Region: Caribbean
Puerto Rico's second-largest city offers a more relaxed pace than San Juan with beautiful historic architecture, excellent museums, and significantly lower costs. The downtown plaza is one of the Caribbean's most charming.
Climate type: tropical. Average temperature: 81°F (27°C).
Healthcare quality rating: 4/5. Safety rating: 4/5. Overall rating: 4/5.
Primary language: Spanish. English proficiency: moderate. Expat community rating: 4/5.
No visa needed - US citizens can live and work freely as Puerto Rico is a US territory
Known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), Ponce was a wealthy sugar and coffee port in the 19th century, leaving behind stunning neoclassical and Art Deco architecture.
The classic Puerto Rican comfort food of mashed fried plantains with garlic and pork cracklings. Ponce is known for its traditional preparations and family-run restaurants.