- My family moved from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico in 2017 because of my husband’s job.
- We downsized our belongings and only took six suitcases with us.
- The weather in Puerto Rico is great, and everyone is so friendly.
I’ve always wanted to live in Puerto Rico, so when we were asked to relocate from Philadelphia to the island for my husband’s job in 2017, I didn’t need to be asked twice.
We already had family on the island, and I was excited to stop working my full-time nursing job and spend more time with my almost 3-year-old and 5-year-old. We downsized nearly all our belongings and arrived on the island with six suitcases, four backpacks, and two car seats.
Living near the beach was important to me, but we also needed to be within a reasonable distance of my husband’s job. This meant settling over an hour away from our family. With them being set in their ways, they weren’t willing to make the trip to visit us. Suddenly, I found myself alone with the kids most of the time, where I knew no one, wasn’t yet fluent in the language, and didn’t have a car — all while my Spanish-speaking husband was at work.
Still, it was the best decision ever.
Everyone is warm and friendly
To say we didn’t face challenges at first would be untrue. However, we quickly discovered that Puerto Rico’s culture is deeply family-oriented, with a warm and loving community that embraces children. You are always greeted with “Buenos dias” and a smile wherever you go. Kids are celebrated and not viewed as a disturbance at restaurants and events. Coming from Philadelphia, where people can be cold and don’t make eye contact, it took a little getting used to people saying hello or telling us “Buen provecho” (enjoy your food) while dining out.
Eight months after moving to the island, I found out I was pregnant again. Instead of celebrating, my mind was racing, trying to figure out how I would receive care, where I would give birth, and how I would add another baby to our adventure that had only just begun. My worries faded once I brought him home and witnessed the kindness of neighbors and strangers offering to help. Every time we went out, he became the center of attention, and people went out of their way to ensure we felt comfortable and safe.
I love how men and even teenage boys are never hesitant around babies and children and are always quick to smile and say, “Qué lindo” (how cute). I also never felt uncomfortable breastfeeding my baby in public, which made my breastfeeding journey easy and enjoyable.
People have helped us when needed
I have traveled to many places, and Puerto Rico has the friendliest people I’ve ever met. We’ve been through several hurricanes and I’m always in awe of how everyone bands together to help each other, especially to ensure the kids are fed and safe. I have seen more random acts of kindness on the island than anywhere else. People are always willing to help, whether it’s to assist in crossing the street with your child, carrying your grocery bags, or changing your flat tire.
The weather in Puerto Rico is gorgeous year-round, like an endless summer. There is natural beauty everywhere you turn, from beaches to mountains and rivers. We spend most of our time outside, which allows us to stay healthy. Exposure to clean air and sunshine helps us not get sick often. Having access to nature helps us save money as well. Puerto Rico can be expensive, but most days, all we need is gas money and a little extra cash to order food if we haven’t packed a lunch.
We’ve been fortunate to build a great community and have friends we can count on to meet up to play or get dinner. We get to experience activities in many parts of the island. My kids get to experience their culture and are constantly immersed in Spanish. My children’s teachers are some of the most loving people I have ever met, which helps them feel safe and secure.
Although my children don’t have many of the modern conveniences that kids do on the mainland, I feel like they have a fuller life. We’ve learned to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, such as working electricity, spending quality time, and watching the sunset at the beach.
Living in Puerto Rico has made me realize how much more enjoyable and easier it is to raise children on the island.
