The Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has long been a favorite vacation spot for U.S. citizens, who can come and go without needing passports to this richly diverse commonwealth. Now many find they want to live in this mountainous seaside paradise, despite overcrowded living conditions.

Isla Verde

"Isla Verde is a metropolitan San Juan beach and play area," explain Realtors Carlos and Carmen Malaga. "With beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, sea-view apartments, and plenty to do in this non-stop activity area, just north of the airport."

The Malagas advise, "Isla Verde has no place to go but up! Even though other areas of Puerto Rico slowed down during the recent recount for Governor, properties in Isla Verde continued to move at a fast pace. This beautiful area is preferred living for the young and the active. As with most beach areas, the price is steadily raising. An assortment of luxury and economy apartments still exist, but older apartments are being bought and refurbished at a fast pace. Still one of the best areas to buy in Puerto Rico. Rentals and short term rentals are in great demand. A few new buildings are in different stages of construction, but their prices are uniformly high. If your ideal living calls for peace and quiet then stay away. But if sports, night life, good food and casino gambling are your thing, then this is it!"

Encantada

"Encantada has a limited access development south of the airport, in metropolitan San Juan's Trujillo Alto district," offer the Malagas. "This concept includes 18 developments, ranging from walk-up two bedroom apartments, to gorgeous $1 million-plus mansions. All this centered around a very strong sports complex with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball, basketball and much more. Community activities are strong!"

The Malagas suggest, "After the slowdown, due to the recent Governor election recount, things are picking up. We are seeing large numbers of customers in both the sale and the rental areas. Encantada continues to have an enormous bang-for-the-buck appeal. All communities, ranging from walk-up apartments to million plus homes, share the communal facilities. Therefore, it is not unusual to see the grandparents living in the quiet townhouses of Riverwalk or Townvillage, the successful parents at La Cima, Corrientes or Altavilla, or the just married couple at the Montecillo or Aventura apartments, all within the great community of Encantada. The construction of the new 66 expressway and the overpass over the 65th Infantry avenue, both in progress, promise even faster access to the rest of metropolitan San Juan, and to the northeast side of the island."

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Published: May 5, 2005

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