AboutNancy Torres Expertise I can answer questions about places to stay in Puerto Rico. As I live and work here, I can also help people with their questions on what to do, where to go, local transportation, government offices, working/studying/vacationing in the island. I speak and write Spanish and English.
Experience I currently live in Old San Juan and enjoy museums, hotels, social and cultural events, restaurants and sightseing.
Education/Credentials BBA University of Puerto Rico, Minor in English
Awards and Honors Magna Cum Laude, University of Puerto Rico
Expert: Nancy Torres Date: 4/20/2008 Subject: Seeking a quiet but very green PR neighborhood
Question Hi Nancy,
I plan to spend a few months out in PR with my two toddlers and grandmother (89) this summer. I'm Domincan & PR decent and speak spanish but I know nothing about the two islands. My goal is to immerse my boys into a preschool program to encourage them to speak spanish while we're there.
I'm seeking a town that is not congested, very green, picturesque, family/ community oriented, maybe some mountains & maybe close to the beach kind of town. I want to rent an apartment/ condo and rather be close to others but am not looking for the San Juan city feel.
Any takers on what towns suite this? I've been reading a few names in my search but still have no direction and uncertain if they're suiting my wants. Here are some I found: Dorado, Caguas, San German, Isabela, Aibonita, Utuado, Quebradillas, Aguadilla, Anasco, Hormiguerso, Luquillo, and Cabo Rojo.
I should add that we're looking for a 2 bedroom and rather not spend more than $1300/ mth.
Answer Hola, Jeannien.
As you are planning for staying two months in the Island, really you can select to stay anywhere you want, as you would be able to drive the whole Island and will have time to visit other towns and places that could be of interest for you and your family.
I am assuming that your $1,300 monthly budget is only to pay for a property. As the fee for short-term rental properties is higher than those for long-term rental, because they are furnished, equipped, with utilities included, I recommend that you start your search as soon as possible. For your 2-months stay, you can ask for a better price. You may select any of the towns you mentioned. I would say that you would definitely like towns like Aguadilla, Cabo Rojo and Quebradillas in the West; and Luquillo,Fajardo and Ceiba in the East. All those towns are in the coast, but you could try to find a property that is not necessary ocean-front, pay a lower rent, and still be closer to the beach. Check available rental properties at Clasificadosonline.com. Once there, check under "Vacations".
Regarding traffic, I'm sorry to say you would find that everywhere. Puerto Rico is a small, over-populated Island and what you can do is to avoid the time of the day where the traffic is heavier (weekdays, mornings and afternoons) and perhaps avoid the metropolitan area of San Juan.
You would find that the towns located north of our central chain of mountains (cordillera central) are greener, but you will find the Island full of beautiful landscapes, nice communities, and with easy access to mountains and beaches.
For your interest in learning Spanish, avoid touristic areas and choose towns in the inner part of the Island where you will be more exposed to a Spanish environment. Although English is the second language in the Island and you will find bilingual persons everywhere, I would say that you would have a better chance of finding an all-Spanish environment in the towns located in the interior part of the Island.
Really, Jeannien, all I could give you are some ideas and suggestions. You will have your personal preferences regarding different areas of the Island, and I couldn't point out a specific area for you. I could tell you that my favorite town in the Island is San Sebastián (West) and it is located relatively near the coast, but I couldn't tell if you would agree with me on that. There are so many beautiful towns in the Island and the difference would be our personal preferences and those of our family.
Finally, access the following link for important information and details when traveling to Puerto Rico: http://www.topuertorico.org/tinfo.shtml
And, if you feel I can help you more, I am just a question away at AllExperts.com.
Saludos desde Puerto Rico, :)
Nancy
