Should you Retire in Puerto Rico - Pros and Cons

The quintessential retirement destination people envision is usually Florida. But Florida has gotten really expensive lately. So where else can you retire. If you leave the US you need to worry about visa requirements and foreign taxes. But what about retiring to a Caribbean Island that is a US territory and you may offer you tax breaks? Puerto Rico is a great option to consider for retirement. I'll go over health care, housing costs, and day to day costs of living in Puerto Rico. I'll give you the pros and cons of retiring in Puerto Rico.

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link to health ins. in Puerto Rico

[EdGonzalez-cq]

FYI...by definition, American Citizens are NOT EXPATS in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans are natural born United States of America Citizens. You simply change residency if you moved full time to PR otherwise, it like moving to Florida, New York or Utah... :)

[artalanfavorite]

In your grocery review you did not mention that the reason that the prices are so high is that the USA Dept of Agriculture controls and demands that produce be brought in from the mainland. Although much of this could be grown in PR, it is not allowed as it is under control of the USA. My in-laws operate a dairy in the west of PR and the Dept of Agriculture is always on them to reduce their production as to allow more dairy to be brought from the mainland. Also, the Jones Act is responsible for the reason normal household goods cost are as high as they are. The USA and Crowley shipping have a horrible stranglehold on the island. The USA is a horrible and irresponsible colonizer. Puerto Rico is the oldest and longest held colony in the world.

[pete]

Thanks, for being honest about living in PR. Retired here for over seven years. Yes, the housing cost is cheap I paid 75k for my home but spent over 150k on renovation which includes a major solar system with 0 electric bill. AC running 24/7 the heat is unbearable during the summer months and the damn bugs. You forgot to mention the barking dogs at night. I now only spend six months there and travel back to the mainland for six months to escape the heat and bugs. But overall my expenses are very low. I paid no property taxes and water and sewer is only 28 dollars. And, of course no electric bills and hot water from solar. Would love to get a swimming pool one day.

[HectorGutz]

Surviving in Puerto Rico, one must have the "Hurricane Maria " mentality. Always be prepared to go on your own for survival. Don't depend on the government, but do rely on your neighbors for help. Earthquakes, hurricanes, heat waves. blackouts, poor water supply, government agencies always on coffee brakes, no phones or internet, but still, I love Puerto Rico and am enjoying my retirement here (over 30 Years). In case of a nuclear war, it is better here, than living in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, etc. Alway be prepared for at least 3 to 6 months for any emergency. Get at least 1/2 acre and grow your own food. When the SHTF, no one is going to feed you!

[mannyp]

Thanks to your help, my gf and bought a place in the west coast a year ago, and have been living our best lives! If we ever meet, dinners on us, thank you!! 🇵🇷🌴🌞

[irenec]

I was born in San Juan and grew up on the East Coast. When you are a child, teenager, or in your 20s, Puerto Rico is your Island of adventure, the Pirate of the Caribbean. But when you are a Senior, you better be out of the Island and live in the main land. The medical system there is not recommended; calling an ambulance is a waste of time; you will wait for an hour for one if you are lucky, and when you arrive at the hospital and survive, you are blessed. Dealing with the electric company is challenging, and paying bills is another story. You are blessed if you have water every day (good water), have your bottle of Palmolive, and be ready to get a bath on the beach you have at the end of the street or in your pool. For generations, people from the Islands had to travel to PR for shopping and services they don't have on their other islands Islands. If you really want to have a good life there, be connected with the native people of the Island; they will feed you and teach you how things work there. :) have fun

[OhMissLo]

Essential oils for the ants: peppermint, cinnamon, orange, lemon, lavender, clove, cedar wood and citronella. Mix them in a spray bottle and spray everywhere. It works.

[leonardomedero]

Thank you for saying that Puerto Rico is good Im going back to my Island April of 2025

[Zelaznogsiul-]

I was born and raised in Arecibo Puerto Rico, but I have been living in the states for 41 years on and off, I bought a house back in the late 90ies moved back but after three years I left, it sucks to work there, I don’t t know if I could go back when I retire because the roads suck and the infrastructure is not the best, but who knows, for now I stay in Florida. Great video.

[VeronicaHenderson-iq]

Thank you for sharing and pointing out the pros and cons. I really enjoyed your video.

[mariel]

Happy birthday! 🎉

This helps solidify that we want to short term travel 2-3 months max per destination and return to home base in between to enjoy 3 of the 4 with seasons. NOT Winter... Btw, love the nature noises in the background.

[SigSolo]

Happy late birthday! I'm 50 just got approved for the VA Section 8 housing voucher which allows porting to Territories. I'll be moving permanently to Puerto Rico in about 12 months' time. It's just myself alone possibly with dog.

[TheSolver-PR]

Don't need to buy mangos from the supermarket.... when in season there's always a tree. Really a good presentation you made.

[joseluisrojascosme]

I bought my home in November 2020 in San Lorenzo. Not too far from you. Maybe 30 minutes. I paid $145, 000 for a 4 bed 2 bath on an acre of land. I paid about $86, 000 to gut and refurbish it. All paid off. I did however install a solar system $381.00 monthly. I have no other expenses other than food and home maintenance that I do myself. The neighbors are great, friendly and helpful. If I had stayed in West Palm Beach Florida I would not have been able to retire completely. I would have had to continue working until I died. I don’t regret moving to PR not one moment. And yes, PR has its pros and cons but as far as I’m concerned it has more pros than cons. I’ve been actually living in my house for the past 2.5 years and I’ve seen a lot, but I still haven’t really seen much of the island. I was born here and visited quite often and I’m glad I could retire here on my island. Florida was good but I have no reason to go back there nor do I miss it. I only miss some of my dearest friends but they always find time to come and visit.

[davidburgos]

Best beaches are on the south west of the island in my opinion! Crystal clear water and white sandy beaches my favorite beach used to be playa buye but it’s been ruined by tourists now close second is el combate

[hazeljohnson]

I enjoyed your video and the comments. All very informative.

[stevelourdesroldan]

My mother lives in Juana Diaz and its ok. I'm basically what you call a NY Rican and retired US Navy. Really looking forward to buying property in PR to reside and to rent out. Greatly appreciate the content.

[victorvazquez]

Im PRican, Very happy for you and very informational video. Ive lived in DR, loves it, now i love Colombia! I considerate cheaper, better, in every aspect you came up with. Love the country side of Colombia. Peace out Vic

[mic]

Fantastic balanced and honest video. Very well done. I am planning to move there in less than a year.

[davidmorris]

You can add that we have the lowest car insurance for the USA and it's possesions (maybe in the world.)