Moving to Puerto Rico from the United States
We’ve all imagined what life would be like in the Caribbean…the sun, the waves, the slow-paced way of life. Well, it doesn’t have to be a fantasy.
There are a few tropical locations a US citizen can enjoy without needing a passport or visa. Hawaii is a popular choice, but it’s an expensive place to live. If you’re looking for island vibes with the perfect blend of affordability, growing job opportunities, and vibrant culture, consider moving to the island of Puerto Rico!
Quick Facts About Puerto Rico
Where is Puerto Rico Located?
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island located southeast of Florida. It’s located in between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands.
How many people live in PR?
A little over 3.2 million people currently live in Puerto Rico.
How Big is PR?
Puerto Rico is about 100 miles long and 35 miles wide. It’s a little larger than Rhode Island, but smaller than Connecticut.
Is PR Part of the United States?
Puerto Rico is a U.S territory, but not actually a state. Puerto Ricans are technically US citizens, but they don’t automatically receive all the same rights, like voting in general elections.
What is the Currency in PR?
Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, they also use US currency.
When is Hurricane Season in PR?
Puerto Rico is known for its beautiful weather year-round, but the hurricanes are strong and need to be taken seriously. Hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. It normally peaks in August through September. Despite hurricane season being a damper on vacation plans, U-Box can still ship your belongings all-year round!
Why Should I Move to Puerto Rico?
Gorgeous Weather: Puerto Rico never really gets cold, but it is known to be hot and humid. And we already told you about their hurricane season! If you’re the type that doesn’t mind a little heat and moisture, Puerto Rico has some of the best weather in the world.
Easier Transition: Since PR is a territory under the United States, there’s a lot less red tape that goes into moving there. You won’t need a passport or visa, which takes a lot of paperwork out of the equation.
Affordability: Compared to most of the United States, Puerto Rico’s cost of living is about 5% lower. This means that your dollar will stretch a little further!
Tax Incentives: Many people talk about moving to Puerto Rico because of the generous tax incentives. While it could be lucrative for some, you will have to go through a strict and long verification process in order to prove your residency and qualify for Puerto Rican taxes.
Presence & Tax Test: You have to be living in PR full time for over 183 days (about 6 months) a year.
Closer Connection Test: You have to show adequate reasons why you want to reside in PR (like banking, social, or cultural ties).
Top 5 Neighborhoods in Puerto Rico for Expats
San Juan: The capital of Puerto Rico and home to some of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, San Juan is probably the most well-known city in PR. While there are walkable areas in San Juan, you’ll still need a vehicle to get around. San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico, with a population of over 300,000.
Dorado: Dorado is an area full of affluent residents and expats. The homes here are more expensive, the schools are ranked higher, and the beaches are beautiful. It’s also a great place for golf!
Bucana Barrio: With millions of people in San Juan, Bucana Barrio may seem really tiny in comparison. With a population of 3,000 people and affordable housing, this is a great option for remote workers who don’t need to be so close to a city. But, if you’re actively looking for work, you may want to live somewhere a little more populated.
Isla Verde: Isla Verde is right next to the metropolitan heart of San Juan. This means that it has just as much fun, activity, and opportunity as the island’s capital. The waves here can be deep and fierce, so don’t swim without the presence of a lifeguard!
Rio Marr: Rio Marr is considered one of the best places to live in Puerto Rico, and for good reason. It’s only a half hour from San Juan, close to gorgeous views (like the El Yunque National Forest) and plenty of job opportunities! It’s also the most walkable city on our list, so you won’t have to worry about the notorious Puerto Rican traffic.
Moving to Puerto Rico with U-Box International
With U-Box portable storage containers, you can ship your belongings anywhere in the world, even Puerto Rico. All you need to do is calculate how many U-Box containers you need, request a custom quote from the international department and follow their packing instructions, pack them up, and we’ll handle the rest.
Moving to Puerto Rico is easier for US citizens since it’s already a US territory. This means all you’ll need is a detailed list of your household goods, identification like your driver’s license and social security card and other forms of documentation.
When you sign up with U-Box International, you’re assigned a moving manager to help facilitate the process. They’ll be there to help with your paperwork, give you a walk-through of what’s expected from you during your move, and answer any questions you may have. Basically, you’ll have an international moving expert in your corner!
If you are interested in moving from Puerto Rico to the US or Canada, contact us today at info@ubox.com!