We want to move from Minnesota to Puerto Rico

jennafer wrote:

I am not here to hear any "don't move here" type of stuff.

I'm afraid that's exactly what I think I should tell you.

Spanish IS essential since this is the language that we speak here on the island.

Economy sucks, getting a job is difficult for locals, even more difficult for a "gringo". Payment is low. You'd get the minimum wage of--I think-- $ 7.25 IF you find a job.

Public schools are sub standard and 100% Spanish.

Unless you bring a big bag of $$ how are you going to survive without speaking the language, without a job, with three kids and a boy friend who is in college?

One: Gary is right. Listen to him. He knows of which he speaks.

Two: You have 0% chance of getting a municipal (or county, as you refer to it) job in Puerto Rico even if you were fully bilingual. That is because you have no connections. Not being fluent in Spanish (and a host of other factors) means you have about a 1% chance of getting a Federal job. Having worked for the Feds myself, it takes months from the closing date of applications to your first day on the job (and subsequent paycheck), and that is if you are actually hired. It takes over a month usually to even know if you will not be chosen for an interview.

I have known some non-Spanish speakers who work in retail in Old San Juan. If that's what you think will suit your needs at the salary Gary mentions above, then that is a possibility. However, you have virtually no chance of having an actual career in PR.

Public schools are worse than you can probably imagine. If your kids don't even speak Spanish, it would be traumatizing to send them to a public school. It would also be a major jump backwards in their educations. Don't do it.

I agree with the 2 posted responses. Don't do it. You and your family will be in a world of hurt from what you have told us.
I recently moved here with my husband (no kids, 2 dogs and a cat). I have a job through the government (I'm a doctor) and my husband miraculously found a job with the PR government, but only because he had connections that really wanted him. Without that, I'm sure it would have been nearly impossible.
If your family has enough saved to live off for at least 6 months, you could consider it but you and all your family definitely need to know Spanish well. It's a must here. Also, if I had school aged kids I would not move them here unless I could afford private school for them, which is sad but unfortunately true.
Sorry to be the party poopers, but take some good advice from well-intentioned and experienced people here.

Hmm. Bummer...

jennafer,

The previous posters are right. If you haven't done so, I'd suggest you go back through the posts and really think about what people have to say about living in PR, both pro and con. You can't imagine how difficult it can be to live in PR if you aren't suitably prepared. It sounds like you have your heart set on moving there and that you might have what it takes to make it. My only advise to you is if you do go and don't find paradise, make sure that you have a pile of money to make your escape. Because if you get stuck there without money and no job it will be a very bad situation. I can't in good conscience paint a rosy picture for you. It would be dishonest. It is possible to relocate to PR and find it to be a positive experience. But if you don't speak Spanish, know very little about the culture and how things work and don't have a good source of income set up before going, you are definitely starting behind the 8 ball. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. I just have to add this, I am the father of a nine year old girl and I would NEVER enroll her in public school in PR.

Jennafer,
Saludos! There, see ... you already know some Spanish!
So, I'm originally from Minnesota - Willmar, University of St. Thomas - as is my wife, Cath. We came to PR for the first time in 1988. I fell in love with the place, Cath, not so much. I was an Air Traffic Controller, no Spanish, but, as it turned out, "no worries."

Now we're retired and have a place that sits empty in Oklahoma 'cause we live here at the beach and both love it!

Don't discount the nay-sayers - this place can be a challenge - but it can also be a wonderful place to work, live and raise a family. Hope to see you guys here some day.
Rich

EFTinPR wrote:

Don't discount the nay-sayers - this place can be a challenge - but it can also be a wonderful place to work, live and raise a family.

Rich, did you read Jennafer's original post? It's the info that she posted there that made me (and the other "nay-sayers") write that it might not be a good plan to come to PR.

I'm not saying that PR is not a wonderful place to work, live and raise a family. I've been here for eleven years now and I'm happy here.

In your case, being an air traffic controller where English is a must, things were different. Also, since it's a federal job I would bet that you already worked as an air traffic controller before you moved here and got yourself a transfer. Also I would assume that your salary was (almost) just as good as in the States.
That's quite different from Jennie's situation, wouldn't you agree?

I don't think of the other people who responded and myself as nay-sayers. We are realistic..

[edit] I just found that air traffic controllers earn from $ 44K - $ 139K per year in 2012. Enough said..[/edit]

I am speaking from experience when I tell you. Do Not Move to PR. Can I first ask why? What is your reasoning to move here? Do you know people here? This is also a very bad idea with children. It's an extremely dangerous country with little to no jobs. You're competing with bilingual people for positions. Without a doubt you have to put your kids in private school and that can cost about $15,000 a year. Public schools look like prisons and there are no standards. My friend is a teacher and she wasn't paid for 6 months because there was no money. Everything is extremely slow and inefficient here but it's also a very expensive place. NYC prices with island pay. Have you ever experienced a hurricane before? Not so fun. My husband and I moved here 4 years ago to start a business and it was the worst decision we ever made. We are leaving shortly and can't wait. Seriously, this is a big decision and with children, even more so. Good luck with whatever decision you make, but take my word for it- Don't move here!!!

Dear Jennafer;

I am the wife of Rich who wrote you a note.  This is our fourth time here.  The first time I did not last 4 weeks without going back to MN where, at that time, my Mom lived.  I did not like it much the second or third.  My husband was and Air Traffic Controller but did not make anywhere near the salary high mentioned here.

Public schools are not a great way to go.  It seems like the children in public schools are one to two years behind the their present grade in the states.  My friends have children in schools and it is expensive.  We live in Carolina - Isla Verde- and we have just gotten wonderful security. We have police at almost every block now and it is quiet at night - not cars blasting radios or loud neighbors blasting away any and all hours of the night.  Jobs are not readily available in any system and Spanish is the main language even in some schools.  It is not easy to get into great jobs.  The pay is lower then the states, prices being an island where many things are shipped in are high.  Some areas are much higher then others.  One must be careful where one lives.  We have security guards 24/7.  Houses do not all have that.  Life is challenging and some days much more so then others. It is better in this area then when we were here the first time and women have a higher chance at doing things.  One must be careful all the time here.  The crime in our area is down with the help of the police especially.  When looking for a place to live one must go by at night to see what the night life is and the noise level as well.  There are businesses that go 24 hours a day seven days a week and if you live near one it is not fun.  We do have a water outages so one must make sure one has a cistern otherwise one may not have water.  Also with hurricanes, there is no electricity or water for what maybe weeks to a month. Holidays are celebrated but maybe different - e.g. Christmas is a minor holiday here because Puerto Rico Christmas is actually Jan. 6th. They celebrate Three Kings as Christmas.  The Christmas season goes much longer - some towns are already decorated for Christmas and it will go until Jan. 6th.  It is very deceptive because while there maybe a lot of things that remind one of the U. S. it definitely is not.  This is our fourth time here which is on and off for close to 15 years. I am now just getting to a point where I can enjoy some things.  I still do not like noise.  I like quiet and peace where I can feel I can have it when I need it. 

Enough said.  You will have your experiences and each of the children will have theirs. It maybe a real challenge be prepared for their challenges maybe really hard and if you are having a real challenging day it could be very frustrating.  The ocean is beautiful, the mountains are beautiful and many many of the people are beautiful and very helpful.  One needs to get to understand the culture because it is not the same as or even near on something as the U. S. 

May God Bless whatever decision you make.
Cath

kateabb wrote:

Can I first ask why? What is your reasoning to move here? Do you know people here?

A very good question, Kate!

If you do have family or in-laws here it's a lot easier to get settled and get your stuff organized.

I think that many people assume that PR is a paradise in the Caribbean where you can live on a little money.


Sorry to hear that your move here didn't work out..

EFTinPR wrote:

Spanish is the main language even in some schools.

Excuse me? Spanish is the language in almost all schools. There are maybe a couple of private schools where English is the main language. In all public schools and most private schools Spanish is the language.

EFTinPR wrote:

Christmas is a minor holiday here because Puerto Rico Christmas is actually Jan. 6th. They celebrate Three Kings as Christmas.

You don't know too many locals I guess? Christmas a minor holiday? I don't think so! Truth is that we start celebrating Christmas the latest on the first advent Sunday (Dec. 2this year) and most families start planning for the season straight after Thanksgiving.
The last Christmas party of the season is Octavitas, mid January, I believe eight days after Three Kings day.
Presents are given to everybody on Christmas Eve or Christmas day and kids will get presents again on Three Kings Day.
We (as in Puerto Rico) have the longest Christmas Season of the world!
During the season you can go to a party at least three times per week (if you have local family and/or friends that is) and the normal greeting in those weeks is: "¡Felicidades!" (congratulations).

Hi Gary,  Good to hear so much from you. You are this forum's resident voice of reason. I think right about now would be a good time for someone thinking about moving to the island to come and stay for about 2 months. The elections and the political caravans should be in full swing. Then as you said, the Christmas season starts early December and goes on through mid January. The islanders love to party. Now would be a good opportunity to come down and see what things are really like. One word of caution if you do. If you are ever at a traffic light and the light turns green but the car in front of you doesn't go, don't beep your horn to get him moving.

How's the family Gary? We are all doing well in Orlando. We even brought a Sato with us that we rescued.

GreggK wrote:

Hi Gary,  Good to hear so much from you.

Good to hear from you, too, Gregg. It's great to learn that you guys are happy in Orlando now. We're doing just fine here in the mountains of Eastern PR - looking forward to the cooler weather and the Christmas season!

GreggK wrote:

The elections and the political caravans should be in full swing.

You got that right! If you're in bad luck and encounter a "caravana" it's gonna take a lot of time. The best way to go is to join in, get some flags and wave, honk and dance - if you can't beat them, join them.
Of course it's really frustrating if you're on your way to an appointment but then again the person you're going to meet will understand that's you're late when you mention the word Caravana.

GreggK wrote:

One word of caution if you do. If you are ever at a traffic light and the light turns green but the car in front of you doesn't go, don't beep your horn to get him moving.

Absolutely! If you honk to the wrong guy(s) they get out of the car and wave a gun or even worse, shoot at you for honking. People have been killed in situations like this...

HI JENNY,I AGREE WITH MOST OF THE OTHER POSTS THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED,BUT IF YOU STILL INTEND TO GO I WILL SUGEST THAT ONE OF YOU GUYS GO FIRST,YOU SHOULD GO TO THE SAN JUAN AREA,THERE YOU CAN FIND OTHER ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE,MOST PUERTO RICAN SPEAK SPANIASH UNLESS THEY WERE RAISED TO MAINLAND USA,THE JOB RATE THERE IS SUPER LOW INCLUDING SALARIES,THE RENTAL SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM,YOU WOULD NEED TO PUT YOUR KIDS IN PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT SPEAK AND TEACH ENGLISH AND ARE MOSTLY EXPENSIVE,MY SUGESTION TO YOU IS IF YOU REALLY WANT TO DO SOMETHING SIMULAR,YOU SHOULD MOVE TO ORLANDO,FLORIDA LOTS OF PUERTO RICANS THERE AND YOU CAN LEARN FROM THEM THERE IN A NICE TROPICAL PLACE RIGHT HERE IN USA,AFTER THAT IM SURE YOU WILL HAVE LOTS OF FRIENDS THAT MAY HAVE SOME HOOKUPS IN PUERTO RICO,IM PUERTORICAN LIVING IN NYC,IM PLANING TO GO TO PHILIPPINES NEXT YEAR,ANYWAY GOOD LUCK IN YOUR PLANS.FOLLOW YOUR HEART BUT BE PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED.

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR FINAL DESICION,WE ARE CURIOUS?IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE BUT VERY DIFFICULT?GOOD LUCK!

Hi borilove > could you please avoid caps lock on the forum? Thank you.

The only thing that may hold you back is not speaking the language.  If you have your own business or starting a new one, you can do that here. Just like in USA there are minumin wages for basic jobs. The cost of living  good. You can buy a house with plenty of space with a big backyard for a ridiculous amount of money, my friend from Wisconsin just brought a huge house for 50,poo it's huge and beautiful.   Having the proper education and credential such as a Bachelor's degree is essential and required for specialty employment.  Yes you can find an apartment if you play upfront 3-6 months anywhere.  The schools here are awesome, NO shoot em ups here. All the students from grade to high school must where uniforms. And of course the language in public school is spanish. PR celebrates US holiday 's and PR holiday's so the schools have more days off then in the US. There are plenty of private schools, uniforms required that are bilingual, some students enter just speaking english and become bilingual.  There are private schools where the children start at pre-school and stay in the same school until 12th grade.  I have family that work in federal jobs..that transferred from the US and they don't speak any Spanish, but their learning. Puerto Ricans celebrate life..It's a very family oriented place.  Come  to PR you will love the people, the music and the culture and kindness of this land. Ignore the naysayers...

JENNY DON'T MOVE TO ORLANDO..

THERE ARE MORE THAN A COUPLE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PR.  THAT IS THE WRONG INFORMATION.  JUST GOOGLE PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PR.

ANOTHER MISCONCEPTION...

Wow!

It always amazes me all the na-sayers on this blog:(... Still can't figure out why they stay here  or anywhere for that matter.
If you would like some middle of the road info from someone who lives here and deals with it as an ex New Yorker via Italy now living in San Juan, let me know. We have schools, hotels, restaurants, REAL MALLS,movies in English;-), jobs, and even sidewalks.  is it paradise? sometimes! since I am guessing you have -20 temperature and snow about now- yes, it's paradise.  Is it dangerous? any big city is dangerous and if you go to drug areas then it's REALLY dangerous....Hope you will take a chance; your kids will love it I am sure. And there are many private schools in various parts of the island, north and south coast, where English is the main language. Oh, and by the way, Kids who speak two languages make better job candidates for the BIG jobs. Come for a visit, see what's up here. I'll be happy to send you info (This is my business so if you have a company willing to pay for my services fine but if not, i'll help you)

Oh, and by the way, I learned NOT to honk my horn in New York on the Bronx River Parkway near Chappaqua, NY (where Hilary Clinton lives.) I was getting on the highway and a big Caddie truck in front of me just stopped in the middle of the road for some unknown reason... he had to blow his nose??!!  anyway, I was in the middle of the high way basically, it was sunset and I figured I was going to get hit by a car coming in the highway lane I was now straddling SO I BLEW MY HORN for him to move....this BIG and I mean BIG- ELEPHANT sized guy gets out of the Caddie with his hand on his hip ( I could see the gun) and screamed at me "HEY BITCH ( well,that's SORT of what he said) what do you want!"  SO much for New York!!

I honk my horn but carefully

luvpr2live wrote:

THERE ARE MORE THAN A COUPLE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PR.  THAT IS THE WRONG INFORMATION.  JUST GOOGLE PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN PR.

You should read better before you start yelling.

I wrote:

There are maybe a couple of private schools where English is the main language.

That is exactly how it is.

In almost all schools Spanish is the language, also in private schools.

We're moving WHERE? wrote:

I honk my horn but carefully

Actually that's  a smart thing. Then if you make the wrong person mad I'm sure they will shoot you carefully.

There really isn't such a thing as "drug areas anymore". If you keep up with current events you'll find that the drug problem has become rapidly widespread and far reaching on the island. There is violent crime in many pueblos now that have had a history of being quiet peaceful places. I don't say these things because I'm the resident nay-sayer. This is very serious stuff and should never ever be taken lightly. It doesn't mean you can't go to PR and have an enjoyable life there. But I'm telling you, the criminals there are becoming increasingly violent. And not in a "New York" kind of way.

I suggest you go to PR and try it out. I'm glad I did. Make a list of all the people that tell you that absolutely everything on the island is "wonderful" and seek them out if you run into any difficulties or negative situations. I'm sure they would be glad to tell you that you are just "full of crap" because there is nothing wrong about the island.

The public schools do suck in general. It's a fact.

Go there, visit, have some fun and experience things first hand and then make an informed educated decision. But I'm warning you, please don't ever take the crime situation lightly. It can get you killed in the blink of an eye.

But there is also a lot of fun and enjoyable experiences to be had if you are smart about how you live there and what you do. I personally know some absolutely beautiful Puerto Ricans. I married one. I also know some Gringos that wouldn't want to see the sunrise anywhere else on earth. It will be what you make it. But just be smart in your approach to everything.

Gregg The Nay-Sayer

PS- Hi Gary

We're moving WHERE? wrote:

It always amazes me all the na-sayers on this blog:(... Still can't figure out why they stay here  or anywhere for that matter.

Here we go again, WMW and her "na-sayer bashing".

With all due respect, Dr. Maria, you live in a different world. If you have enough money to live in Condado, if you can have your belongings shipped here, if you still have enough money left to start a new business and if you then can afford to spend (a lot of) time in non-profit projects) yes, life can be wonderful.

I am still here, 11 years and counting and I still love this island. Like you I moved with enough money to pay all moving expenses, enough even to take a sabbatical and then start a new business.

Now, if people want to move here without that financial buffer, without a job, with a family to support that's a different story. You should know - I assume you read papers and watch the news - that Puerto Rico has been and still is in a recession for years now.

Although you claim that on the North Coast and South Coast English is the main language, I really suggest that you find somebody who can take you out of Condado and show you areas where the normal people live. You'll learn that they all speak Spanish and that only some of them speak /understand some English. You might also find out that getting a job for somebody without a good education is really difficult and that those jobs are part time and pay the minimum wage. Even with a full time employment that will gross to $ 280 per week. Do you really think a family can survive on that kind of money?

The "na-sayers" tell people about this and don't, like you seem to do all the time, tell that the lifestyle here is so wonderful and that they should pack their bags and come to the island. It would be nice if you would look at how hard life for normal people is on this island and even more if they're not fluent in Spanish.

It would help you to give a more realistic advice to people who come to this place for help. (You and I didn't need that, did we? We just made our plan, packed our stuff and got on the plane...)

GreggK wrote:

PS- Hi Gary

Missed your post when I was writing mine - Hi Gregg.

GreggK wrote:

There is violent crime in many pueblos now that have had a history of being quiet peaceful places.

Right! For instance here in the quiet mountains in southern Juncos. A couple of days after Christmas it sounded like a war had started. Sounds of assault rifles, single shots, it went on for a couple of minutes. Scary!

Next day we read in the paper that 1 person was killed and three seriously wounded and that 264 shell casings of 5 (!) different calibers were found in a cock fight place down in the valley.

I pass that place more than once daily..

My wife's aunt and cousin were recently murdered while in a church in the eastern side of the island.

Gary is all full of "assumptions" so I guess that is why he is so negative, sorry for him.  Nothing is perfect. I'm not going to bother replying to all his points about the great, rich life he thinks I live in "wealthy" Condado since his "judgments" are, of course VERY off base and a bit "sour grapes" sounding!
Yesterday, I took a client to Humacao, out of his Palmas/Disney land life into the town square; we had a very expensive $6 lunch with the locals (funny how a whole bunch of people started speaking to us in ENGLISH when they understood that he didn't speak Spanish!) and had enough to take home for lunch today. This afternoon, we went to a FREE SYMPHONIC concert at the CONSERVATORY ($3 for parking) and then spent time watching the beautiful sunset over the bay from the terrace of the conservatory gardens. Tomorrow after church I will spend the afternoon visiting friends  who live in the area called Marquesas Forest ...and Monday it's back to work. I wait for my SS check each month like everyone else but know that it will go further here than it would in New York and I can have a lot more fun while waiting for it. Yes, i started a new business here but that's because I HAVE the willingness to work, found a need and am trying to fill it.  No big expense in that! Anyone can do the same thing!
Is it perfect here? NO...when you find the perfect place, please let us know....I was in Miami on Monday at a conference and the cab driver was frantic telling me to keep the windows closed cause he wanted to take a short cut to the venue through a not so good neighborhood to avoid traffic; I was in the DR a few weeks ago and the same thing: the cab driver wouldn't let me open the window for fear of being robbed....we live in a nasty world...Oh, my home town in  the mountains of Italy just had it's FIRST ever Jewelry store robbery at gun point during the day yesterday...the owner was pistol whipped. 
I prefer to see the glass as half full... try it sometime, it's really a good way to look at life. Who knows, you might enjoy it!

Nomad Lawyer, my deepest condolences. When the violence in Puerto Rico hits you directly or very close to home it can be enraging and very hurtful when there are people who tell you that it's not as bad as people say and it's only in "certain areas" and that "gee, there's violence anywhere you go to live" I lived in Moca. It's been known to be a very quiet and reasonably lawful pueblo. One night not more than a mile up the road from me two older teenagers robbed their uncle, killed him and cut his head off. We heard the police and ambulance sirens all the time.It's not safer to live out in the country or "campo" anymore as it's called. The drug dealers are moving into the mountains and places outside the cities and towns because it's easier to hide and move their product. People who minimize and dispute the level of violence everywhere on the island should not only be embarrassed for being so ignorant, they should also be ashamed of themselves for seriously misinforming people who may eventually end up like Nomad Lawyer's family, killed in a church no less. This is serious stuff folks. Pay attention.

Sorry for your loss... truly sad.

Gee, Greg, I'm glad to know there is NO crime in Orlando now that you live there.....sorry I am so ignorant of what is  really going on here and around the world; I'll remember to tell  all my body guards to pay special attention next time I go out to get milk.  But I am glad you are here to Let the world know how BAD things really are...I guess we should listen to the folks who want us all to be armed to protect ourselves, it makes sense listening to you...

WMW? -I feel like I'm talking to a 12 year old. We are talking about crime in Puerto Rico, not Orlando or the rest of the world. Of course there is crime here. Just not near as much per capita. The entire state of Florida had 982 murders last year. Puerto Rico alone had 1000. We do have crime here. Just not to the same extent. This forum is about people who want to move to Puerto Rico, not Orlando,  or DR or Italy or New York. I don't see the glass as half full. I don't see it half empty either. I see it full to the brim with the mixture of reality from the good and the not so good that life has to offer everyone. When you buy a used car and just look at one side and when it looks good you just tell the seller, "I'm a glass half full kind of woman. I'll take it". But the other side may have been wrecked. You have to look at all sides of things to make a well informed decision. Especially life changing ones. And it's even more important when children are involved. I get Social Security too and have a small business of my own. But don't try to give the impression that you just came to Puerto Rico with nothing but your SS and started a little business and moved to the Condado. You and I both have something to offer people who are thinking of moving to PR. IT's not all one way on either side. Your experiences and opinions I'm sure are valid. But just because mine are different than yours doesn't make them less valid or important than yours. As I've said before, people who come here to try and live will most likely find their experience to be somewhere in the middle of yours and mine. This forum isn't a contest to see who is the most right or wrong. It's a place for the uninformed to gather valuable and honest information based on the experiences of the people that have gone before them. You and I could put together a whole bunch of people that would side with you and probably just as many that would side with me. But once again, the majority of the opinions and experiences would probably fall mostly in the middle of where you and I are.

Thank you for the condolences, GreggK.

Thank you Nomad Lawyer. Please relay my sadness to your wife. I'm well aware of the depth and extent that the Puerto Ricans grieve for the loss of loved ones , especially family. I'm not a religous man, but if you are, please say a prayer for them on my behalf.

Gregg

Jennafer-

Let's go back to the beginning. You want to move to Puerto Rico. But you don't want to hear anything from anyone as to why you shouldn't do it. But after explaining your situation how can you honestly expect anyone to just say "oh, don't worry about it. Something will come up and I'm sure you will manage"? This is the way some things work most of the time. It's wonderful that you are "getting a bachelors degree" in criminal justice. There is a need for that kind of work thre. According to some there are only isolated incidents of crime in "certain areas" on the island. This is not the reality of course, but let's just pretend for the moment that's the way it is. My wife(who is a native) has two criminology degrees that she got in PR in 1994. She tried for years to get into the criminal justice system with her level of education. To no avail. Was she smart enough. Yes, she made the Dean's list every semester. The problem was twofold, first she wasn't afilliated with any political party(it's important in PR to have the same politics as your boss) Second she didn't have what's called "palas'. In other words she had no connections within the system that she could get a job through like a cousin or a brother in law, etc. Many people got the job she was looking for even if they were morons, because they had Palas, or connections. You'll have none of that when you move to Pr. Applying for and getting(and keeping) a job is totally different than in the states. Your chances of getting anything will be greatly reduced because you are Gringa and have no connections. So if you decide to settle for something less, A local PR will still get preference over you, even for a minimum wage job. So now, if you go there and can't find a job and your husband can't find one either(the economy is very bad there), what are you going to do? Let's just say somehow you both manage to find work. It may not be much but it will put food on the table, you are going to find your electric bill will be at least double what it is in MN. You will pay more for food and have fewer choices. As for the kids in school. If you send them to public school they will learn very little. There are a number of very good bilingual schools on the island. The problem is that they are not usually truly bilingual. Most of the children and teachers will still be speaking Spanish whenever possible. It may or may not be a good situation for your kids to pick up the language. They are usually pretty good at it at that age. The drawback to even private bilingual schools is that it is now mandatory for Puerto Rican history to be taught in all classes but it has to be taught strictly in Spanish. The same with Spanish class. And they aren't cheap. Rents are great. You can get some very nice places for surprisingly low rental rates. But you also have to be careful not to live in an area where the electric and/or water  stop working frequently. It's not like moving from MN to AZ and looking for a job after you get there. Puerto Rico is a totally different world. Get a job there before you move. Same with your husband too. Don't put yourselves in a dangerous situation especially when you have kids. It can be a great experience for all of you if you do it right and understand some things a bit better. So I'm not saying don't go, I'm just asking you to maybe rethink your approach and revise your expectations. Good luck.