Why Move To Puerto Rico, you ask?
In San Juan by a “garita” or sentry post of El Moro
A lot of people ask us, “Why live in or move to Puerto Rico of all places?” Well, the simple answer is “Why not?”, or more precisely, why any other place you may currently be living. We ended up with a life in Greeley, Colorado by chance and are picking Puerto Rico life by choice.
By Chance (Greeley Colorado in the winter)
By Choice (Puerto Rico in the winter)
The long answer is that Puerto Rico offers just about everything we are looking for in a place to live. It is part of the U.S. which makes it a little easier to transition and move (same money, no passports and customs delays in traveling, English is sometimes spoken, banks are easier to deal with, etc, etc), but it is also not quite the U.S. which is also appealing for a variety of reasons (more autonomy and freedom, Spanish IS spoken frequently which is great for, especially, Cassie, the “free associated state” can decide what laws of the U.S. it wants and toss those that it doesn’t, like as examples, the drinking age, federal income taxes, and some of its bureaucracy). What’s more, the people of Borinquen (the original name for the island) are warm and welcoming and the culture is fascinating.
Beautiful View of the Arboledas
With a property on some acreage we will be able to live more sustainably and get out of the rat race, and somewhat off the grid: we can grow most of our food, collect rain water (or find a property with manantiales (springs) or a river), not have to rely on fossil fuels to keep us warm in the winter (even at night it rarely dips below 70 degrees) and possibly generate electricity from flowing water, wind and/or sun. What a Life!
80 Degrees in December
Probably the biggest reason for me, Cassie, is that it is a Tropical Island! Yes, the land of warm beaches, tropical fruit and plants, and sunshine.
You can grow and see plants like these year round!
Why move? Haven’t you ever caught yourself on vacation wishing you could just stay there? Well, that’s why. Because the paradise we usually just get to escape to for a few weeks if at all, shall be our home with all of its own unique quirks and traits to learn. When we searched out various tropical areas, we found that Puerto Rico is actually a little closer to Colorado than Hawaii, but much more affordable for both the tourist/adventurer and those looking to relocate to the warm Puerto Rican way of life. How could we resist? The Isle of Enchantment had us hooked. And maybe you too! 🙂
This could be your life! Need I say more?
Can you believe how empty these beaches are!? (Anasco Beach)
Puerto Rico in relation to Colorado -smack dab in the middle of the Caribbean Sea
This is a Promo Video about Puerto Rico and gives a pretty good summary
For more info on Puerto Rico, check out these sites:
Our Place in Rincón– Info and pictures of our house and acreage in Rincón, PR
Caribbean Business – Puerto Rico news in English
ClasificadosOnline – Puerto Rico’s version of Craigslist (classified ads). Best place to start searching properties, jobs, vehicles, etc
BoricuaOnline -Lots of information on just about any town in Puerto Rico
El Coqui of Rincon – Rincon’s small monthly news and advertising publication
El Nuevo Dia (translates to The New Day) Puerto Rico’s main Spanish language newspaper
Welcome to Puerto Rico -Similar to Boricua Online. Gives lots of facts and info about various areas of Puerto Rico plus some touristy stuff too.
I dont belive tha t Nick live in PuertoRico that has never been a 3rd word country.It has the same store brands like the US,the medical care are from the same standars but hit is a little different than living in the Mainland.Anyway if need a job the is room for a good doctor or nurse good luck
Thanks for your input. you can come visit anytime. I live in Santa Maria, Vieques Puerto Rico. My family has been here since 1816 and if you still doubt my and my families residency , do your homework and you will see our listings and my cousin being the Mayor etc. etc. I retired and moved here full time in September. I do love my retirement here but, I am a realist and it has been an experience making the move not for the faint of heart. dealing with the Government is difficult at best. just trying to register a car involves a multi-day process with the offices of Hacienda…. that gives people a good taste of the governmental dysfunction.
yes, all major brands are available and anyone can have a nice life here but, it is not an easy transition just because of the Government issues, high unemployment etc. etc. that goes with all that.
THANKS for the input and for this GREAT website.
Puerto Rico is the best tax haven for U.S. citizens. Better than Panama, Portugal, etc. There is a good analysis on relocatepuertorico.com
I am so happy to see this website. What is even more amazing is my bf and I live in Greeley co and are wanting to move to San Juan in the next 6 months. Is there any advice you could give us?
Hi, Danielle. I was born in Puerto Rico, but spent the majority of my life in the U.S. Went to university there and was recruited as a Revenue Agent for the IRS right out of college. Transferred a couple of years later to Puerto Rico (1981). Am now retired. I have two cultures. The first one is American and the second is Puerto Rican. My English is better than my Spanish, particularly relating to certain parts of my speech (Have trouble with my R’s in Spanish, etc.) I fell in love with the island and its lush tropical smell. I own an acre and a half in Guaynabo and enjoy it immensely. It’s up in the mountain, fifteen minutes from the metropolitan area. I also have a motorcycle and enjoy riding it all over the island, mainly alone. I have kayaks and a 12′ sailboat which I sail to the many small islands offshore, owned by Puerto Rico. I write fiction novels in my retirement, and the excellent internet system allows me to do all my research at home. I am content. Yes, things are slower when dealing with the government, but I have found it’s not a major inconvenience if you develop patience, take your kindle reader with you, and meet and talk to people who are waiting. Usually you’re out of most offices in a few hours. The beauty of this island more than compensates for all of that, the lack of the intolerance so prevalent in many places in the continental U.S. I love my United States. I had its back during the Viet Nam war and in turn, it paid my studies once I returned to the U.S. But it’s nice to be “outside” the mainstream. So come down, check things out, email me and I’ll take you around to see places if I’m not too busy at the time. Then you can make your own mind up about the place. Great talking to you.
Thinking of also moving here from the U.S. and the ratrace they call “society” or “american dream”.
Trying to live offgrid and live sustainable. Glad to see more people thinking the same.
Great read, I too am considering in moving to Puerto Rico. What is the best way to prepare for the language difference? I’m Filipino and my dialect contains a good amount of Spanish just spelled differently but I can’t speak Spanish. Any advice?
Thanks in advance
Hi Jen,
I frequent this blog often and I have to say what a great read it is.. As for your question I have been living here in Puerto Rico for close to 2 years now, I (like the authors of this blog) also came from CO, and knew very little Spanish when I first came. You will find that most people here know enough English to communicate with you and if they don’t there is typically someone close where every you go here that will. I would suggest you download a free application called Duolingo that is great resource for learning any language at your own pace and has been a great tool for me as I try to improve my language skills. Once you are here and at least make an attempt to try and speak the language you will see that the locals will appreciate your efforts and before you know it you will be communicating with ease..
If you are considering a move here, my advice is to go for it. I help those that are interested in owning property here with traditional mortgage financing ( similar to what you find in the US and with the low home prices here all throughout the island we are seeing many more people make the move especially with some of the other incentives that come with being here even if its only on a part time basis). I wish you well with your journey where ever it may take you and if you do end up here in Puerto Rico… Bienvenidos!! in advance:)
Hey Lawrence Johsnon hope all is well,
I am writing to you because I am considering moving to Puerto Rico but am a bit afraid of the issue with the economy. I have a Bachelor’s in Business but am looking into real estate or the mortgage business as I would like to get more into the selling and buying process of real properties as well as the loans needed to make the process happen.
I guess I am asking what do you think my chances are at succeeding in real estate in Puerto Rico?
Thanks I’ll appreciate any feedback
BEST,
Jairo Santiago
Hi Jairo,
Depending on what your overall objectives are the real estate market here can be very rewarding and is ripe with opportunities. I would not let the reports that you hear about the economy hinder you.
I am always available to share my experiences, and if you desire to dive into the mortgage world do let me know as I am looking for someone to aid me with some of my efforts here. My contact info will not show up on this blog however if you Google search Larry Johnson puerto rico it’s pretty easy to connect with me.
I wish you well in all of your endeavors!!
hello Mr Johnson . after visiting the island , I’ve come to the conclusion that I too, would like to possibly move . I’m going to furnish my email address and hopefully you can give me a better understanding of jobs, financing a home , did and donts, etc…
I am also thinking of moving to Puerto Rico. How much money do you recommend me saving to move over there?
That’s a hard question! Do you have an income source? How much do you plan on spending? We live on only about $1000/month, but we saved up quite a bit to be able to live this inexpensively so that we wouldn’t have rent or a house payment and so that we would have a small income. http://www.lifetransplanet.com/2016/04/09/money-matters-how-we-live-on-just-1000month/
I have very limited income $835. But plan on renting a room with someone in Condado. I’ve crunched the numbers. Can pay rent groceries phone and have $225 left over. Is this feasible for me
Check clasificadosonline.com for roommate available. None in Condado last time I looked.
What about healthcare?
Provide detailed breakdown?
I live in Condado and it doesn’t seem realistic. Maybe in Santurce or Miramar (neighbors to Condado)?
Good luck!
I was offered a job in the upcoming marijuana industry in San Juan, Puerto Rico. So I am seeking information on moving to the island, way of life, etc…. Cost of living, if I should ship my car or buy a motorcycle. Pretty much everything that is involved when moving outside the US.
Thanks!
Found your blog by accident. Love all the adventures. Me and my husband are planning on moving to Puerto Rico and build a house as soon as I retire in about 4 years. Love the island. Thanks for all the info.
Moving to PR in fall 2018. Currently reside in Dallas. Had a home in Honolulu 15yrs. Long for island life again.
Thanks for information!
I’ve lived in Puerto Rico since 1981. Was born here but raised in U.S. Lots of economic problems on the island. The U.S. government currently has a federal task force working on the island under the name “Promesa.” The goal is to pay off the creditors ($70 billion). However, the island is gorgeously beautiful with various toll highways stretching across it. I ride motorcycle around the island a lot. Lots of fun! No one here to look at you funny for not being from here. Always a friendly face and help if you need it. You have to make sure you have a secure income before coming down since job growth is slow. I have a 12′ sailboat I use to sail to and from Puerto Rico’s many islands. Great beaches, great surfing. Hope you can do it!
I am 25 years old, from Florida and have been looking into moving to Puerto Rico. I’m a little nervous about the economy and finding a job, but I’m thinking of saving money for the next few months so I can make the move. I know they say it’s easier to find a job being fully bilingual, but I am a bit nervous. Any recommendations or thoughts?
Hiya Kiara,
Wow, what a wonderful age to adventure out and see what the island life is about! I moved to Puerto Rico with my 3 children in 2016. I don’t work on the island but if you’re bilingual that would help with finding a job. If you’re not living near Rincon may be helpful for you. Additionally, because of the current economy I think it would be beneficial to network because a friend may be able to assist with finding a job locally. The more you can save, the better! Do your research and do your best to read all of the blog posts here, which were really instrumental with planning our move.
Hope this helps!
Lynn~
Hi Lynn! I am considering moving to Puerto Rico with my 3 children! If you wouldn’t mind me asking you some questions send me an email marissaschmidt03@gmail.com 🙂
No problem at all! I emailed you a few days ago from my hotmail account. It may have went to your spam?
Hi Lyn
I have 4 kids, our plan is to come late march this year. I also would love to connect.
bethataloha (at) gmail
Thanks so much if you get this and have the time to connect.
I’ve shared your post to several friends and customers of mine and as you say “Why not move to PR”. As a Real Estate agent I meet alot of people and they all have different reasons why they moved to this enchanted island. Some for the relaxing low pace environment, minutes away from the most beautiful beaches in the world, year around perfect weather or some are taking advantage of the investors act “Act 20&22”.
I’m from Jersey and been living here for the past 10 yrs. My recommendation is to first visit, Do your research and rent for at leat a year. Aftet that you’ll know if PR is for you. Whatever is the reason you plan to move to PR i bet is a good one and if you do “Welcome to Home”.
We can’t imagine living anywhere else but in Puerto Rico. We bought in 2009 and 2011. We go back every year with plenty of things to do to prepare for retirement. This past year we shipped the remainder of our furniture, artwork (we have a lot) and clothes. Cars and pets are last to go and this will be October/November of 2018 after our daughter finishes college. Next and final vacation this December thru February will be spent comparing our current health insurance plan to what PR’s less expensive plans have to offer. A room addition and some patio work for extra comfort is currently happening. We also are in the process of selling our “solar” for profit. My recommendation to anyone considering moving to Puerto Rico is to spend some time there, definitely read others experiences in their transition to PR and prepare as much as you possibly can. It’s taken us eight years, with a total of nine when we make our final move! So far, quite the journey …… Como siempre, paz
I currently live in Thornton, CO. My wife and I have been talking about moving to Puerto Rico. We both grew up in Southern California on the ocean. I grew up sailing, surfing, fishing and diving. I do not feel like myself in the state of Colorado. We both have always wanted to live in the tropics. I am very happy to have found your webpage. I have been seeing signs all around me telling me to follow this dream. That fact that you were in Greeley is just another one of those signs.
That happend to me. Came for vacations and Puerto Rico was calling me too, a few months later I moved to PR and now is over 10 years.
PR is a beautiful place to be!
Thanks so much everyone for your insight, i am also considering moving to PR as I was born and raised there till about 7 years old. I have since been living in NYC and really cant stand it here anymore. The rent is ridiculously high for a small, box apartment and it just breaks my heart that my grandfather owns a huge house out there but noone (in my family) wants to move there because of the economy. I am honestly ready for change and to get away from the city life and chasing money, I really want to know are schools and hospitals doing bad out there????? My mom makes it seem that way and I have a three year old girl so I want to make sure she will be okay. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. All his house needs is a good fixing and I just dont ever see myself becoming a home owner here in the states so just feeling I should take the big step but VERY nervous about it all! Thanks guys!!
Hi Eda,
Of course you’d want to do your due diligence to find the right school and doctor for your family but it’s like that anywhere. Maybe come visit for a week or two and put in the leg work to get a better idea of for yourself. Other people’s advice could be biased or may not necessarily fit what you’re looking for but if you take a look around for yourself you may find that works better for you.
Estoy sorprendido de encontrar este blog. Quería daros las gracias por redactar esta genialidad. Sin duda he disfrutando cada pedacito de ella. Os te tengo marcados para ver más cosas nuevas de esta web .
Hello.
I’ve been interested in relocating to PR since 2015, after my visit to San Juan in 2013. I loved it! I definitely look to making this move with my 5 year old daughter at the earliest in the summer of 2018, and at the latest summer 2019. I live on the US mainland, and I’m so ready for the simple island life. For me, moving to PR would be so good for us as far as tranquility and peace is concerned, and also I’m originally from Southern California so by nature I’m a beach girl!
I’ve made the decision on not to ship my truck there, and to sell it before I move because the money that it takes to ship there would be too much, and eventually I have the intention to purchase a cash vehicle there.
I work 2 jobs from home and am a 1099 contractor, so income isn’t a huge issue for me right now.
I do want to live in a super affordable apartment, but I don’t know where to start because I don’t want to be scammed out of my hard earned money come move day.
Any advice? Any connections to honest people who are renting apartments for cheap and who would work with me?
Your help is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to reach out to me via email as well.
Thank you.
queenafrika24@gmail.com
We are planning to move in late march. I have 4 kids. My husband will stay in the states for awhile where we own a business. I’d love to connect with you, as Rincon is our ultimate destination (seems like the best place for us) but without a car we feel we should settle in or near San Juan until we can get one.
Is your rental currently getting booked or slow since the hurricane? Do you have electric and water?
Is your place within walking distance to the beach or town?
I’d love to connect, if you have time, I entered my email in the reply box… if you can’t see that… you can email me at bethataloha (at) gmail
Hello Beth,
My husband and I are also considering moving to Puerto Rico. We have two kids (6 and 7). What information do you have on the schools, specificically after the hurricane? My husband is also staying in the states and will move within the next two to three years.
Thanks for all of the info you’ve posted. I wanted to ask you something’s related to moving down there: What is the best way to find a place to live (Zillow, Craigslist, finding a local realtor, etc)? Is it smarter to buy or rent down there? When considering shipping belongings down there, are there affordable companies that you recommend? Once your shipment arrives down there, how are you able to transport your belongs to your residence in Puerto Rico? Are there moving companies or Uhaul rentals? I’ve read on other websites that shipping autos down there is fairly inexpensive but that the taxes that one needs to pay to get your car down there are quite high, what was your experience like and what would you recommend? Would it be better to sell our cars and purchase something down there? I hope I have not inconvenienced you too much and I look forward to hopefully hearing back from you soon. Thank you for your help.
We’ve used ABF Freight twice. Last of our stuff was shipped in November of last year. Good price and will deliver to your door. We had three vehicles come with us. Import fees depend on the make/model and year of the vehicle. We brought a 2004 Scion xb, 2007 Toyota Camry SE, and a 1965 Chevy C20 truck. Import fees for all three, $2960. And then of course $5300 to transport to Jacksonville Florida. We decided to bring our cars over because two had VERY little miles on them. The truck is a classic and my husband’s baby. He’s recently joined the antique car club of Arecibo. They really wanted to stick it to us when it came to the truck but that’s a long story.
I am entering my last year of college soon and have been considering moving to Puerto Rico for a while, I’m 22. I have family down there, and I’m currently interning for a company until graduation next year, and the company has locations in Puerto Rico. My plan, if I decide to move, would be to first and foremost secure a job on the island. I have family I can stay with while looking for a place to rent.
My only nerves stem from the fact I have never lived alone or away from my parents, is doing all of this for the first time in Puerto rico a good idea? I am familiar with the island, have visited almost every year to visit family. Money isn’t too much of an issue as I have
enough to safely get things started, if I decide to move. I’m saving saving saving with this in the back of my mind
Any advice from anyone? Should I stay and work on the mainland before trying out life in pr?
My main motivation for wanting to go there? The culture, the people, the weather, just everything about it completely enamores me. Like others have said here, I’m not attracted to the idea of living somewhere making lots of money but being miserable, I’d rather be somewhere I enjoy even if it means living more modestly.
By the way, I currently live in Connecticut… need I say more?
Please do not come to Puerto Rico. Go to Florida, Hawaii, SoCal, USVI. Stay out of Puerto Rico. Haven’t you taken enough already?
Spanish is the official language, not English.
Puertoricans are a full of energy, load, vibrant. Our culture is not like what the US mainland is. You won’t like it here. Stay away!!!
I think you’re mistaken jmong. That’s exactly why I want to come.
That’s very ignorant to not want your fellow hispanics or americans to move to PR and help the economy. I am a puerto rican full of life and energy and will never stay away from my beautiful home town thanks for your input but no thanks ☺
Excuse me Jmong but who do you think you are telling anybody here not to come to Puerto Rico “haven’t you taken enough already”. What is happening economically speaking isn’t the fault of any American is the fault of the greedy vultures from la junta. The people that come to Puerto Rico don’t only come from the mainland but also from different parts of the world and live on the island already. They do come because they have the money to buy a piece of land so they can grow their own food and live sustainably. There are others like from “Viva La Finca” that came from Orlando, Florida sold everything they had including taking out their 401k to buy a farm and grow coffee because they wanted a better life for the children that they have they both are Puerto Rican so I say the more the merrier. 🙂
A lot of trauma has happened to Puerto RIco in the past couple of years. But I still feel drawn to move their I have a small steady income but would still like to work in Puerto Rico for a couple of years in rebuilding activities.
Yes please stay away! Let people have their culture and their language. All these Americans move in they don’t speak Spanish, not even try, and force all Puerto Ricans to speak English to them. We have to take racism when we move to the mainland, let us have peace in our own native land. You come here with money, with your rules and culture, and then invite your friends to push us away. You have bought up Rincon and pushed prices of property up! Go to Florida! But don’t ruin Puerto Rico like you ruined Hawaii. Look at the natives in Hawaii.! Stop taking! Stop the greed!
I have considered moving back to Puerto Rico to finish my master, here in New England it cos roughly 58 grands to complete, Puerto Rico is about 95% less. Not only I want to move due to finishing my degree, I also want to experience island life once again. I moved to the states 20+ years ago. It has been a bit challenging as the jobs on my field are limited. I am also planning to move with my partner who is not a native of the island but can’t stop talking about wanting to move to PR. Any tips, I know things are different now and all the advices I have gotten from ppl has been quite negative.