Ponce Puerto Rico Homes For Sale
The sparkling city of Ponce on Puerto Rico’s southern coast is a great choice as a gateway into the Caribbean. From rich culture to amazing cuisine, Ponce has everything that you might look for in a Puerto Rican destination. Admittedly, Ponce may not be the first option that comes to your mind while looking for real estate investment options in Puerto Rico. However, once you discover its unique advantages, buying a new home in Ponce can make a lot of sense. Time to find out what makes Ponce one of the best places to live in Puerto Rico.
About Ponce
Often termed the “the Pearl of the South” and “Museum City”, Ponce is a lovely city with a historical colonial core. Being the second-largest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce was home to the Taíno community for centuries. In fact, archeologists have found traces of Pre-Taíno and Igneri cultures in the area. It was given the status of a town in 1692. Located on Puerto Rico’s southern coast, Ponce is around 73 miles from San Juan’’s international airport. Thanks to its port and international shipping trade routes, it has been a wealthy city. The grand mansions in the picture-postcard old town stand as evidence of that. Ponce is a charming city with a wide range of diverse attractions and a culture that can rival San Juan in terms of its liveliness.Things to Do in Ponce
From historical sites to vibrant food and nightlife, Ponce has a wide range of attractions that will appeal to every visitor. No wonder that the residents of the city are proud of their hometown.Explore a Fascinating Museum
Among the various museums in Ponce, the Museo de Arte de Ponce has a remarkable collection of art objects – around 4,500- from all around the world. You will find an extensive range of paintings, sculptures, and pre-Hispanic and African art objects. Among the other museums, the Parque de Bombas Museum has a unique collection celebrating the firefighting profession. The eye-catching Museo Castillo Serrallés showcases the history of the sugar and rum industry in the region. To learn about the history of Ponce, visit the Museo de la Historia de Ponce.Walk through the Plaza Las Delicias
This plaza is the center of Ponce’s historic area and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The area has multiple eye-catching colonial buildings and is lined with shady trees, statues, and fountains. This is also the area where the concerts and festivals of the city are held. You can relax at a coffee shop or visit some of the boutiques selling local products.Visit a Coffee Plantation
Step out of the city center to visit a coffee plantation from the 19th century, such asHacienda Buena Vista. Coffee is an integral part of Ponce’s cultural identity, and this site shows how the plantations used to function in the early days. One remarkable item preserved here is the hydraulic turbine which is over a century old. There are guided tours that take you through the various aspects of the plantation.Take a Trip to Caja de Muertos
While Ponce does not have some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico around it, the Caja de Muertos island is a fascinating destination for nature lovers. The boat trip to the island takes around 20-25 minutes. This small island is a nature reserve and has a few beautiful beaches bordered by turquoise water. The Pelican beach is the most popular one. You can follow hiking trails that lead to an old lighthouse. There are special trips that will take you to some great snorkeling spots near the island. While there are no restaurants or stores here, the island is the perfect destination for enjoying a day amidst pristine nature.View Some Grand Architecture
One of the remarkable aspects of Ponce’s beauty is its architectural variety. From Spanish colonial structures to Art Deco architecture, there is a lot to discover around the city. Some of the notable structures are the Ponce Cathedral, the Plaza de Mercado Ponce, and the Casa Alcaldía (city hall). Then again, many hidden gems will catch your eye while driving or walking through the city.