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Arecibo Real Estate For Sale In PR
Arecibo is a coastal city in northern Puerto Rico, around an hour west of San Juan by car. You might have heard of this city for the iconic astronomical observatory that bears its name. Purchasing Arecibo real estate provides access to a relaxed suburban lifestyle close to state forest parks, eighteenth and nineteenth-century historical landmarks, family-focused amenities, and quality private schools. Potential buyers of Puerto Rico real estate in Arecibo will enjoy city convenience and beachside living in 19 neighborhoods.
More About Arecibo, PR Real Estate
With a thriving population of over 87K, Arecibo is the seventh-largest municipality (and city) in Puerto Rico by population and the biggest one by extension, with around 125 square miles. In Puerto Rico, municipalities with over 50K people are considered incorporated cities.
Known for the natural wonders of its karst topography and the world-famous astronomical observatory that houses the world's largest radio telescope, Arecibo, the third-oldest city in Puerto Rico, boasts quiet streets with classic architecture and plenty of recreational activities.
Arecibo is one of the top destinations to purchase affordable oceanfront homes for sale in Puerto Rico, from primary residences to investment properties and vacation dwellings.
Buyers from the mainland are taking advantage of the low property prices and the remarkable chance of purchasing a home in the Caribbean in a country with no limitations on ownership.
Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Nearby Cities
- 20 kilometers to Manatí, PR
- 47 kilometers to Isabela, PR
- 49 kilometers to Dorado, PR
- 59 kilometers to Orocovis, PR
Arecibo, PR Real Estate Market
The Arecibo real estate market is doing well and becoming increasingly attractive to investors. Located seaside in the northern portion of La Isla del Encanto, Arecibo has a stunning natural environment, abundant amenities, and affordable property prices. The typical piece of Arecibo real estate is listed for around $145K or $115 per square foot on average.
The market in Arecibo is booming, constantly expanding with a range of options such as single-family homes, apartments, and seasonal housing. Options include:
- Tropical villas with ocean views.
- Apartments with private pool access.
- Cozy bungalows in tranquil residential neighborhoods.
While the median price in Arecibo is under $200K, prospective homebuyers in Puerto Rico can find real estate for sale ranging from $39.9K to $4.7M in Arecibo. It all depends on your wants and needs.
You might find several bargains if you're willing to renew a tiny fixer-upper. Still, if you prefer to live in a high-end condo within a closed community with access to premium amenities, you may have to pay top dollar.
Homebuyers and investors looking to build their own real estate have numerous listings of land in Arecibo to choose from. You can find everything from larger plots ready for housing developments to smaller parcels tucked away in lush nature trails.
Arecibo, PR Neighborhood Sampler
Arecibo comprises 19 communities Puerto Ricans call barrios. Each community has its unique personality, offering residents a wide variety of Arecibo real estate options ranging from grand waterfront mansions to cozy urban dwellings.
Arecibo Barrio-Pueblo
Arecibo Barrio-Pueblo is the city center and one of the best places to purchase Arecibo real estate. Arecibo Barrio-Pueblo is a great place to experience Puerto Rican culture and live in an unbeatable combination of comfort, convenience and fun that other areas in northern Puerto Rico can't match.
Not only is this friendly and vibrant neighborhood perfect for living, but real estate in Arecibo Pueblo is a great value too. Arecibo real estate in this barrio has a median price of $174K. The architecture typically boasts luxuriously high ceilings and whitewashed stucco walls that create plenty of space for families of all sizes.
Residents can take advantage of public and private beaches, suburban parks, sports facilities, hospitals, schools and universities, and hiking trails. Plus, many restaurants, stores, and shops sit just around the corner.
Cambalache
Located east of Arecibo Pueblo, just outside the city's urban limits, Cambalache offers the convenience of getting to town quickly but also the peace and quiet of living away from it all.
Arecibo real estate in Cambalache is mostly small single-family homes close to abundant nature, the ocean, and the Antonio "Nery" Juarbe Pol Regional Airport. Whether you want to go for long hikes through the nearby trails or spend your days lounging on pristine white sand beaches, Cambalache offers an easy-going lifestyle.
Hato Abajo
Hato Abajo is just four kilometers west of Arecibo Pueblo and combines the best rural and suburban lifestyles. This neighborhood offers residents a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect place for families or those who want to get away from it all.
Hato Abajo real estate residents consist of single-family homes and condominium units close to two universities, several K-12 schools, beach parks, sports facilities, and the oceanfront shopping mall Plaza del Atlántico.
Arecibo, PR Schools
The educational landscape in Arecibo consists of 35 public schools serving a growing population of 41.5K students. As in the rest of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Department of Education manages public schools in Arecibo, and all instruction is exclusively conducted in Spanish.
Private education is also served in Arecibo, and expat parents often find this to be the preferred option due to its high-quality standards. Arecibo offers private schooling in religious and non-religious institutions, most of them offering bilingual programs and a plethora of extracurricular activities.
Arecibo also boasts several distinguished higher education institutions, the top being the prestigious University of Puerto Rico's local campus. Keep reading for a list of schools near Arecibo real estate:
Public Schools In Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Elementary Schools
- Escuela Teniente Francisco Gonzalo "Pachín" Marín
- Escuela Dr. John Will Harris
- Escuela Luis Muñoz Marín
- Escuela Dr. Francisco Susoni
Middle Schools
- Escuela Intermedia Luis Meléndez Rodríguez
- Escuela Angélica Gómez Betancourt
High Schools
- Escuela Superior Vocacional Nueva Antonio Lucchetti
- Abelardo Martinez Otero High School
- Escuela Superior Dra. María Cadilla de Martínez
Private Schools In Arecibo, Puerto Rico
- Colegio San Juan Bosco
- Enrique De Jesus Borras School
- Colegio San Felipe
- Colegio Pentecostal
Colleges & Universities in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
- ICPR Junior College
- University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico- Recinto de Arecibo
- Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico - Recinto de Arecibo
- Arecibo Jobs Corps
- NUC University - Recinto de Arecibo
Frequently Asked Questions About Arecibo, PR Real Estate
What Is The Zip Code For Arecibo, Puerto Rico?
Real estate in Arecibo spans across four main zip codes that provide a range of living styles including single-family homes, condos, and even beachfront getaways.
- 00612
- 00613
- 00614
- 00616
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport In Arecibo, Puerto Rico?
Arecibo real estate is only an hour’s drive from Rafael Hernández International Airport, located 55 kilometers away in Aguadilla, PR. Other airports near Arecibo real estate include:
- Antonio "Nery" Juarbe Pol Regional Airport, 12 kilometers east of Arecibo.
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, 74 kilometers east of Arecibo.
Is Arecibo Puerto Rico A Good Place To Live?
When considering a move to Puerto Rico, Arecibo should be at the top of the list. Arecibo is one of the largest cities in Puerto Rico, located on the northern coast and it's a great place to live for relocators looking for a seaside island lifestyle with a rural charm.
The prospects of Arecibo real estate are strong: Arecibo offers a wide selection of affordable properties and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, there are plenty of amenities close by, including restaurants, malls, and good schools and universities. If Arecibo seems like the ideal location for you, contact a local real estate agent today!
What Is Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Known For?
Arecibo, Puerto Rico, is well-known for its remarkable observatory. The observatory housed one of the most powerful and sensitive radio telescopes in the world; it was used for many research projects from its opening in 1963 until its collapse in 2020.
The single-dish telescope, constructed within a karst sinkhole, was utilized for decades to make immense strides in both radar and radio astronomy, most notably as part of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) program. It's even made memorable cameos in iconic films like Goldeneye and Contact.
Visitors flock from all over to take part in a guided tour and get a comprehensive understanding of its fascinating history and jaw-dropping stargazing experiences like nowhere else on Earth.
What Will Happen With The Arecibo Observatory?
The Arecibo Observatory, whose official name was the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center was shut down in 2020 after the central platform collapsed into the dish, and will not be rebuilt by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) as a consequence of the damage sustained three years prior, the local press reported in 2022.
Instead, NSF is accepting proposals for a new multidisciplinary academic center dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Can You Live On $2000 A Month In Puerto Rico?
Living in Puerto Rico with only $2,000 a month can be challenging but not impossible. It mostly depends on where you live, what your lifestyle is like, and how flexible your budget can be.
While cost of living anywhere in Puerto Rico is lower than most U.S. large cities (about 10-20% lower), coastal, touristy areas like San Juan can be quite costly. Smaller towns like Caguas, Ponce, or Arecibo are better options if you’re trying to stretch your dollar further when it comes to paying for day-to-day expenses.
Can A U.S. Citizen Live Permanently In Puerto Rico?
The answer to the question of whether or not a U.S. citizen can live permanently in Puerto Rico is yes. U.S. citizens do not need a visa, passport, special permit, or any other document to live there permanently.
Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and its citizens are American citizens who enjoy most of the same rights and benefits as those living on the mainland.
Plus, if a U.S. citizen lives in Puerto Rico for 183 days every year and has an address on the island (among other requirements) they can apply to become a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico. This status comes with substantial tax savings on wages earned in the territory.
Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Arecibo, Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, English fluency varies from area to area. Typically, more affluent regions like San Juan and Mayagüez as well as tourist hotspots such as Rincón and Isabela showcase a higher level of spoken English proficiency than other places in the country.
In that sense, having at least basic Spanish language skills can provide countless opportunities if you choose to invest in Arecibo real estate. But even if you don’t speak the language it's likely that you will find a bilingual local willing to translate for you.
Things To Do In Arecibo, PR
- Arecibo Observatory: Situated in Barrio Esperanza, this landmark of astronomical research has been a hub for detecting unprecedented signals from space and studying pulsars since its establishment in 1963. Locals and tourists can visit the Ángel Ramos Foundation Visitor Center and see exhibits and displays about the radio telescope and astronomy.
- Cueva del Indio Nature Reserve: This unique coastal reserve offers something for all adventurers, whether you're into bird watching, hiking, exploring caves or spotting wildlife. It offers some of the island's most spectacular underground cave systems which are definitely worth taking a look at as they contain some great limestone rock formations. Cueva del Indio is also an archeological site with Taino petroglyphs.
- Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park: This park features a 1898 lighthouse to explore, as well as plenty of family-friendly fun in a Taino village replica, a Pirate’s hideout inside a cave that features an aquarium. The park also includes a mini zoo, a playground, a splash area, and a public beach. Visitors also count with a concession to grab a bite after all the amusement.
- La Poza del Obispo: This is the most popular public beach close to the Arecibo real estate. Situated at the Arecibo Lighthouse and Historical Park, this beach is particularly loved by families because it includes a serene tide pool perfect for all ages.
- Bosque Estatal de Cambalache: This state forest and reserve is in northern Puerto Rico, between Barceloneta and Arecibo real estate. The forest preserves the unique karstic ecosystem in this region with a diverse flora and fauna, caves, and sinkholes, limestone hills with steep slopes (mogotes). It features a camping area, gazebos, BBQs, seven kilometers of hiking and cycling trails, a tree nursery, and more.
- Bosque Estatal de Río Abajo: This forest is south of Arecibo real estate, on the border with the neighboring municipality of Utuado. This is one of the best representations of the karstic region of northern Puerto Rico. Visitors can find a recreational area, a visitor’s center, camping areas, gazebos, and walking trails in this state forest.
- Tanamá River: Tanamá River has turned into an adventure hub in southern Arecibo, offering outdoor enthusiasts several activities to practice. Be ready to experience forest hiking, caving, waterfall hunting, body rafting, rock climbing, canyoning, free jumps, and much more.
Living In Arecibo, PR Real Estate
Cost Of Living in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Arecibo, PR is known for its low cost of living, making it a great place to invest in real estate. According to data from the Economic Research Institute (ERI), living in Arecibo is 10% less expensive than the national average and 7% more cost-effective than living in the rest of Puerto Rico.
In addition, the median home price is hovering around $145K, while a single person renting in Arecibo can spend around $800 for a one-bedroom condo. Utilities, food, healthcare, transportation, and other expenses are also much lower than in San Juan and most areas of the northern coastal area of the country.
Weather in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Weather is a big selling point for Arecibo real estate. Arecibo has tropical summers and warm winters with plenty of beach days, thanks to its location on the northern coast of Puerto Rico.
The average temperature year-round is 79°F (26 °C), perfect for enjoying time outside at one of the city's many beautiful parks and attractions. Arecibo experiences the balmiest weather in June, while February is its chilliest month. May stands out as it's the wettest time of year. The city is drenched in an annual precipitation total of 53.01 inches.
Hurricanes are common weather occurrences throughout parts of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, and Arecibo has seen its share of extreme weather. The hurricane season goes from June 1 to November 30 each year.
Those investing in or maintaining Arecibo real estate need to understand the risks associated with hurricanes and knowledgeably weigh these against potential rewards so they can make smart investments and prepare their properties if a storm strikes.
Healthcare Services in Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Arecibo has top-notch healthcare options, offering a wide range of services that are tailored to the specific needs of the community. Thanks to its numerous medical facilities -hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers- residents in Arecibo real estate can be sure they're receiving expert care. The top hospitals in the Arecibo area are:
- Hospital Pavia Arecibo: Part of the hospital network of Metro Pavia Health System, this medical facility in Arecibo provides advanced healthcare with high-quality standards. It is a top cardiovascular center with many cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. It also boasts one of the best gastroenterology units in the country.
- Hospital Metropolitano Dr. Susoni: This is one of the top hospitals serving residents in Arecibo real estate. The Dr. Susoni Metropolitan Hospital includes a 24-hour emergency, a specialized center of women's studies, and one of the most advanced Endourology and Lithotripsy Unit in Puerto Rico, specializing in non-invasive kidney stone treatment.
Arecibo, PR Job Market
As a suburban and rural enclave an hour west of San Juan, Arecibo’s economy was characterized by smaller mixed agricultural and forestry businesses in the past but now is much more diversified due to its strategic location, access to incentives, and foreign direct investments.
The local economy relies heavily on manufacturing (agricultural machinery, clothing, paper, sporting products, and plastics production), pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fishing. Cattle have also been a prominent industry in Arecibo. Vaquería Ceiba Del Mar, one of the largest cattle farms on the island, operates in Arecibo.
Services in Arecibo also provide a boost to the local GDP. Retail trade, healthcare, education, transportation & warehousing, tourism, and public administration are among the top sectors. Arecibo is also a destination for companies seeking success. Notable Fortune 500 corporations have set up shop in this area of Puerto Rico, including:
- Thermo King Corporation
- Eaton
- Los Cidrines
- Expressway Eco Printing
- ABB
Arecibo, PR Transportation
The more densely populated areas in the northern portion of Arecibo have more easily accessible public transportation, so residents in Arecibo real estate can easily explore areas such as Vista Mar, El Coto, Bella Vista, and Oceanview on foot.
Southern Arecibo is more car-dependent; however, the city offers a network of roads and highways that locals can use to easily get around town. Interstate PR-22 skirts around the city center while still passing through town. Downtown can also be accessed quickly and conveniently by taking PR-2, PR-10, or PR-129. Arecibo is also known for its bridges; the city has over 50.
Situated in Arecibo, the Antonio (Nery) Juarbe Pol Airport is a small-scale noncommercial airport. For larger international airports, locals have Rafael Hernández International Airport in Aguadilla, and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, providing a huge array of domestic and international flights.