Best Place to Live in San Juan - Recent College Grad

dhb10 New member

Member since 30 December 2013

dhb10New member17 May 2014 04:09:57

Hi,

I am moving to San Juan in August to live and work for a year. I will be working in Ocean Park and trying to find a good place to live. I am looking for a safe area (first priority) that is clean and convenient to access groceries and ideally nightlife as well. I would also ideally like to live in an area with other students/young professionals. I am also considering buying a car and/or bike if I might want to live outside of the immediate area.

Right now, I am leaning towards living in Old San Juan and biking/driving to work and paying for parking there if I can afford a car. Is this the best area to live for all of these things or will Ocean Park/Condado suffice? Are these places convenient and are there other people of my age group in these places?

Also, I was considering trying to find a host family to live with during the year. Is this a good idea? Do families live in safe areas and does anyone know how to go about finding this?

Lastly, I wanted to know what the best way is to meet people during my year. Can I audit night classes at UPR? Are there any other easy ways to do this and potentially find roommates for the year?

See also

About Puerto Rico - Guide
Rincon? San Juan? Opinions? - 9 Replies
Nicer Places to Live in San Juan? - 7 Replies
Moving to San Juan area - 9 Replies
Best Quiet Places in San Juan & Carolina Areas - 4 Replies
Place to live and school choice in San Juan/Guaynabo - 7 Replies
Moving to San Juan for grad school. Advice please! - 5 Replies

NomadLawyer Serial expat

Member since 27 September 2010

NomadLawyerSerial expat17 May 2014 16:17:58

693

I don't know anything about host families but I would recommend Old San Juan. I've posted a lot on OSJ and its pros and cons under other topics if you're interested.

Schuttzie Serial expat

Member since 22 April 2014

SchuttzieSerial expat17 May 2014 17:28:13

824

I saw your first post about possibly finding a job and moving there. Congratulation on getting your new job! Sorry, I can't be of help with information but just wanted to wish you all the best.

Fond of Ibiza Active member

Member since 15 December 2013

Fond of IbizaActive member21 May 2014 20:33:14

Just stay in ocean park. It has everything you need, including nightlife in walking distance. No need for a car. Studio apartment was 600 when I lived there about 3-4 years back.

kubla Member

Member since 17 October 2012

kublaMember25 May 2014 18:31:29

Yes, you can find a studio or 1 bedroom in Ocean park for 6-700. I live in OP and love it. Good community feeling, people of all ages, walkable and bikeable to get to most all the places you need.

dhb10 New member

Member since 30 December 2013

dhb10New member05 June 2014 06:08:11

Thank you, everyone! I really appreciate the congrats and the advice. I think I'll opt to live in Ocean Park or close by in Condado. Thanks again!

ranjan82 New member

Member since 10 June 2014

ranjan82New member10 June 2014 13:11:54

On the west area of PR, Aguada & Aguadilla. Also on Fajardo on the east. In the past there are military bases on this areas.
When I was young, I lived on Fajardo for 6 years, near Roosevelt Roads base (Ceiba town).
You can learn easy Spanish, puertorricans people are very friendly, and can teach you.
I born in the states, but grownup in PR.
Enjoy Puerto Rico.