There are different neighborhoods to live in Puerto Rico — from the cosmopolitan capital to sleepy coastal towns. Your location may be driven by other priorities: convenience to work, quality of school system, beach availability, cost of living or cultural ambiance.
Where Americans Are Moving: Data from Our Clients
We surveyed 142 families who moved from the U.S. to Puerto Rico with our help at Movers to Puerto Rico, and we have the results on where they are now living:
Distribution by City:
- San Juan (including suburbs): 72 families (51%)
- Condado/Ocean Park: 14 families
- Guaynabo: 18 families
- Santurce: 9 families
- Other areas within San Juan: 31 families
- Dorado: 21 families (15%)
- Rincón: 11 families (8%)
- Aguadilla: 8 families (6%)
- Palmas del Mar: 7 families (5%)
- Ponce: 4 families (3%)
- Isabela: 6 families (4%)
- Río Grande: 5 families (4%)
- Other cities: 8 families (6%)
Key Findings:
- Over half (51%) selected the San Juan metro area, largely due to a concentration of infrastructure, schools, and the new terminal at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
- Dorado was the second most popular choice (15%) among wealthy families who value living in a gated community and playing golf.
- The west coast (Rincón, Aguadilla, Isabela) attracted 18% of our relocating clients, most of them were remote workers and surfers.
- Just 3% opted for Ponce, which is indicative of a preference for the north coast and for being closer to the airport.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Location
There are more things to think about before you eventually decide on a specific location:
Work and Infrastructure Location
If you attend an office regularly or want to set up a business, think of places that are within 30-45 minutes of the main business centers. During rush hours, traffic jams can significantly add to the time of your commute.
School Quality
Parents and guardians must also take into account the ratings of the schools where they want to enroll their children. Private English-language schools in Puerto Rico are mostly found in certain areas, mainly in the metropolitan zone and some of the coastal towns.
Healthcare Facilities
The main hospitals and specialist clinics are in San Juan and a few regional centers. This can be a very important factor for people who suffer from chronic diseases or require specialist care.
Cost of Living
Housing, food, and service prices differ greatly depending on the location of the property. High-end well-known areas by the sea can be 50-100% pricier than those areas located inland.
Language
Tourist areas and expat communities speak English widely, but most of the locals speak mainly Spanish. There are some neighborhoods that are more English-friendly than others.
Safety
The levels of crime vary from one neighborhood to another. Among American relocators, gated communities are very popular and they offer an extra level of security.
Climate and Geography
The north coast is more rainy than the south which is more dry. The mountain areas are cooler. The coastal areas might get affected by hurricanes, especially during the period from August to November.
Top 10 Places to Live in Puerto Rico
1. Dorado
Description: Upscale beach town, located 20 miles west of San Juan. It’s famous for having exclusive gated communities, golf resorts, and beautiful beaches.
Pros:
- Excellent schools (including English-speaking private schools)
- Great security in gated communities
- Nearby airport (30 minutes)
- Well-established infrastructure: shopping malls, restaurants, medical facilities
- Strong expat community
- Outstanding golf courses (Dorado Beach, TPC Dorado Beach)
Cons:
- Expensive: houses range from $500,000 to $3M+
- Rental: $2,500-$5,000+ per month
- Not much of the authentic Puerto Rican culture
- Heavy traffic on Highway 22 during rush hour
Best for: Wealthy families, golf players, people who appreciate the American lifestyle in gated communities.
Average Home Price: $700,000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $3,000 Client Popularity: 15% (21 families)
2. San Juan Condado/Ocean Park
Description: High-end, beachfront neighborhoods in the capital, featuring a mix of the urban lifestyle and beach living.
Pros:
- You can reach the beach, restaurants, and shops by walking
- Well-developed infrastructure and medical facilities
- English-speaking community
- Nightlife and cultural events are plentiful
- You can live here easily without a car
- Located near international airport (10-15 minutes)
Cons:
- Area crowded with people
- Noise, especially in Condado
- Parking is expensive and limited
- Housing prices are high
- Tourist crowds
Best for: Young professionals, digital nomads, those who prefer urban living.
Average Condo Price: $400,000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $2,200 Client Popularity: 10% (14 families in Condado/Ocean Park)
3. Rincón
Description: Small beach town on the western side of the island, famous as the surfing capital of the Caribbean and a favorite spot for expatriates.
Pros:
- Chilled vibe
- Great waves for surfing (winter)
- Vibrant English-speaking expat community
- Beautiful sunsets
- Reasonably priced living compared with Dorado/San Juan
- Nearby to nature and beaches
Cons:
- Minimal local infrastructure (only few large stores)
- Remote from main airport (2.5+ hours to SJU)
- Less quality schools
- Tiny medical facilities
- Seasonal (busy in winter, quiet in summer)
Most suitable for: Surfers, remote workers, retirees, people who want to live quietly by the sea.
Average Home Price: $320, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 400 Client Popularity: 8% (11 families)
4. San Juan Santurce
Description: San Juan’s cultural and artistic hub with street art, galleries, and bohemian vibe.
Pros:
- Real estate more affordable than in Condado
- Active cultural life (museums, galleries, theaters)
- Genuine Puerto Rican culture
- Neighborhoods under development with property value increasing
- Variation of restaurants and bars
- Efficient public transportation
Cons:
- Certain parts are not safe (careful selection required)
- Older infrastructure in some places
- Parking problem
- Street noise
Best for: Creatives, young professionals, culture lovers who are okay with an urban setting.
Average Home Price: $280, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 600 Client Popularity: 6% (9 families)
5. Palmas del Mar
Description: Palmas del Mar is the biggest gated community in Puerto Rico situated on the east coast in the municipality of Humacao.
Pros:
- Top security (guarded gated community)
- Has own school, medical center, shopping center
- Facilities include two golf courses, tennis courts, marina
- Beach club
- Large expat community
- Family-oriented environment
Cons:
- Remoteness (40 minutes to airport)
- Monthly HOA fees ($300-$700+)
- Less Puerto Rican cultural experience
- No or very limited entertainment outside the community
- Some areas are a bit old-fashioned
Best for: Families, retirees, people who highly appreciate security and gated community amenities.
Average Home Price: $450, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 800 Degree of Client Popularity: 5% (7 families)
6. Isabela
Description: This is a beach town in the northwest, known for its popularity among surfers and lovers of nature.
Pros:
- Wonderful beaches (Jobos Beach)
- Excellent surfing
- Expat community is growing
- Reasonably priced real estate
- Quiet countryside with sea view
- Less touristy than Rincón
Cons:
- Scant infrastructure
- Quite a distance from San Juan (1.5+ hours)
- Few services in English
- Limited educational facilities
- Health care is basic
Best for: Surfers, nature lovers, people who want an affordable life by the sea.
Average Home Price: $280, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 200 Degree of Client Popularity: 4% (6 families)
7. Aguadilla
Description: Beautiful town on the northwest coast with a local airport, offering the best of both worlds living by the sea and having access to urban facilities.
Pros:
- Rafael Hernández Airport (international flights)
- The best surfing beaches (Crash Boat Beach)
- Much cheaper than Dorado or San Juan
- Infrastructure development
- Decent school choices
- Good mix of locals and expats
Cons:
- Less luxurious lifestyle than Dorado
- Some parts are a bit rundown
- Quite far from San Juan (more than 2 hours)
- Not much nightlife
Perfect for: Families, surfers, people who want to live close to the airport, middle-income people relocating.
Average Home Price: $240, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 300 Client Popularity: 6% (8 families)
8. Guaynabo
Description: Upscale suburb of San Juan, the home of wealthy Puerto Ricans and American expats.
Pros:
- Top-notch private schools
- Very safe gated communities
- Close enough to San Juan (15-20 minutes)
- Shopping malls (Plaza del Sol)
- Good medical care facilities
- Great for children
Cons:
- No beach nearby
- Needs a car
- Expensive real estate
- Traffic jam in the rush hours
Perfect for: Families with children, office workers in San Juan.
Average Home Price: $380, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 700 Client Popularity: 13% (18 families)
9. Ponce
Description: Ponce is the second biggest city of Puerto Rico located the south coast known for its history and culture.
- Rich history and architecture
- Real Puerto Rican culture
- Very low cost of living
- Dry climate (less rain than the north)
- Museums and cultural events
- Scaled down tourist numbers
Cons:
- Old infrastructure
- Economic problems
- Few services in English
- Long distance to main airport (1.5+ hours)
- Less quality private schools
- Some areas with higher crime rates
Best for: Those who appreciate culture and history, budget-conscious movers, Spanish speakers.
Average Home Price: $180, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $950 Client Popularity: 3% (4 families)
10. Río Grande
Description: Town on the northeast coast, right on the border of El Yunque rainforest.
Pros:
- Walking distance to El Yunque National Forest
- Luxury resorts (St. Regis Bahia Beach)
- Airport is only 30 minutes away
- Great golf courses
- Access to the beach
- Good mix of nature and facilities
Cons:
- Rainy weather
- Very little local facilities outside the resorts
- Fewer schools speaking English
- Dependence on a car
Best for: People who love nature, golfers, and those who want to be very close to the forest and the beach.
Average Home Price: $310, 000 Average Rent (1-bedroom): $1, 500 Client Popularity: 4% (5 families)
Comparison Table
| City | Avg Home Price | Avg Rent (1-bed) | Client Choice | Beach | Safety | Schools | Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dorado | $700,000 | $3,000 | 15% | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Condado | $400,000 (condo) | $2,200 | 10% | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rincón | $320,000 | $1,400 | 8% | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Santurce | $280,000 | $1,600 | 6% | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Palmas del Mar | $450,000 | $1,800 | 5% | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Isabela | $280,000 | $1,200 | 4% | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Aguadilla | $240,000 | $1,300 | 6% | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Guaynabo | $380,000 | $1,700 | 13% | ★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Ponce | $180,000 | $950 | 3% | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Río Grande | $310,000 | $1,500 | 4% | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
Ratings are based on client feedback and publicly available data.
Recommendations by Profile
Families with Children:
- Dorado (best schools and safety), 15% of our clients
- Guaynabo (top schools, close to San Juan), 13% of our clients
- Palmas del Mar (gated community with a school), 5% of our clients
Remote Workers:
- Condado/Ocean Park (beach + infrastructure), 10% of our clients
- Rincón (ex-pat community + nature), 8% of our clients
- Isabela (good price-quality ratio), 4% of our clients
Retirees:
- Palmas del Mar (security + amenities)
- Rincón (tranquil environment)
- Dorado (high-end budget)
Urban Living Enthusiasts:
- Condado (beach + city), 10% of our clients
- Santurce (culture + affordability), 6% of our clients
- Old San Juan (historical + atmospheric)
Surfers:
- Rincón, 8% of our clients
- Isabela, 4% of our clients
- Aguadilla, 6% of our clients
Limited Budget:
- Ponce, 3% of our clients
- Isabela
- Aguadilla
Practical Selection Tips
- Give Renting a Chance Before Purchasing At least 3-6 months of renting is advisable before purchasing. It helps you get a real feel for the area. Our study indicated that 68% of customers were still in the city they picked initially, whereas 23% relocated to the neighboring area after the first year.
- Come at Different Times Besides visiting on a weekday also visit during the weekend and check the place both during the day and evening. Some areas become really different depending on the time of day.
- Use FEMA Maps Check if a property is in a flood zone by using maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood insurance can be very costly or even mandatory.
- Learn About Homeowners Associations (HOA) If you are considering a gated community, find out the amount of the fees, the rules and the financial situation of the HOA.
- Check Internet Availability Having stable internet connection is very important for remote work purposes. The availability of fiber optic in every part of the island cannot be taken for granted.
- Evaluate Access to Medical Facilities Being close to a hospital can be a life-saving factor especially for senior people and patients with underlying health problems.
- Think of the Hurricane Season. Oceanside locations are at greater risk. Look at damage history since Hurricane Maria (2017).
Conclusion
The choice that most fits you and your family in terms of location to live in Puerto Rico should be based on what you consider being most important, how much you can afford to spend, and your lifestyle. Based on our findings, more than half (51%) of American relocators pick the metropolitan area of San Juan for its schools and developed infrastructure. Families with money that want gated communities, golf, etc. are drawn to Dorado (15%). Remote workers and surfers are the main attraction for the western coast (Rincón, Aguadilla, Isabela, 18% combined).
No matter what your decision is, make sure you do your homework thoroughly. Go to different neighborhoods to see the atmosphere for yourself. Talk with locals and expats. Study the infrastructure. Puerto Rico is a varied island, and a perfect neighborhood can be your piece of heaven.
Ready to move? Movers to Puerto Rico can assist you in moving your stuff anywhere on the island. We have successfully relocated 142 families from the mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico over the last 3 years. Phone: (939) 320-1415.
¡Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico!
Once you have picked the town, the next number you need is what it costs to move your household there. We price moves by volume, not weight, and you can see the range for a home like yours on the Movers to Puerto Rico home page — pick your region and how much you are moving, no form required. Or call (939) 320-1415.
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