Luquillo, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
#2128
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Luquillo is a coastal town located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 19,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended for visitors. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include AT&T and T-Mobile, with good coverage in the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Banco Popular and FirstBank; many digital banking options like PayPal and Wise are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels to vacation rentals on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted including contactless options. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are very popular for short stays along the beach. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel el Cocal offers dormitory-style living at affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near Balneario La Monserrate is highly recommended. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Taino Beach area offers comfortable rentals and proximity to cafes with good internet. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Laid Back Coffee’s co-working area provides excellent workspaces with good coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Don Ponciano Cafe is known for its serene atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups often occur at local cafes; checking local Facebook groups is recommended. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Puerto Rico Expats Facebook group has regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates well in the area and is usually faster than local taxis. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals; check out Luquillo Bike Rentals near the beach. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Balneario La Monserrate is the top beach, just a short walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | JetBlue and Spirit Airlines serve regional flights to/from San Juan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines are major international carriers serving the region. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | PR-3 is the main highway connecting Luquillo to San Juan and Fajardo. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Available bus services connect Luquillo with nearby towns; however, there is no train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Prepaid cards are available for the public bus system, though infrequent. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and taxis can take you to surrounding areas like Fajardo and San Juan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Hima San Pablo is a primary healthcare facility nearby. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Luquillo Yoga is popular for classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness in nearby Fajardo is a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at Atlantic Laundry located near the town center. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and DoorDash offer delivery from a variety of local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mofongo, a mashed plantain dish, is a must-try at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Mago de las Frituras offers various vegetarian options, especially vegetarian local snacks. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Parada offers delicious local desserts like flan and rice pudding. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Plaza de Luquillo offer fresh produce and affordable local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local online stores provide a range of goods and services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | FreshDirect delivers groceries to Luquillo, offering competitive pricing. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Pared, a nearby beachfront area, has several bars with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Puerto Rico's craft beers are best sampled at local spots like La Taberna. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café El Muelle offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy good local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks along Avenue 65 Infantería serve excellent local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza de Caguas offers great pizza options, alongside Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve for stunning views and natural beauty. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The nearby Fajardo Museum offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The El Yunque National Forest offers trails to explore historical Taíno sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Luquillo is a historic church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Luquillo Festival takes place every December with food, music, and local crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the coastal art installations and local eateries along Avenida Puntas. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theater productions are hosted at the Centro de Bellas Artes nearby. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sunday's artisan market at Balneario La Monserrate features local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at local bars, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out vibrant murals along the streets of Luquillo. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are available at the Puerto Rican Cooking School in nearby Fajardo. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their work at galleries in Fajardo. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architecture can be seen in the colonial buildings in the Plaza de Luquillo. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The town is known for its strong Afro-Puerto Rican heritage, celebrated in local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Yunque National Forest is a nearby tropical rainforest offering hiking and nature exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal trails along the beach provide scenic walking and biking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout points in El Yunque offer breathtaking views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Yunque National Forest is known for diverse bird species, including the Puerto Rican Tody. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beach areas near Balneario La Monserrate allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and USPS provide robust shipping options in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops in Fajardo can assist with device repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables for casual games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes for expats are offered at Luquillo Community College. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Luquillo Community Library is a peaceful place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Luquillo Cultural Center hosts various community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | While not extensive, there are a few game lounges in nearby Fajardo. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby casinos can be found in Fajardo for those interested in gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $196,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = $154,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 90 m² = $288,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,700 per m² (e.g., 90 m² = $243,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 4% for eligible businesses under Act 20, making it attractive for startups. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for eligible businesses under Act 20. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system; only income sourced from Puerto Rico is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 33% maximum on income sourced in Puerto Rico. |
| 🧾 VAT | 11.5% general sales tax applies to most transactions. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Puerto Rico has specific tax incentives for CFCs, making it a haven for many businesses. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are low compared to other U.S. jurisdictions. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% tax is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Puerto Rico offers significant tax benefits, making it attractive for relocating digital nomads. |