Living in Puerto Rico: 17 Things You Should Know

Puerto Rico is a vacationer's paradise. But what is it like to actually live there? Here are our thoughts on living in Puerto Rico after two years on the island.

Disclaimer: Our intent was to give an honest reflection on our time living in Puerto Rico. Every country on Earth has it’s pros and cons. We choose to live in Puerto Rico when we could live practically anywhere else. We decided to make this video for anyone considering making a move who wants an honest opinion on several different aspects that caught our attention during our time living here.

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We're Jim and May, a gringo/Mexican married couple dedicated to helping you learn Spanish and travel the world with confidence. We teach "real-world travel Spanish" to show you how to navigate the Spanish-speaking world. Learn about places to visit, cultural differences, food, and the traditions that make each country unique. Learn Spanish, travel the world. ¡El camino es el destino!

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[sweet]

Once The United States took over Puerto Rico the flag became illegal, the people of the country protested and fought for 10 years to get their flag back. That’s why is so important for us to show pride in our flag. Because it was taken away from us at one point.

[ZimVader-]

About the pot holes, I don't know I've you've heard, but in a town on the mountains they celebrated a huge pot hole's birthday. The community got tired of waiting for the Departamento de Carreteras (I'm not sure what the English equivalent would be), so they did this very sarcastic birthday party and then filled the pot hole themselves using materials that they bought themselves after everyone in the community pitched in with money.

The reason why people are so patriotic is because until 1952-1953 it was illegal to show our flag. You could be arrested by the Feds if they saw you even with a tiny one. One of our hombres ilustres, Don Pedro Albizu Campos was arrested and tortured after fighting for the elimination of the colony status and for the right of puertorricans to have equal treatment as the states.

[lynrosario]

I'm Puerto Rican and I keep telling my kids it's time for me to move to P.R. Right now I'm in Michigan. I absolutely HATE IT.

[mybinationallife]

I lived in Puerto Rico for just over six years and absolutely LOVED it! You were correct, though, about how challenging it can be to get things done. That being said, I learned tolerance, patience, and how to 'go with the flow.' I also ran a business and experienced all the rules and regulations that went along with it. I remember a US-tourist that entered the cafe where I was working complaining to her husband about the way things were done in Puerto Rico and "how much better it is in the states." I got sick of overhearing her rambling and asked her 'Excuse me, ma'am. Do you go to your neighbor's house and try to rearrange their furniture?' She said, "Of course not!" I replied 'You are a GUEST here and Puerto Ricans like their furniture the way it is.' I then pointed the way to the airport. Puerto Rico, like anywhere else, has its positives and negatives. Could I live there again? Absolutely, in Guanica, Aguadilla, Cabo Rojo....yes, 'en la Isla.'

[pedroantoniomiranda]

Awesome tips! I’m native Puerto Rican residing in NYC. I appreciate learning about the experience of others who moved to the island. I enjoyed your video and your outlook of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 through your lens. God bless you both. Que viva Puerto Rico y la hispanidad 🥰

[bombyboricua]

We are proud of being puertoricans and show our pride in everything but when I moved to Texas I found out that texans are more proud of being texans hahaha.

[Dangic]

You expanded on the xenophobia issue very well.
It's not really racism against foreigners....its just the sentiment accumulated through 122 years of colonial status under the USA.

[derajlance]

I've been in San Juan for about a month now for work and have 2 more weeks. It is a beautiful island and most of the people I've met have been amazing. I haven't had the chance to explore as much as I want, but I am scheduled to come back at the end of January for about 6 more weeks.
The island, the culture, and the people are all beautiful! They have every right to be proud!

[chefmimosa]

I have been watching until minute 7.31 and it’s not that we want the Island just for ourselves, it’s that we don’t want to be displaced by anyone not only Americans.

[johncruz]

I’m amazed how you guys talk so much nice things about Puerto Rico. Love it. I my self is thinking to move to Puerto Rico. New York sucks.

[Isbelia]

I am a Puertorrican who lives in san Antonio texas. I beach, sun, sand. I am tired to live here in san Antonio texas. Here i go soon Puerto Rico. There is a posible and negative everywhere but I prefer to go back to my island 🏝️🥰🌹🦋🇵🇷

[MynnieMonster]

Mi abuela is from Puerto Rico and I've heard all about the culture on the island. I've only visited once but I would love to go back again and do some exploring!

[Alejandra-pcpq]

0:55 We puertorricans know someone is not from here when you guys do the little run when crossing the street! Puertorricans take their time jaja!!

[yvonnelopez]

I was born in New York but consider myself Boricua I'm proud. I lived there many years and now live in USA but people in PR are honest and respect.

[catsocialism]

as a puerto rican from the states, i think the xenophobia is a result of continued colonialism, which i'm so happy you touched on. act 60 directly benefits americans coming to puerto rico over puerto ricans who often have to leave because they cannot afford to live in their own home country. tax breaks for wealthy americans does encourage gentrification, and is neo-colonialist. the jones act and debt has acted as its own hurricane on the archipelago and its people, so this distrust and anger is warranted. i am angry and i don't live there, though i wish to one day. i think the best thing you can do as someone who isn't boricua is listen to puerto ricans and fight with them against gentrification, against the jones act and the tax breaks for foreigners, and talk to other gringos and foreigners to educate them. if puerto rico is your home, cherish the people and their needs, and uplift them.

[abuelat]

I was born in PR and grew up in NY. I’m 59 and remember the clapping every time we landed in New York and Puerto Rico. Thank you for your video.

[CeciliaWandiga]

Keep the faith! First 5 years are a bumpy adjustment. Once everyone knows who you are and that you are good people, the problem you will have is finding time to yourselves... 😍

[madelinecortes]

We scream Soy boricua pa que tu lo sepa because we proud of our island in PR and any where we will be.I’m boricua100% born in PR live there for years and live now in NY for years too.Thanks for loving PR.I have being living half of my life in PR and half in NY, come and go.

[tikaanderson]

Perfect timing on this!!! My husband and I just moved and settled into our apartment in Rincon this week!

[hernmarr]

You do you!!! So proud of you to make this video!!!