5 Major Cities in Puerto Rico Where You May Want To Consider Buying a Vacation Home

Buying a vacation home in Puerto Rico offers endless opportunities for Caribbean beach holidays. And since Puerto Rico is an American territory, you don’t have to worry about any restrictions or special visa requirements as long as you’re a U.S. citizen. Essentially, it’s just like buying property in the U.S., although the buying process may differ slightly.

Puerto Rico offers a variety of properties for sale, including apartments, condos, villas and detached homes. Buyers may find lower prices than in the continental U.S., but it’s essential to factor in other expenses — especially property insurance and homeowner’s association fees — that may increase your costs.

Here’s a look at the five biggest Puerto Rico cities and the average home prices — and why Puerto Rico might be a perfect destination for your vacation home.

• Median Home Price: $975,000

While the median listing price for a home in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, is nearly $1 million, don’t let that scare you. San Juan properties range greatly in price, and it’s pretty easy to locate more reasonably priced apartments and homes that fall between $150,000 and $300,000.

However, as Puerto Rico’s tourist hub, San Juan attracts people from all walks of life, so you’ll also find multi-million dollar mansions catering to wealthy retirees and celebrities.

Many Puerto Rican expats choose to settle in San Juan simply because it’s where the action takes place. Here, you’ll find Condado Beach, the largest beach in the city, which sits in front of several major resorts. Another beach, Playa El Escambrón, is a local favorite and houses tons of palm trees on the shoreline.

When you get tired of sunbathing and swimming, walk through Old San Juan, which contains numerous cobblestone streets and historic plazas. Several Spanish fortresses from the 16th century sit on the bay and provide stunning views of the water and city.

San Juan boasts numerous dining options, particularly on Calle Loíza, a street full of cafes and restaurants serving local Puerto Rican fare. You can also visit Casa Bacardí, the rum company’s flagship factory, which offers regular tours and tastings.

• Median Home Price: $169,000

Bayamón is Puerto Rico’s second most populous city. There are a variety of properties available, including apartments, condos, detached homes and mansions.

While you can drive into San Juan to find activities and enjoy the lovely beaches, Bayamón has plenty of activities, too. At the Museo de Arte Francisco Oller, you can view paintings created by Francisco Oller, a well-known Puerto Rican painter who focused on Impressionism. Another art museum, Museo de Arte de Bayamón, displays artwork from international artists, including Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.

Bayamón is inland, so there are no beaches within the city. However, a lovely green space, Paseo Lineal, includes trails and pathways perfect for walking, cycling and running. It also has a children’s playground.

• Median Home Price: $379,000

Located east of San Juan, Carolina is often visitors’ first introduction to Puerto Rico, since the main airport is located there. Within Carolina, you’ll find five different neighborhoods that offer a range of condos, townhomes and single-family homes. Like other Puerto Rico cities, prices are highly variable, so you’ll find affordable and luxury options.

Carolina has several beaches, including Isla Verde Beach, which some call the Copacabana of Puerto Rico. Isla Verde is close to many hotels and resorts, but locals can visit it, too. You don’t need to carry chairs and umbrellas down to the beach, as you can easily rent them for a small fee.

Another beach is Balneario de Carolina, across from the airport. It’s quieter than Isla Verde, and during the week, you may have it to yourself. However, it lights up on weekends, and sometimes you’ll find festivals and live music playing.

While there are plenty of restaurants in Carolina, visitors notice its numerous roadside food stands, called chinchorreos. At chinchorreos, you can grab a quick bite to eat, and many also serve local beers.

Parents will appreciate Museo del Niño de Carolina, a children’s museum with plenty of educational activities and exhibitions. There’s also an MD-82 American Airlines plane they can explore, a playground and a small petting zoo.

• Median Home Price: $182,000

Ponce, known as the Pearl of the South, is Puerto Rico’s fourth-largest city. Its housing market primarily consists of single-family homes, although there are several condominium buildings in the area. If you’re looking for more affordable properties, Ponce may be an excellent alternative to San Juan or Carolina.

One of Ponce’s most famous landmarks is Plaza Las Delicias, a public square. At Plaza Las Delicias, you’ll find the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a fire station museum and numerous coffee shops and restaurants.

Another major attraction is Castillo Serrallés, the former home of the Serrallés family, who own the Don Q rum distillery. It’s a gigantic estate with stunning architecture, sweeping gardens and a massive pool. Visitors can visit Castillo Serrallés and learn about the family’s history and business.

• Median Home Price: $659,900

Rincón, located on Puerto Rico’s western coast, is the island’s surfing and beach mecca. It offers a laid-back alternative to Puerto Rico’s bigger cities and attracts its share of tourists seeking a peaceful holiday. While there aren’t as many property options in Rincón, the ones that are available are typically single-family homes, villas and mansions.

The main attraction of Rincón is its beaches, which stretch over eight miles of coastline. The most popular is Sandy Beach, within walking distance of local hotels and vacation rentals. It’s great for families and couples seeking a typical beach holiday.

Domes is another famous beach, particularly with surfers. It’s next to Punta Higüera Lighthouse and has some of the strongest waves in the area. Many international surfers visit during the peak season in winter.

Maria’s Beach is also beloved by the surfing community and hosts several major surfing events yearly. Waves can be quite high, making it the perfect location for experienced surfers.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the locations listed in this article.