Puerto Rico is located in the northeastern Caribbean, 60 miles east of the Dominican Republic, and 40 miles west of the US Virgin Islands. The Island is 100 miles long by 35 miles wide. The interiors are mountainous and the coastal areas are flat. Puerto Rico differs from many other communities in which you may have lived. The main difference includes the culture, the Spanish language and the unparalleled weather.
While Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, its culture and social mores are charmingly Spanish. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a politically stable Commonwealth of the United States and Puerto Ricans are American citizens. As a matter a fact, Puerto Rico is the oldest community under the American Flag. The Island became part of the United States in 1898. In 1952 the people of Puerto Rico voted for the permanent union with the US as a freely associated State of Commonwealth.
Over the years, Puerto Rico has grown and developed into a modern community, which blends the best aspects of American drives with the warmth and cultural heritage the Spanish left behind. Today, the Puerto Rican is an American citizen but has no voting representation in the United States, therefore, pays no Federal income taxes.
Puerto Rico has the highest per capita income in the Caribbean and Latin America, a modern infrastructure, as well as an educated labor forces. Manufacturing is the leading source of GNP and hotels benefit from business related travel. The constant, mild tropical weather and cooling trade winds have helped to make Puerto Rico a popular, year-round vacation destination. The Island’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport is located in San Juan. More than 12 million visitors pass through it yearly and is served by 36 airlines.
International carriers offer direct service to major cities throughout the Western Hemisphere. The security of the Commonwealth status with the United States, superior air service, the large labor pool, as well as being the only Caribbean island with suitable infrastructure for industries, hotel and resort makes Puerto Rico engaging to all.
Business:
Today, Puerto Rico is where American can-do capitalism meets the friendly person to person style of the islands and the courtly courtesy inherited from its Spanish legacy. A thousand miles southeast of Miami, Puerto Rico is a crossroads for businesses today. The attractiveness of a population of 3.6 million, which is extremely apparent since the Puerto Rican market is, booming with US businesses. Retail giants such as Wal-Mart, Sears, JC Penney, and Kmart anchor shopping centers and malls alongside locally owned shops and island chain stores. Towers bearing such familiar names as Royal Bank, Scotia Bank, Chase and Citibank rise in the Hato Rey business district of San Juan next to locals such as market-leader Banco Popular and international banks such as Banco Santander. Our former governors, Carlos Romero Barcelo, Pedro Rossello and Sila Maria Calderon have introduced new visions of progress and development for Puerto Rico. Today, Puerto Rico is rapidly strengthening its reputation as a global trendsetter as it continues to encourage steady growth and bolster economic strength.
Housings and Condominiums:
Housing in Puerto Rico is abundant. There are housings for all kinds of wallets and tastes. A good three bedroom, two bath home in San Juan will range in price from $150,000-$250,000. Land in the island is limited therefore expensive. With about a ¼ of an acre and four bedrooms, prices average between $250,000-$475,000. There are also many townhouses for approximately $185,000. Most of our homes have tropical settings such as beautiful patios and terraces. Property taxes are usually lower than in the States. If you live in a home you are entitled to a $15,000 exemption. As a veteran you may qualify for an additional $4,000 exemption. Many of the homes that are priced below $100,000 pay almost no taxes.
Many of the condominiums in Puerto Rico are high risers. The smallest one would probably have 6 floors. Each unit is called an apartment. People from all walks of life and from every age group, income level, and life style may own one. You will find many condominiums in the San Juan Metropolitan Area especially in the Condado and Isla Verde area. Many of them have amazing views to the city, mountains, and overlook the ocean. The condominiums in these areas are rather expensive because of their location and walking distance to the beach. A good 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment can range anywhere between $150,000-$200,000.
The condominiums that are more luxurious, like those that have chandeliers, marble floors, more than two parking spots and 24-hour security guards, are obviously more expensive. These range from $350,000-$650,000 and more, different form those in other areas whom are not that expensive that may range from $90,000-$150,000.
Many of the condominiums have swimming pools, two parkings per apartment, guard, elevators, electronic parking gates and more. Life in condominiums is recommended wholeheartedly to newcomers in order for them to enjoy the Caribbean breeze, ocean views, security, and walking distance to shops, beaches, etc…
Puerto Rico Beaches
I am writing an article dedicated to Puerto Rico Beaches. I couldn’t go without that page. I have been to most of them and can tell you that it is difficult to say which is better than the other.
From Luquillo Beach on the northeast to Boqueron on the Southwest they are all flagrant exotic beaches.
The beaches offer something for everyone; from snorkeling to scuba diving; from parasailing to bodysurfing and all kind of Caribbean Sports.
And they all have in common crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the north or the Caribbean Sea on the south, and warm white sands all over the island.
This is just a summary of some of the best Puerto Rico beaches by region. We will elaborate about one by one. Go to Puerto Rico Beaches.
North Coast
• Condado Beach• Dorado Beach• Isla Verde Beach• Luquillo Beach• Ocean park• Seven Seas Beach
East Coast
• Las Croabas • Punta Santiago• Rio Grande
South Coast
• Caja de Muerto• Ballenas Beach• Caña Gorda• Guanica
West Coast
• Rincon Beaches• Boqueron• La Parguera• Northwest Coast• Crashboat Beach• Aguadilla Beaches
Island of Culebra
• Isla Flamenco
Island of Vieques
• Sun bay Beach• Media Luna Beach
As you see, Puerto Rico Vacations is a unique experience. Here you spend the days on the beaches or the rain forests. And in the evenings the island nightlife of the many hotels, nightclubs, casinos and discotheques will keep you awake until the wee hours of the morning.
In the following pages I will tell you more about my beautiful Caribbean Paradise.
Rincon Puerto Rico is world renowned for its great surfing. Puerto Rico Vacations are incomplete without a visit to Rincon.
Information by http://www.le-caribbean-islands.com , http://www.canellasrealestate.com