A prime consideration is the location of a school for the children. These areas all enjoygood schools.
SUBURBS
Guaynabo, Caparra and some sections of Río Piedras are known for their friendly
and informal way of life. There are community centers, clubs and good shopping.
Although there are now some condominiums in these sections, they are prized for theirfine homes and estates. You can take your choice of a home on a well cared for street orhave it set in the hills with breathtaking views. These are ideal areas for your children tobe able to have lots of room to play, both indoors and out.
CONDADO
Life near the ocean with lots of swimming, boating and snorkeling highlight living in thisarea. Here homes are the exception, and condominiums are the way of life. Many enjoyexpansive ocean views and good recreational facilities. This section is very "Americanized" with almost no need to speak Spanish. The schools are among the bestand the shops are very exclusive. Your social life will bloom in this area with many clubsand charitable activities awaiting your participation.
MIRAMAR AND ISLA VERDE
In these sections there are certain condominiums that we can recommend wholeheartedlyto newcomers.
TIRI will give you orientation of these different areas and then visit some of them.This way you will have a better idea of where you will want to live. We have anexceptional selection of fine homes and condominiums to offer you.
Costs per child run between $3,000.00 and $6,000.00 annually plus transportation andlunch. The school year follows the U.S. pattern, from September to June. Earlyregistration of children is extremely important.
While you are here we will take you to a number of schools that should meet yourchildren's needs.
The schools listed here compare very favorably with those in the States and all teach inEnglish, or English and Spanish.
GUAYNABO
Baldwin, Parkville, Wesleyan, American Military, San Ignacio, María Reina,Commonwealth, Cupeyville, Academia San José, and Maristas.
RIO PIEDRAS
Colegio San José
CONDADO
St. Johns, Robinson, Las Nereidas (Montessori), San Juan School
MIRAMAR
Perpetuo Socorro
A good three bedroom, two bath home will range in price from $150,000 to $250,000. The land in Puerto Rico is very limited therefore very expensive. Within this price rangeyou can expect about an 1/8 of an acre. When you desireget more land, the pricenaturally goes up. Of course, a lot depends on the neighborhood. With about 1/4 of anacre, and four bedrooms, prices average between $250,000 to $475,000 to the cost of ahome. Most of our homes are geared to tropical living with beautiful foliage andterraces. There are also excellent townhomes available from $100,000.
Property taxes are usually lower in Puerto Rico than in the States. If you live in yourhome you are entitled to a $15,000 exemption. As a veteran you may also qualify for anadditional $4,000 exemption. Many of our homes that are priced below $100,000 payalmost no property taxes. Some homes of about $150,000 will pay a few hundred dollars a year after the exemption is granted.
Most people live in their condominiums full time, but many others buy them as vacationhomes or as investments.
Condominium ownership in the United States goes back only to 1958 when theCommonwealth of Puerto Rico passed enabling legislation. Therefore, condominiumliving is common in Puerto Rico and all types of choices are available.
Condominiums in Puerto Rico are high risers. The smallest one will probably have 10floors. Each unit is called an apartment. You will find condominiums anywhere in thegreater San Juan Metropolitan Area. Many command breathtaking views of city skylinesor mountains, or they overlook the ocean. The highest concentration of condominiumsare found in Condado and Isla Verde.
Condominiums in these areas are somewhat expensive since they are located on orwalking distance to the ocean. A good 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment can range anywherebetween $150,000 to $200,000. Condominiums that are extremely luxurious (marblefloors, chandeliers, 24 hour security guard, more than 2 parking per apartment...) aremore expensive, ranging between $200,000 to $450,000, and upCondominiums in other areas will not be as expensive, ranging from $90,000 to$150,000.
The great majority of condominiums have swimming pools, 2 parking per apartment,night guard, elevators that require keys, electronic gate to parking lot, etc...
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