Discover why so many choose to move to Puerto Rico from the US, seeking a vibrant lifestyle and stunning landscapes.
Puerto Rico remains a popular destination for U.S. citizens seeking to relocate from the mainland, according to official data. The latest figures suggest that around 27,000 people are moving to the U.S. territory annually, mainly for quality of life reasons.
“Many people want a laid-back life and coastal living,” according to Dorado Beach, a real estate company based on the island. “Puerto Rico is well-known for its exhilarating water sports and the happiness of its people, in stark contrast to the mainland.”
Most Americans don’t know a great deal about Puerto Rico before they arrive, but the majority are pleasantly surprised and often seek to return in the future. The relaxed lifestyle combined with tropical weather and pleasant amenities makes it an ideal retreat for people from all walks of life, including busy business executives, digital nomads, and retirees.
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Housing Options For All Lifestyles After the Move to Puerto Rico From the US
The fact that Puerto Rico offers housing options for people with diverse lifestyles is one of the main reasons why the destination is so sought after. Individuals relocating to the territory know that they can find a setup that perfectly suits their needs.
For example, many people move to urban areas in the territory, seeking access to gyms, shopping, and restaurants. Others enjoy the beachfront experience more, allowing them to indulge in water sports and unwind.
“Being close to the beach is a massive pull for mainlanders to come over to Puerto Rico,” says Dorado Beach. “People want quality accommodation near the sea, and they’re willing to pay a premium and move a long way to get it.”
According to data from Puerto Rican statistics, approximately 16,000 properties were purchased in the territory between 2021 and 2023, representing a significant increase from the prior decade. Leading the charge were luxury real estate developers and moguls, who looked for new opportunities to lease out and sell properties on the island for lump sums.
However, more affordable accommodations are also available for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. Many families are seeking communities that offer a range of amenities and educational opportunities for their children.
“The fact that Dorado Beach is close to the ocean and facilities that families require is a double bonus,” according to the destination. “Anyone with location-independent work or who is able to find in-person opportunities within the territory can experience a higher quality of life than in most U.S. cities.”
Guides are also available throughout the territory who keep it fresh. People who relocate can go on new tours to discover what’s on offer.
Lovely sunset near San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo by Molly Champion via Pexels.
Private Education Is Everywhere
On top of the accommodation options, Puerto Rico is also home to some of the top private education institutions for younger children in the U.S. High-quality schools nearby thrive on the intake of parents with the means to set up a new life in the territory, benefiting from strong network effects and Puerto Rico’s reputation for being a reasonable place to raise a family.
“The quality of private education on the island is surprisingly strong,” says Dorado Beach. “Many residents cite it as the primary reason they want to move here from Texas, Florida, and other parts of the country. While it is paid, it also offers kids a headstart in life that might not be available back home.”
U.S. Mainland-Quality Healthcare
Besides the educational opportunities, residents can also look forward to healthcare of the same quality as on the mainland. Puerto Rico has a network of providers and hospitals throughout the island, many of which collaborate with conventional insurance companies. Patients can visit these as if they were attending appointments and clinical sessions in a traditional healthcare network.
Most Puerto Rican doctors on the island have training on the mainland and moved partway through their careers. Local training is limited compared to demand, resulting in a shortage of native doctors.
Furthermore, the hospital experience has a more laid-back vibe. While medical practitioners are concerned about patient welfare, the goal is to serve, not to process. Patients don’t feel like a number on a spreadsheet or a cog in the machine. Personalized service is standard because the island remains a tight-knit community to this day.
Community Of Family-Friendly People
Lastly, Puerto Rico continues to attract people from abroad due to its vibrant community. Many people move to the island who are sick of the fast pace of life on the mainland and want somewhere more functional to raise their children.
“A lot of families who come here worry about whether they will make friends,” explains Dorado Beach. “However, almost everyone goes on to experience success as they get into life on the island. It’s easy to create a social network here, which allows individuals moving from abroad to set up businesses and find people to share social events with.”
Many people who arrive from the mainland also give back to the community, investing in companies and properties. Much of the redevelopment is funded by incomes generated elsewhere and then reinvested locally, transforming Puerto Rico into a hub for wealth creation, with more local businesses established to serve the incoming population. Many are now able to sell their homes for more due to the high level of demand in the territory.
Learn more about Puerto Rico From Wander With Wonder
“The best part of doing what we do on this island is seeing the transformative impact it has on people’s lives,” says Dorado Beach. “We’re constantly surprised by just how welcoming and attractive Puerto Rico has become, and how it has managed to retain its quintessential character, which is something that a lot of relocation destinations lose as they become mature.”
Still unsure about relocating to Puerto Rico from the US? Check these other articles about the Caribbean on Wander With Wonder.
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