My adventure living in puerto rico 🇵🇷
I moved to Puerto Rico a year and a half ago for a lot of reasons! Here are my true thoughts.
1. Part of the reason I moved here was to learn Spanish. I thought by now I’d be almost fluent, but in reality, learning a language in your thirties is tough! I have a tutor I meet with weekly and I have progressed a lot but no where near fluent yet.
2. There’s so much to see and experience on the island, not just in San Juan. There’s always a parade or celebration and the people here for the most part are so kind. Even after being here for over a year, I still have so much to see and experience!
3.of course the beaches are some of the main attractions. Before I moved here, I thought a beach is a beach. But, living on the island I’ve realized that every beach has something that makes it special or different. Literally every single one.
4. I knew there would be lizards and roosters, but I did NOT expect to see them literally everywhere. Sometimes it can be hard to get used to because you’ll find a lizard in your house randomly while you’re cleaning up or showering.
5. Overall, I love it here. With all of the adjustments, it’s still exactly where I want to be.
⭐️Overall rating: 8/10
Having spent over a year and a half in Puerto Rico, I've come to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty that the island offers beyond its famous capital, San Juan. One striking aspect of life here is the sense of community — frequent parades, festivals, and celebrations bring people together in vibrant displays of Puerto Rican heritage. Learning Spanish as an adult has been both rewarding and challenging. The island’s bilingual environment is ideal for practice, but reaching fluency requires dedication and consistent effort. I personally find that engaging with locals and immersing myself in conversations during events or at local markets accelerates my learning far more than formal lessons alone. Each beach on the island tells its own story. For example, Playa Ocean Park in San Juan offers a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing and water sports, while more secluded spots like Mar Chiquita provide peaceful retreats surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Exploring these diverse beaches has deepened my appreciation for the island’s coastal form and ecosystems. Adapting to the local wildlife, particularly the frequent appearances of lizards and roosters, has been a quirky adjustment. These creatures are a constant reminder of the island’s tropical environment and have become part of the everyday backdrop. Overall, living in Puerto Rico has expanded my understanding of life’s rhythms and cultural richness. It's clear that there’s always more to discover, and each day brings new learning and enjoyment. If you're considering relocating or visiting, I’d recommend embracing the local language and culture wholeheartedly to truly experience everything this beautiful island has to offer.
You forgot: Water scarcity, power outages, crazy high prices on everything, dealing with disrespectful tourists and corrupt government rolling back protections on land, beaches and protected ecosystems that should belong to the people but are being auctioned off to the highest foreign bidder.