For many, Puerto Rico retirement far from idyllic

[Judi Lynn]

For many, Puerto Rico retirement far from idyllic
By DANICA COTO, Associated Press | February 6, 2014 | Updated: February 7, 2014 2:07pm

SAN GERMAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Maxi Fajardo smiles as she recalls moving to New York City from Puerto Rico in her late teens, falling in love, finding a job at the Chiclets factory and raising four children.

Her goal all along, like that of many Puerto Ricans, was to work in the United States and then retire to her sun-dappled island, living her final years worry-free surrounded by family and friends. "The dream is always to return to your country," said the elegant 82-year-old who settled in Puerto Rico in 1992 along with her husband Florencio, a former subway conductor.

Now she and her husband see their move as a mistake. An eight-year recession, run-away prices and the flight of doctors have convinced them it's time to join a growing number of Puerto Rican retirees heading back to the U.S. mainland.

"There's been a big exodus," said 78-year-old Luis Vincenty. "I'd like to go back. Things are getting rough here. Everything's expensive."

Retirees are struggling with rising water, power and other utility prices, which the government hiked to trim a budget deficit projected to hit $820 million this year. The weak economy also has reduced pensions for retired Puerto Rican public workers, although some people such as the Fajardos still enjoy U.S. Social Security income coupled with pensions from their former jobs in the U.S.

More:
http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/For-many-Puerto-Rico-retirement-far-from-idyllic-5212964.php

[MADem]

1. This is accurate.

There's a lot of waste and corruption in PR. If they ever got their act together it would be paradise.

[Bacchus4.0]

2. yep, benefits would be weather and being in the "US"

however, the cost of living isn't any better than the US. Peru, Ecuador, or Colombia would be the three countries I would consider living. Much cheaper and no hurricanes either.

[MADem]

3. On the plus side, people who like chain stores--everything from food, fast or otherwise, to Big Box-

have all that available; on the negative side, you will wait HOURS in a doctor or dentist's office, even with an appointment (and you'd better show up on time otherwise you will be stricken from the list), but the worst bit is that, because of situations where criminals break into medical/dental offices and hold the place up for painkilling meds, patients have to go to the pharmacy ahead of their appointment and arrive at their appointments with the medicines they need for in-suite surgery. Heaven help 'em if they didn't get enough, too!

If you are a person who likes hot weather (and by "likes" I mean likes to sit outdoors, perhaps by the sea or a community pool, in a nice shady spot, rather than look out at sunshine from an airconditioned room) and are naturally frugal with the electricity (keeping in mind that not having security lights around your house is an invitation to robbery--LEDs are cheapest, but put them high enough so they aren't easily stolen) you might be able to do OK. It is a place where it's easy to see those bills rise if you're not careful.

And...hurricanes! There have been a few doozies in the past! The sturdier the house, the better, and it's good to always remember to put by a goodly amount of potable water ahead of any major storm!!

[Bacchus4.0]

4. yeah, too much downside for me vs. upside

If it was just about the warm weather, I'd go to Florida if I wanted ocean, or Arizona or New Mexico rather than PR.

[MADem]

5. I am in and out on occasion, I have some family there.

They have plenty of room, too, so it makes for a cheap sunny vacation for ME, anyway!