{
  "id": 193050,
  "title": "I moved from Massachusetts to Puerto Rico 2 years ago. Living in 'paradise' also comes with power outages and potholes.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/i-moved-from-massachusetts-to-puerto-rico-2-years-ago-living-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-05T20:32:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Insider",
    "slug": "business-insider",
    "url": "https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-to-puerto-rico-biggest-challenges-living-here-drawbacks-outages-2026-8"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2024, reporter Jared Ranahan relocated from Massachusetts to Puerto Rico to be with his boyfriend, who is a native of the island. While he has grown to love living in the territory, Ranahan acknowledges that there are certain local issues and challenges that newcomers should be aware of before making the move. One of the most pressing concerns in Puerto Rico is its unreliable and aging electric grid, which frequently causes power outages, known as \"apagones\" in Spanish. These interruptions can occur without warning and last for hours, sometimes longer, forcing residents to rely on backup power sources such as generators and solar panels.\n\nAnother challenge faced by residents is the water interruptions they experience, which can make daily tasks like preparing meals and maintaining hygiene difficult. To cope with these issues, many Puerto Ricans install water cisterns and other measures to ensure a consistent water supply. Bureaucratic hurdles also accompany the move, as obtaining a resident ID can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, involving multiple office visits and trips. Driving in Puerto Rico can also be a challenge, as the island's infrastructure is largely car-dependent. While some public transportation options exist, they are limited and do not provide a comprehensive alternative for getting around the island.\n\nIn addition to these infrastructure difficulties, the roads themselves pose a significant issue for residents, as they are notorious for potholes, or \"boketes,\" which can cause serious damage to vehicles. As a resident in San Juan, Ranahan has personally experienced the impact of these potholes, with one leaving him stranded on Christmas Day 2025. Finally, as an outsider living in Puerto Rico, Ranahan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and respect for the local culture and people. He acknowledges that his presence may contribute to gentrification and offers to be a respectful and considerate resident. Despite the challenges, Ranahan remains grateful for his decision to live in Puerto Rico, praising the kindness of its people and the unique experiences the island offers, from exploring Viejo San Juan to hiking in El Yunque National Forest.",
  "summary": "From power outages to potholes and car-dependent areas, living in Puerto Rico has had its challenges, but I'm glad I moved here from the mainland US.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}