Our Family's Move from Oklahoma to Puerto Rico: Adjusting to New Costs and Power Challenges

Seizing a professional opportunity, my husband and I decided to relocate from Oklahoma to Puerto Rico, eager to immerse ourselves in an entirely different cultural landscape.

Originally, we began our journey in Missouri before settling in Virginia for nearly a decade and subsequently in Oklahoma for a five-year period.

We often contemplated if bypassing this chance would leave us with regrets, wondering if we had avoided stepping beyond our comfort zones. This move was a way of teaching our children the value of embracing new experiences, provided certain foundations are secured.

Fortunately, my spouse's job transition was feasible enough for an entire relocation, and my work flexibility enabled remote operation.

I hadn't set foot in Puerto Rico until our move in November. My only glimpse was through video calls during my husband's prior visits for his job interviews earlier in 2024.

Activating Our Lifestyle Through Puerto Rico's Outdoor Diversity

Life in Oklahoma was economically comfortable with a great home and a tight-knit community, but not much in the way of natural outdoor enjoyment.

We owned a spacious 3,500-square-foot house but have since transitioned to a more compact 1,500-square-foot apartment in a high-rise by the sea costing $6,500 monthly.

Accepting the limitation of less space has been surprisingly manageable. The focus has been on maximizing outdoor activities, identifying that less space means more time exploring our surroundings.

We find ourselves spending more time outside—we apply more sunscreen now. Instead of typical park visits, we're experiencing the beaches and myriad scenic spots.

The natural allure of Oklahoma, known for its lush green countryside with hills and lakes, was pleasant, but the coastal beauty we now experience is exceptional.

Staying physically active is a key part of our lifestyle. My husband and I play pickleball weekly and have discovered beach tennis, an entertaining new sport we play on weekends at local beaches.

We’ve also embraced running, joining the active local running community that congregates for various races. These activities keep us fit and connect us with others in the area.

Our Children's Smooth Adaptation to School Life

Previously in Oklahoma, commuting to our children's school was quite the distance, often relying on buses or daycare drop-offs.

Living a short walk from their new school in the city has been a remarkable change, allowing us daily strolls to and from school.

The extracurricular programs here are richly cultural and musically diverse, potentially fostering bilingualism in Spanish.

I anticipated friendliness from the community, yet the level of warmth and hospitality we've experienced exceeded my past experiences in Oklahoma.

Communication platforms like WhatsApp are integral here for community interaction, helping newcomers easily integrate through exchange of resources and information.

The educational environment is enriched by the diversity of students, with peers from countries such as China and New Zealand, reflecting an unexpected multicultural blend.

Adapting to Higher Living Costs and Power Instabilities in Puerto Rico

Despite uncovering more wallet-friendly dining options, the general cost of living, particularly food, surprised me.

On average, a simple meal for our family of four can set us back between $75 to $100, and this isn't about indulging in extravagant eateries; rather, it's for standard fare like burgers.

While not intolerable, grocery prices are noticeable. Familiar outlets like Costco offer some relief, yet certain goods remain elusive here, such as during the persistent egg shortage.

Challenges with utilities are another reality. We once experienced a church sermon intermission due to a power outage with no backup support.

Fortunately, our accommodations have provisions like a generator and water storage, while others nearby, without such amenities, occasionally face water shortages requiring city aid.

Traffic signal outages occur frequently here, contrasting with responses in Tulsa where such incidents dominated social media warnings—here, they simply become routine.

Adapting involves contingency measures like maintaining water supplies and choosing homes with reliable generators to mitigate utility disruptions affecting daily life and work.

Our family initially had reservations about the move due to unfamiliarity with island living, fearing rudimentary conditions. Yet, lifestyle here closely parallels that in the U.S., with familiar activities like organized sports and social gatherings.

Although there are unique aspects, the transition has proven not to lack essential conveniences, countering preconceived notions.