Our Big Move: From NYC to Puerto Rico

During my college years, I often found myself surrounded by Puerto Rican friends. Despite not being fluent in Spanish, I cherished these friendships which drew me back to the island almost annually over two decades.

After living in New York City for 15 years, the urban charm began to wane especially as the pandemic led many friends to leave, and raising kids made city life more demanding. So, when my husband landed a remote job and I was already telecommuting, we felt it was time to embrace a change.

The allure of Puerto Rico's pristine shores and our familiar circle of friends were irresistible. Thus, in August 2024, we transitioned from the bustling streets of New York to San Juan.

We've settled in beautifully over these past 18 months, despite encountering a few hiccups along the way.

Embraced by the Community

The locals have been incredibly welcoming, eager to integrate newcomers who wish to contribute to the community. People genuinely desire to highlight the island's wonders and ensure expatriates enjoy the fullest experience.

Residents are also aware of the island's limitations and are proactive in assisting newcomers, even just acquaintances provide their contact details in case we need help, demonstrating a sincere willingness to support us.

Adapting to a Seasonless Environment

Initially, the absence of distinct seasons was daunting. I occasionally long for the brisk autumn air and spring's gentle warmth, although enduring summer heat is another challenge. However, the ability to leave the house without weather concerns and skip layering up a fussy child is refreshing.

With temperatures remaining steady and no daylight savings adjustments, our daily routines hardly change throughout the year. For some, this predictability might seem tedious, but I relish the chance to follow the same schedule year-round.

As dusk falls consistently between 6 and 7 p.m., bedtime battles with my child are now a thing of the past. Morning exercise routines, such as beach tennis or barefoot jogging, are feasible any day, and early gym visits feel more pleasant when daylight greets you.

A Community within a Community

Our neighborhood, enriched by two English-speaking schools, primarily hosts expatriates and fellow school parents, fostering instant social connections. Living within walking distance from school, unlike our previous subway commutes, added to the ease of forming friendships.

The High Cost of Island Living

We hadn't moved to Puerto Rico to cut costs, yet we never anticipated that expenses would mirror those we faced in Brooklyn.

Our rental costs have increased, though we enjoy extra space and ocean vistas. Grocery bills rival, if not exceed, what we previously paid, primarily because of the cost of imported goods.

Dining out also comes at a price. While affordable eateries exist, my cravings often lean towards more costly options, with standard entrees pricing around $18, and upscale dining doubling that expectation.

Grocery Challenges

Shopping for groceries poses a significant challenge. Despite my preference to plan and shop weekly, San Juan's inconsistent stocks make it impossible. Essential items like parsley or mince aren't always available, and fresh produce's shelf life is disappointingly short.

The shipping restrictions set by the Jones Act largely impact availability and cost, as items shipped between U.S. ports must be transported on U.S. vessels, extending transit times and affecting perishables' longevity.

Heavy Local Fare

On an island where the sea sparkles at every turn, I imagined dining on fresh seafood and tropical fruits daily, but fresh produce is surprisingly scarce. Puerto Rico's import reliance — up to 80% of its food — results in a much more robust diet rich in rice, beans, pork, and fried delights like alcapurrias and tostones. Though savory, it's not as light as I anticipated.

Content with Our Puerto Rican Life

Despite knowing this would be a temporary adventure, our experience in Puerto Rico has surpassed our hopes. While the power outages can be frequent and the heat intense, the ease of parenting here and the emphasis on work-life balance make it all worthwhile.