of our visits! We can’t wait to get back. Rincon is such a special place and the people we’ve met so far are wonderful.
I came across your site while researching the Dur-o-matic shower heater you wrote about. I was recently on Culebra and used one there. It struck me as the perfect unit to boost solar heated water up to a usable shower temp. Unfortunately I can’t seem to find anyone who sells them on the mainland. I tried the Home Depot and Do It Best websites but they only sell in store. Does anyone know who might mail order one of these?
Cassie,
Just saw the photos today. Thank you so much. It helps quite a bit. You guys look so happy, healthy and tan!
Best,
Erica
I was very excited to find your site.My boyfriend is from Orocovis, PR and we plan to move there permanently within the next 2 years or so. I am ahead of the game because we already have a home there (although it needs some repairs), the fact he speaks the language, and we currently raise our own poultry and goats. What I could use help with follows: 1}Shipping car/ household items- we currently live in WV and the closest port would be Norfolk, VA area, 2} Ideas or information on shipping live animals- the dogs I figured out but poultry and goats I haven’t. I realize I may have to start from scratch on the poultry but I really want to bring my goats if possible, 3} Connecting with people like you to form a social and support network while transitioning to PR full-time, and advice on learning Puerto Rico Spanish. Anything would be helpful and appreciated. I will be 44 this summer and I am so excited to be planning the life I have always dreamed and live on Island Time. I miss PR so much, if I could, I would’ve moved yesterday,lol. Lookforward to hearing from you. Are the Flamboyant trees blooming yet?
My husband and I are looking for about 10 acres of land to organic farm. We are staying with his mother in the center part of the island temporarilly, but would love to be on the west coast. Do you know anything about aguada, anasco, or aquadilla? We would prefer to be around open minded people, and a mix including Americans, ex pats, etc. Are you still glad you’re in PR? Have you seen growth in the west coast area since you have moved here? Thank you for your time and information.
OK so I may have sold my home in WV and we may be moving sooner than I thought… YAY!!! I found a shipping co and figured out the animals…YAY!!!! So I that just leaves some social connections. I look forward to exploring all of PR. I enjoy your blog. Keep up the good work!
I’m evaluating Puerto Rico for a potential move to the island (would of course visit first) and to setup business (internet based, so not reliant on the island economy, nor competing with locals) and stumbled across your site. What are things like on the island now 08/2015 — safety, stores, culture, etc… some of the news and blog comments from around the web cause a raised eyebrow, to say the least.
Our cousin died here in Puerto Rico, March of this year. He lived in Luquillo, but died in Florida. He had
an automobile registered and insured in Puerto Rico. His daughter who lives in Colorado is selling the auto
to my husband’s brotherinlaw, who resides in New York but spends his winter here in Luquillo. The marbete and insurance will expire in October and have been asked to register the car under the new owners name. What exactly are we going to need to take care of this task for him.
Congratulations on living your dream! I’m aware that after living in a foreign country for 24? months you no longer have to pay US taxes. But since Puerto Rico is a US territory, does that rule still apply? If so, do you mind sharing what taxes you pay or at least what one can expect to pay? Greatly appreciate it. 馃檪
Depends where you make your money. I am not sure on all the specifics and you should always confirm with a tax advisor. But from what I understand there are no federal taxes for income derived in PR but there are local Puerto Rican (like state) income taxes.
Kind Folks!
Congrats on your chicks! Please..What company did you order them from? I cant seem to find one that will ship usps to the Anasco post office.
Thanks!
mike
Just wanted to let you guys know that I love this blog. Ive been following it for a while now and I love how you guys keep it updated constantly. I wish more people where like you where they document events and experiences in their life.
I have a few questions for you guys but I feel that it is better I message you directly. My email is attached to this post so get back to me whenever 馃檪
How is the job market for a mechanic over there? I have a daughter of 6 so a good school would be one of my first priorities. Which place would be best that would have those two things in common. BTW my wife is a cosmetologist also, I’m sure that’s good anywhere on island, she’s really good at what she does. It doesn’t have to be near a beach or anything like that, the island is small enough to where you can drive there if need be.
Mechanic? I think you could make a living anywhere. Mechanics are always in demand. A cosmetologist would do well in any city I think. In the rural areas I don’t know.
Somewhere near Mayaguez and the University might be good to start looking.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. We are looking into purchasing property in PR just not certain on which area to invest in yet
Leo
So for real! What’s it like trying to get in to see a Doctor. I have an elderly father and son turning 3, I hear the medical care is pretty bad and Doctors are few there which is making me hesitate in getting a vacation home there. Scary thought when a loved on gets sick or hurt. Appreciate a reality check on this. thanks.
Erica the medical care in Puerto Rico follow same standards in US.As a matter of fact it is as much as 70% cheeper tan any american city.They do all class of surgeries so you don’t need to worry about that matter
Hello,
I was wondering if people have been asking or if there is a demand for a local butcher shop/fish market in Rincon? I’ve been a butcher/chef for 16 years with a focus on whole animal local, pasture raised meats, charcuterie (salumi, prociutto, pancetta, broths, cold cuts, jerky, smoked meats) and fresh hook and line caught seafood. I am happy to work with local farmers and fishermen to bring quality to the Rincon community as well as tourists. I visited Rincon to surf a few years back and fell in love but had a hard time finding fresh local meats. I also have experience in farmers markets.
Please let me know as I’m stoked to relocate and provide.
Thank you
Joshua
Joshua, I think this is a fantastic idea! If you work with local fishermen and ranchers you will have a tremendous demand. Especially in Rinc贸n where local, fresh, natural and organic are preferred. The farmer’s market is an organic one (as much as possible), so you would fit in perfectly. Let me know when you get here, as we can be both a customer and a supplier 馃檪
Hey Cassie,
Thank you so much for the reply! What would you supply? Also, I’m having a hard time finding ranchers and fishermen online and could use some help with getting into contact with some. Do you know any that you could provide numbers and info? I’d also be looking for a restaurant/commissary kitchen space where I could start out just providing for restaurants and farmers market with plans to upgrade to a full scale butcher shop. I have lots of experience with ethnic cut variations, especially Latin American since I grew up in SoCal. Many of the Puerto Rican cuts like bistec are similar to thin cut carne asada, milanesa and al pastor in Mexican cooking. I was trained by an Italian butcher so I can also cater to European and American cut variations. Even setting up a dry box to dry age beef and cured meat. It’ll be fun!
I will be happy to receive any info you can provide about the FM, how to start a biz in Rinc贸n, suppliers, spaces, food trends etc.
Thank you so much!
Joshua
Show quoted text
I forgot, I won’t be visiting Puerto Rico again till December but maybe sooner if things start rolling. Being well informed and prepared is paramount. I’m looking to stay for a month at least, hopefully working temporarily for a restaurant to get a feel of the area once again as well as talking to locals, farmers, vendors, chefs and real estate agents 馃檪
Found your blog and I love it!
I’m actually planning on moving my family to Puerto Rico, in Aguadilla, around this July. We already found the perfect house and are working out the lease …
Though I have been following your blog for a long while and I LOVE the way you guys live. The chickens, the fruit, the FINCA! Haha that’s the dream!
I wanted to ask you, did you use a moving company to get your stuff down there? If so who did you use and would you recommend them?
Anything you wish you did differently?
Moving is always stressful, but I’ve NEVER moved even to another state much less to another island!
Would love it if you had any advice for another American family looking to make the move to Puerto Rico 馃檪
All my best,
Caleb
Hi Caleb! These are great questions. I think to answer them I will write a blog post. Stay tuned. Good luck on your move!
thanks Cassie!
Hi Cassie –
Thank you for updating this site often… we are looking to move from Conifer, CO out to PR within the next year. Our first family trip to PR is in a couple of weeks – looking at the Dorado are since I have a job offer in San Juan. My wife who is adventuresome at heart doesn’t quiet know what to make of this transition. Your blog should help with the many questions we have, especially the latest post of 18 differences living in PR. Its also comforting to know you made the move from one of our neighboring communities – as you know the mountains are a very compelling reason to never leave Colorado. My one question – since your 2013 move do you feel akin to being close to a local in your mannerisms and communications or is there always a rift that you could never ‘truly’ fit in? I ask this because you are not living in Dorado.
Thx
Hello Doug. I’m a Puerto Rican (from Puerto Rico) and I’d like to join the conversation if that’s OK with you.
First of all I must say that this blog is amazing and that Cassie and Britton are doing an excellent job. I’m a huge fan. They not only describe Rinc贸n exceptionally well but they’ve got some amazing insights on how things work here. I’ve learned stuff about my own island by visiting their website and with regards to Rinc贸n they’re more local than I’ll ever be.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that their blog is mostly about the Rinc贸n area. If you try to extrapolate their experiences to Dorado and San Juan you’re going to be confused as hell.
If you’re looking at Dorado, for example, you’re probably looking at one of its resort communities. Those exist for those who want to live in Puerto Rico but not really. If you’re looking at one of those then don’t expect to find a sense of living in Dorado because in reality you’ll be living in a socio economic and cultural bubble that just happens to exist there. Can’t blame you though because many of those upscale areas are quite nice. Seriously, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with wanting to live there.
About San Juan, it is a proper eclectic city. Even though the population of the San Juan administrative region is less than 400,000 the San Juan city area has twice as many inhabitants. In contrast Rinc贸n has only about 15 thousand people plus a few thousand part time residents who visit during the winter. In San Juan you can probably find 10 different subcultures each with its own customs, values, traditions, and “mannerisms”. And all of them, as different as they might be, are as authentically Puerto Rican as all of the others. And the slow paced country lifestyle that is often described here essentially stops when you pass the toll plaza at Buchanan.
I’ll recommend doing what Cassie and Britton did when they moved here. Look around and don’t settle on the first place that you find. One of the reasons why these guys have managed to fit in so well here is that they were able to find a place that was not only compatible with their personalities but also with their dreams.
Thanks Doug,
I really don’t know much if anything about Dorado specifically, but I am enjoying the process of fitting in here in Puerto Rico. I think we will probably always be “gringos” or “Americanos” to some of the local people here, but it does help to know Spanish and to join events and clubs and stuff of your neighbors and friends. Some people think I was born in Mexico because of the way I talk, so maybe I am making the transition. They know I am not quite Puerto Rican, but also not quite the “average” gringa either -haha. Fitting in is something that doesn’t just happen. It takes time. Try to enjoy it. And yes, you’re right about the mtns of CO being spectacular :-). Oh and specifically regarding Dorado, hopefully Adolfo’s comment illuminates that area a little more for you. Take care.
Thank you both for the insight… by nature my wife and I enjoy open space and freedom from things like HOAs. We are potentially leaving 8200 feet in altitude with a couple of acres in the mountains. I thought Dorado would be a good starting place to rent while we look around the island and become more acclimated. Rincon sounds like our type of life style. We are visiting the area while taking morning surf lessons.
Heyo!
I just found your blog while daydreaming of what it would be like to move from the mainland to PR. I’m curious if you could put in your “about” page what you guys did prior for work prior to moving to PR? Perhaps what types if skills you’ve found most valuable on the island, and the most challenging financial aspects of the move?
Thanks!
Not a bad idea to update our page. We actually did A LOT of things back in CO that have been helpful here. For work I was a system administrator (Linux/Unix/HP Non-Stop/SQL/ETC) and Cassie worked in public health.
I also worked on cars, electronics, did landscaping, remodeled houses and played a lot when I was a kid. In our life here these have all been valuable skills. We live a bit different than a lot of people and we do just about everything ourselves. If we don’t know how to do it, we will research and then do it. I am more on the physical side and Cassie on the mental and planning/prep side. We both compliment each others skillset very well, which is important.
Of course some people move here, buy a condo and hire people to do things they need done. Nothing wrong with that, it just depends on what a person wants out of their experience here.
The most challenging financial aspect was everything we did upfront so we could live the type of life that we wanted to. Paying off houses and buying this property with cash were (looking back) HUGE goals and very important to be able to take on these other challenges we like such as clearing jungle and building a house! If I were working, there wouldn’t have been enough time for me to do it. Financial independence for us was the biggest goal before moving and it is paying off in ways I can’t describe as far as our experiences here. 馃檪
Hi! I have really enjoyed reading your post. My wife and I are also UNC alum’s (loved Margie’s Java Joint! Tropic Snow, JB’s Drive in, Roma, etc.) and we are seriously considering relocating to Puerto Rico. We have been lucky to have been to PR a couple of times and after touring the island must admit that we LOVE Rincon. Here’s the rub: We have 3 boys who are high school age. The one thing we are hesitant about with Rincon is a seeming lack of decent schools. All of our web searches turn up very little. I’m curious if you happen to know anything about the H.S. situation in Rincon (Private & Public) or if you might be able to connect us with someone who can give us the low-down on different school options.
Thanks & keep writing! Awesome blog.
Keith
Hi Keith!
I don’t really know much about the schools here, especially at the high school level. There are public and private options. Perhaps you could ask this question on the “Friends of Rincon” Facebook page to get some responses from those who have some experience. It is cool you know of all the local spots back in Greeley. JBs drive in! Romas!! The buy one get one 1/2 off coupons!
Can Higueras be eaten or what use does it have as food.?
Definitely not as food! I don’t even think the rats eat them…. You can dry them and use them as bowls though.
Hi guys! I was following your blog and getting updates regularly back when you were building the house, bridge, running the electric, etc.
I went to Mayaquez last Christmas to see the ice skating rink you talked about. Cool. The Christmas lights were fantastic.
Things got busy and I canceled the subscription (sorry……..and no, it wasn’t cuz of the Zombie In Paradise song) but now my wife and I are looking for an inexpensive place to escape to and your adventures are inspiring.
Hope all is well and thank you.