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Why is "distance in kilometers" a PRO? Because, oddly, their speed limit signs are in MPH.
Gas is also sold by the liter - but nearly no place accepts "pay at the pump" - so it's a wait-in-line situation twice, and it is never - ever - fast.
Being close to the Dominican Republic is not exactly a PRO either. Many other far better destinations nearby.
But the main thing here to consider is that PR may become a state - or may become independent - but EITHER WAY - big changes will happen. I think the "status quo" is short on time.
Just for the record, Puerto Rico is in the Caribbean but it doesn't feel Caribbean-ish. There are several places in the Caribbean where you don't get the Caribbean feel as you do when visiting most Caribbean islands.
Anyone thinking of moving to PR for the "Caribbean feel" are setting themselves for quite a shock.
It doesn't mean PR isn't beautiful or a great place to visit, maybe live if you have a good source of income, because it's. Just it isn't Caribbean-ish.
I don’t know if OP is still at all interested, but I’ve got the scoop, for a mainland person moving to PR. My son and family are there and we just got back from a visit.
The visuals are beautiful.
The beaches are beautiful, and so are the mountains. There are many hole in the wall bars and restaurants that are great.
There are places where healthy looking horses run free.
The sound of music fills the air. This is nice for a weeks vacation, but not so great 24/7 without regard for those who don’t want Spanish music blasting all the time.
Dogs run free and are not cared for. It is very sad.
Schools are not good, so there is tuition expense.
Basics are costly, because unless something is grown there, it must be shipped in.
half of PR is atlantic coastline so it makes sense it's not completely carribean.
Most islands in the Caribbean are similar to that, but that's not what defines whether a certain feels Caribbean or not. For example, Turks and Caicos feel Caribbean despite the islands coastlines are bathed by the Atlantic. Barbados is another one with the Caribbean feel and the coastline isn't bathed by the Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Rico doesn't feel Caribbean regardless what side one finds oneself.
Most islands in the Caribbean are similar to that, but that's not what defines whether a certain feels Caribbean or not. For example, Turks and Caicos feel Caribbean despite the islands coastlines are bathed by the Atlantic. Barbados is another one with the Caribbean feel and the coastline isn't bathed by the Caribbean Sea.
Puerto Rico doesn't feel Caribbean regardless what side one finds oneself.
I was thinking along the lines of jamaica, cancun, and other places that are solely in the carribean, probably cuba (never been there). you clearly meant something else.
The entire Caribbean Sea area, the West Indies' numerous islands, and adjacent coasts are collectively known as the Caribbean.
And includes Puerto Rico.
I think it's the generalized "island life" feel people to which folks are referring. Party true - I don't find Puerto Rico to be particularly "islandy" in that way - but depends where you are. Things definitely move at "island speed."
The entire Caribbean Sea area, the West Indies' numerous islands, and adjacent coasts are collectively known as the Caribbean.
And includes Puerto Rico.
I think it's the generalized "island life" feel people to which folks are referring. Party true - I don't find Puerto Rico to be particularly "islandy" in that way - but depends where you are. Things definitely move at "island speed."
The north shore definitely feels islandy, but the mountains don’t.
I really enjoy visiting PR and would be open to spending a few months at a time, but permanent living is a different matter.
In terms of positives, many have been listed in earlier posts. Here are some others:
(1) My auto insurance is good there.
(2) No need to exchange money.
(3) When it comes to brands, if you have it in the US mainland you can often get it in PR but it will cost more.
(4) The people are wonderful.
(5) PR bakeries are yummy.
The negatives:
(1) There is some "brain drain" happening. I would not want to rely on PR solely for medical care. You may not find as many specialists as you could on the mainland.
(2) The infrastructure at times lacks (electric grid, etc.)
(3) You won't see as large a presence of certain ethnicities (e.g. Chinese, Japanese, etc.) as you would in the US, especially outside of the tourist areas.
(4) If you are working there, you won't pay federal income tax but you will pay the island tax and the tax brackets are much lower. So, if you are working remotely in PR, you will likely be taxed far more.
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