Puerto Rico presents a dazzling combination of tropical sunshine and historic charm for anyone who desires something different than the norm.
Beyond the stunning beaches and the friendly ambiance, the low cost of living compared to the American mainland makes the relocation experience satisfying for expats.
However, with so many options around the island, choosing the right spot that meets the requirements of your dream home can be a tough decision. Here are the six best places to live in Puerto Rico to help you make the right choice.
1. Rincón
Rincón is a great choice if you want to live in a vacation town with a relaxed vibe and gorgeous sunsets. With multiple luxury vacation rentals around the town, this Caribbean oasis is also a popular destination for celebs. It is the perfect town to live in if you want to walk around gorgeous beaches and enjoy the thrill of surfing or scuba diving.
The slow-paced life of the town suits those looking to get away from the frenzy of city life. Rincon has around eight miles of pristine beaches where you will find a few secluded gems for spending a relaxed day. With some luck, you might spot a humpback whale from the shore during the cooler months.
Surfers from around the world visit Rincón in search of the best waves in the Caribbean Sea. Steps Beach, a part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, has some of the most colorful coral reefs in Puerto Rico and is a great place for snorkeling. Plus, there are activities like deep sea fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Rincón has some first-rate restaurants as well as food trucks that offer a delightful taste of the local cuisine. You will find a few art galleries and even a decommissioned nuclear plant that has been redesigned as a technology museum.
2. Dorado
Located around 21 miles west of San Juan, Dorado is one of the most luxurious destinations in Puerto Rico, the prime reason being the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The beaches around the city are less crowded, and you can enjoy the soft sands and the blue ocean under the shade of the palm trees.
Dorado Beach has a long history as a resort, and it was first developed in the 1950s by Laurance Rockefeller, the son of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. Presently, it offers upscale residential options for a community of homeowners. Dorado also has luxury villas and a golf resort with championship golf courses.
The town has museums that allow you to discover the rich history of the island. Families can have a fun time in the Watermill Aquatic Park or the Predator Gaming Center. There are gourmet dining and shopping options in the town. Dorado has a well-equipped healthcare system and its proximity to San Juan allows easy access to the top facilities.
Some of the best coffee plantations on the island are in Dorado, making it a paradise for coffee lovers. From leisurely strolls on the golden beaches to enjoying a picnic with the family while overlooking stunning sceneries, Dorado can be the ideal Caribbean town for your new home.
3. Rio Grande
The eastern belt of Puerto Rico is one of the island’s most beautiful regions, and Rio Grande stands out as one of the top locations for purchasing your new home.Beyond its close distance to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Rio Grande is home to spectacular El Yunque National Forest.
Even though this tropical rainforest is small in size, its biological diversity is incredible and it’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System.
Choose a beach-facing villa or condo and spend the days discovering some secluded white-sand beaches that will take your breath away. For outdoor lovers, there are also options like hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
Adventure junkies can go for a camping trip in the rainforest and enjoy the stunning early morning views from the lookout towers. Other attractions include golf courses, casinos, and kids’ clubs.
Rio Grande is a true haven for foodies, offering everything from delicious street food to some of the best Puerto Rican cuisines, making it an ideal getaway for anyone looking to relish beachfront luxury and a wide range of culinary delights.
4. San Juan
The capital and largest city in Puerto Rico is a vibrant metropolis and a fascinating blend of two worlds – the old and the new. Whether you want to enjoy shopping and dining or explore the World Heritage sites in the old city, San Juan is a 500-year-old Caribbean charm that will never fail to delight you.
Many localities in San Juan are favorites among visitors. These include the beachside areas of Condado and Isla Verde, the busy financial district of Hato Rey, and the artsy neighborhood of Santurce. Another great option is to pick a charming apartment in the historical district of Old San Juan.
Strolling through the colorful streets of the old city is an evergreen activity and is the perfect way of immersing yourself in Puerto Rican history and culture. Those looking for more exciting outdoor pursuits can enjoy jet-skiing, diving, and snorkeling in El Escambron or Ocean Park Beach.
Beyond the old town, San Juan is also home to Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the entire Caribbean. Apart from the diverse shopping experience, San Juan has some of the best nightclubs, lounges, and bars in Puerto Rico. You will find restaurants that offer a world-class dining experience as well.
Overall, San Juan is the perfect choice if you want your home to be a tropical escape without compromising on urban conveniences.
5. Isabela
Located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, Isabela is known for its gorgeous beaches and big swells that beckon surfers. Being an off-the-beaten-path destination, it is great for those who want to relocate to a tranquil beach town to unwind. Plus, San Juan is just a two-hour drive (or less) away.
It goes without saying that the beaches are the prime attractions of the town and real estate options in Isabela include luxurious villas or family homes near the top spots. While surfers head to Jobos Beach or Middles Beach, families prefer the tranquil waters of Villa Pesquera Beach. Beyond that, there are natural pools that are great options for snorkeling.
A long section of the breathtaking coastline is connected by the Paseo Lineal de Isabela – a cycling and jogging track. An early morning walk along this lane is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the town.
The town falls into the Guajataca State Forest, where you can explore the various trails that move through the area. However, the drive through some of the mountainous roads is not for the faint-hearted. For sports, head to the Royal Isabela golf course and marvel at the magnificent views.
6. Aguadilla
Aguadilla is another Puerto Rico neighborhood that allows you to discover the splendor of the Caribbean. The town is renowned for its surfing beaches, especially Crash Boat Beach. The combination of the white sands and turquoise waters makes this beach a popular destination.
Other popular destinations are Gas Chamber Beach and Wilderness Beach, near the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, formerly known as the Ramey Air Force Base. In addition to exploring numerous sandy beaches, you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding on some of them, or simply relax on the sands and take in a vivid sunset.
Then again, the charms of the town are not limited to the beaches. For a perfect nature trip for the family, take a short drive to the nearby town of San Sebastián and head to the gorgeous Gozalandia Waterfall. You can walk into the art museum or head to the stunningly beautiful Punta Borinquen Golf Club for a game.
The town has several delicious restaurants that serve Puerto Rican delights. Another attraction is the Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena, the only one in the Caribbean. Aguadilla, well connected to the rest of the island and home to Rafael Hernández Airport, offers easy access for moving in from the U.S. mainland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nicest part of Puerto Rico to live in?
Puerto Rico has various nice neighborhoods with a warm and friendly vibe. If you prefer settling down close to a metropolitan environment, the cities of San Juan and Ponce are good choices.
Where do most Americans live in Puerto Rico?
A lot of expats settle down in San Juan, Dorado, and Rincón. For those who enjoy surfing, the western coast of the island is the surfing capital. The northern and southern regions are popular among those who seek seclusion along with beautiful beaches and historical art.
What is the prettiest town in Puerto Rico?
With so many beautiful towns on the island, it is hard to pick out one option that will meet everyone’s preferences. Some of the most scenic options are Old San Juan, Rincón, Isabela, and Dorado.
Final Thoughts
So these are our choices as the 6 best places to live in Puerto Rico that offer the best combination of tropical weather, lovely beaches, and friendly people. No matter the spot you choose, living on the Island of Enchantment is a wonderful experience for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle.
If you are looking for luxury homes for sale in Puerto Rico, the Colectivo Group can help you pick the best options. Our team is skilled in the art of handling real estate deals and their goal is to bring joy to every customer looking for a dream home in Puerto Rico. As the top local real estate firm on the island, we look forward to offering you our premium services.