First off, thank you to everyone who has answered the questions of everyone else on this site. The other posts have all been very helpful!
I am 22, living in Utah. I speak Spanish fluently(although not perfectly!), but plenty well enough to live in a Spanish environment. I am planning on moving to Puerto Rico by myself next April. I will have sold most of my belongings by then(but in no manner leaving myself bereft of means to continue living here if needs be), and I will have about $4000 saved up. I would like to live in the area of San Juan, I was looking at the western Hato Rey area in particular. Any info about that area, such as cost of living, safety, etc.? I am very versatile and have lived in poor conditions and can adapt well to new areas.
My plan is to buy a plane ticket down there, bringing all my belongings with me in two suitcases(I don't have/need much). I will stay in a cheap hotel somewhere while I search for a cheap apartment to rent. At the same time(or after I find a place to rent) I will go job hunting. I have always had a strong desire to live in a Spanish culture and I love warm weather and the beach. Do you think it will be possible to make this move? What suggestions do you have for me in preparing to make this move? As soon as I have an apartment, I will try to open a bank account(probably at Banco Popular). Is there anything special I need to do to establish permanent residency in Puerto Rico?
Thanks in advance!