Thinking of having your own piece of paradise?

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Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, Puerto Rico offers a wide selection of properties, ranging from luxurious suburban homes and villas tucked away in landscaped communities, to urban high-rise condos and beachfront apartments perfect for that occasional getaway.

Buying property on the island can be expensive, especially around San Juan and the coastal towns, but many upper middle-class families own investment property that might be a city, seaside or a country escape, which they rent to vacationers when they are not using them.

When choosing a home for permanent residence, it’s wise to consider the location in terms of its proximity to work, as Puerto Rico is famous for its world-record traffic volume, which can greatly increase travel times.

As a result of the island’s heavily-concentrated population, houses are usually small by U.S. stateside standards and spaced closer together. Most upscale homes are two-story structures, with 2,200 square feet considered to be generous. Because of the tropical climate and threat of severe storms and hurricanes, most of these are made of concrete with flat roofs. Many homeowners also install hurricane shutters, water tanks, and power generators to prepare for these conditions.

For those who prefer the city life, popular sections in and around San Juan include Condado, Isla Verde, Miramar and Old San Juan. However, parking spaces in these areas are at a premium, so it's wise to choose a place that at least one reserved space per residential unit.

Those who are looking for something more tranquil have a large selection of comfy "suburbs" to choose from, including Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto, Dorado, Cuguas, Cayey, Bayamon and Montehiedra.

Vacation property can be found in almost all the coastal towns, as well as on the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Beides the San Juan region, popular outlying areas include Boqueron, Joyuda, Combate and Rincon, which are located on the western and southwestern sections of the island. Areas such as Fajardo, Luquillo and Humacao are favorites in the eastern and northwestern regions. Timeshares are also growing in popularity, with resorts such as Hyatt, Embassy and Palmas del mar offering luxurious upscale units for sale.

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