Pack your bags, amigo, because we are moving to the tropical charm of Puerto Rico. This Caribbean Island has an easygoing atmosphere, stunning beaches, and tropical fruits available all year round.
Whether you’re an expat looking for a new home or a digital nomad searching for a dynamic work-play balance, there are plenty of things to do in Puerto Rico . In this guide, you can expect breathtaking views and a fusion of modern amenities with rich traditions.
Let’s have a look.
Best Places to Live in Puerto Rico for…
- Expats: Dorado
- English Speakers: San Juan
- Digital Nomads: Rincón
- Solo Travelers: Culebra
- Couples: Vieques
- Groups: Fajardo
Top 10 Places to Live in Puerto Rico
1. Dorado
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living: $$$
Dorado is on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. This town is all about creating a stress-free luxury lifestyle. From posh resorts and outstanding golf courses to golden beaches and highly secure English-speaking schools, this city has everything for every individual.
Tip: Dorado is susceptible to hurricanes, so as a resident, you need to be prepared during hurricane season.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, families, Couples
Pros:
- It has lots of stunning beaches.
- There is access to upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- The city is known for being very safe.
Cons:
- It is resort-focused.
- The cost of living is high.
- Limited job opportunities.
2. San Juan
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$
San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, is home to more than 380,000 people. It is well-known for its lively environment, fascinating history, and exciting nightlife.
It serves as the island’s financial core and popular tourist destination because of this it’s where you’ll find many English speakers. Tourists come to the island for the cuisine, shopping, entertainment, and anything you might find in a Caribbean city.
Tip: San Juan is a safe city, especially during the day. The crime rate is moderate, and there are high rates of poverty, drug use, and theft. Always remain vigilant when you’re out and about.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Expats, Families, Couples
Pros:
- Amazing nightlife.
- The region is firmly established.
- There is plenty of history to be learned.
Cons:
- It may be too urban for some people.
- It can be crowded with tourists.
- The traffic could be better.
3. Rincón
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
This tiny city is located on the west coast and is a popular tourist destination as it is all about beaches. Sea lovers and surfers will also be happy to know that the town has one of the best waves to ride in the Caribbean.
It’s also a terrific destination for digital nomads who want to relax and be in a more laid-back area. Plenty of coffee shops have great working WIFI near beach fronts making it a top-quality coworking spaces.
Fun fact: The Puerto Rico government established the Individuals Investors Act in 2020, which provides tax breaks to entice remote workers and digital nomads.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Expats, Families, Couples
Pros:
- Gorgeous beaches.
- Ideal place for water sports lovers.
- The region has innovative art scenes.
Cons:
- If you’re not interested in water sports, this area may not be fascinating.
- It’s generally a quiet place.
- It has infrastructure struggles like power outages or poor road conditions.
4. Culebra
Best Place to Live for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$
Nestled 27 kilometres from the coast of Puerto Rico is Culebra, also known as Snake Island — a stunning island part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. The people living on the island are known as the Culebrenses, and there are only about 2000 of them that exist. There aren’t many big retailers or skyscraper hotels, however, you will find lots of greenery and at least ten beaches, including the wilderness, Culebra National Wildlife Refuge.
Tip: Culebra operates on island time, so be sure to expect a slower pace of life.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers, Couples, Expats
Pros:
- It’s a very relaxed area.
- There are very few tourists that visit, and no large resorts.
- There are many secluded beaches to explore.
Cons:
- It may be too quiet for some.
- You may feel disconnected or disoriented due to its remote location.
- There are few amenities and places to work.
5. Humacao
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living: $$$
Humacao is on the east coast of Puerto Rico. It has eight beaches in the district, such as the Punta Santiago and Buena Vista. It has easy access to the capital. Besides its beaches, Humacao has an abundance of natural treasures, including Humacao Nature Reserve and Punta Santiago Reserve. You and your partner could rent a bike, explore trails, or kayak and enjoy the scenery’s beauty.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, expats, and digital nomads
Pros:
- It has lots of natural beauty.
- It’s a good place if you enjoy living by the sea.
- It’s not an overly touristic town.
Cons:
- In the resort region, you will see many tourists.
- It’s not the most lively location.
- The mosquitoes are terrible here.
6. Fajardo
Best Place to Live For Groups
Cost of Living: $$$
In the east of Puerto Rico, you’ll find Fajardo. One of the best places to do group sports like swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. People love this town because it is close to El Yunque National Forest. There are various hotels to enjoy, delicious seafood to eat, and easy boat access to nearby islands.
Tip: Fajardo has some of the few bioluminescent bays on the planet, so take the opportunity to kayak and see the fantastic scene yourself.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups. Couples, Families, Expats
Pros:
- It’s an excellent choice for living by the sea because many beaches exist.
- It’s a good starting point for traveling farther.
- Water activities are fantastic here.
Cons:
- It’s not a vibrant location.
- It might be costly to find a decent place to live in.
- It can be too laid back for some.
7. Rio Grande
Best Place to Live for Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $$$
Rio Grande has always attracted tourists since its founding in 1840. The area is bustling with upscale hotels, restaurants, and exciting nightlife.
Moving to Rio Grande would mean waking up to gorgeous natural scenery every day, just outside your door. This treasure island is loved for the long stretches of shoreline, and the only subtropical rainforests in the United States can be found here, too. There’s wildlife and beautiful landscapes to see and hiking opportunities. It’s close to the capital of Puerto Rico, and San Juan is just under an hour’s drive.
Tip: Spanish is the predominant language spoken, so it might help to learn a few phrases.
Who Would Like to Live There: Nature Lovers, Expats, Families, Groups
Pros:
- The area has an incredibly calm personality.
- There is a broad selection of restaurants.
- Amazing coastline.
Cons:
- The area is relatively upscale and expensive.
- It’s a popular tourist destination.
- It’s not the most welcoming place for nomads.
8. Ponce
Best Place to Live for History Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$$
Pounce is found on the southern coast of Puerto Rico. It is known as the Pearl of the South and offers a unique experience of elegance and a rich history. You’ll find some of the best museums on the island.
Tip: Plan your itinerary as there are numerous historic sites so you don’t miss out on something.
Who Would Like to Live There: History Enthusiasts, Expats
Pros:
- It’s a historic center.
- It has excellent museums.
- It has a good number of beaches and parks.
Cons:
- It can become congested with traffic.
- Only some things are exquisite and historic.
- It’s much hotter than any other place.
9. Carolina
Best Place to Live for Millennials
Cost of Living: $$$
Carolina, also known as the Land of Giants, is located east of the capital initially built on sugarcane. ow it’s home to Puerto Rico’s main airport, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport.
Many museums, breathtaking gardens with lush flowers, and water parks exist. The town has an exciting nightlife with various restaurants and food stands to sample and purchase tasty specialties.
Tip: Try the food scene in Carolina. Some of their popular dishes, like papas rellenas, pasteles, and amarillos, have rich flavors that will leave you begging for more.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, Expats, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Millennials
Pros:
- It has good connections.
- There are numerous beaches.
- There is mouth-watering cuisine and dining establishments.
Cons:
- It could be too busy for some people.
- The area can feel industrial.
- Noise could be a problem because it’s close to the flight paths of airplanes.
10. Caguas
Best Place to Live for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$$
Cagus is just half an hour from the capital city, San Juan. It is a modern city surrounded by wilderness, making it a hotspot area for people who appreciate having a natural environment close to civilization. Also found in this beautiful town is The Caguas History Museum and an exquisite cathedral from the 1930s.
Tip: For fun, eco-friendly fun, head over to the Carrite Rainforest, a nature spectacular where you can zipline, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
Who Would Like to Live There: Outdoor Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Groups
Pros:
- It’s an excellent area for nature lovers.
- There is good access to the capital.
- It’s small enough to navigate comfortably.
Cons:
- Public transportation isn’t very effective.
- The weather can be hot and wet.
- It could be too silent for some people.