Why I Chose Puerto Rico for My Homesteading Journey
When most people picture Puerto Rico, they think of white sand beaches, piña coladas, and maybe a Bad Bunny song in the background. And while all of that is completely accurate, I had a slightly different image in mind: chickens running amok, plantains swaying in the breeze, and my rain boots firmly planted in the soil of my family’s land. Because yes—this homesteading journey started with a not-so-glamorous dream of growing food, living a sustainably, and maybe learning how to use the largest lawn mower I’ve ever seen.
Family Roots—and Actual Roots in the Ground
The decision to homestead in Puerto Rico wasn’t just about coconuts and sunshine (though... those help). The real pull? Family land.
Having access to generational land here meant we weren’t starting from scratch—or scrambling to buy overpriced acreage. Our homestead began with deep roots, literally and emotionally. There’s something grounding (pun intended) about planting seeds in the same soil that generations before us walked on.
And honestly, who wouldn’t want to homestead where mangoes fall off the trees and you can grow crops 12 months a year? Try doing that in Chicago.
Year-Round Chickens, Chaos, and Caribbean Breezes
One word: tropical. Okay, a few more: year-round growing season, warm winters, and the ability to collect eggs without defrosting your eyelashes first.
Puerto Rico makes homesteading feel like cheating (in the best way). You can raise chickens, start a permaculture garden, and still sneak in a beach afternoon. It’s where slow living isn’t a trend—it’s just the rhythm of life.
That said, it’s not all hammocks and rainbows. We’re also prepping for hurricanes, battling mosquitos (yep, I’ve had dengue), and learning to build things the DIY way—sometimes twice in my case. But the challenge feels worth it when your “backyard” is this kind of paradise.
Sustainability Meets Cultural Connection
Homesteading here also reconnects us with something deeper—our culture, our food, and the way life used to be lived. Farming on the island means honoring traditions, growing crops like (yuca) cassava and plantains, and learning how to do more with less.
We’re building something that’s not just sustainable—but personal. It’s about cultivating abundance without sacrificing sanity (or Wi-Fi), and creating a life that feels rooted, both figuratively and literally.
A few practical perks of homesteading in Puerto Rico that may sway your mind to visit are:
US territory: No passport needed, but you still get palm trees
Affordable land & cost of living: Especially outside metro areas
Year-round growing: Tropical fruits, coffee, cacao, and more
Community: Growing support for local agriculture & sustainability
Amazon Prime still delivers (most days)—essential when you run out of zip ties and chicken feed at the same time
Homesteading in Puerto Rico wasn’t just a good idea—it felt like the obvious choice. Family land gave me a head start, the climate supports my goals, and the lifestyle? Well, it’s one roost short of a dream come true.
If you’re thinking of starting your own homesteading journey and you like your soil rich, your weather warm, and your chickens tan year-round—maybe this little island is calling you, too.
