I've been here 4 1/2 years in Humacao, we relocated here during pandemic when my husband retired from USPS. I would suggest you stick to metro San Juan area or Bayamon where you are close to major hospitals. There are big communities like Dorado, Palmas del Mar, areas like Rincon, Cabo Rojo that have lots of English-speaking people living there. It depends on your budget & what type of housing you are looking for, most Apts here outside metro area don't have elevators and are walk up. We have lots of typical stores from states, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart, Costco, Sams, JC Penney, Macys and chain stores as well as fast food like BK, McDonalds, Wendys, Chick Fil A, Arby's & others. You would think they should be ADA compliant since we are part of US, but I've seen many instances that aren't. It's the same with grocery stores here, you have to be careful and check expiration dates when buying things as I don't think FDA inspects as much over here. I work for a food company in US remotely, so I'm aware of what should be.
If you frequently require specialist care or hospitalization, I wouldn't recommend anywhere outside 1 hour drive to San Juan. The smaller hospitals have visits from specialists from San Juan maybe once or twice a week so you would be waiting a while. I've had it take from 6 to 8 months or more for endodontist or even a cleaning with dentist. I'm lucky I now have a primary doctor who I can email, and they will send medication electronically. Not to pry but if you are on any kind of pain medication, it does not work the same over here. I have chronic back issues with herniated & bulging discs in my back and cannot get same level of medication here as I took in states, try to verify as much as you can with doctor before you move here.
