When Charity Kreher and her husband decided to move their family from Oklahoma to Puerto Rico, they were expecting a change, not just in scenery, but in their day-to-day lives. They traded a large suburban home for an apartment in San Juan, unsure of what would come. Six months in, the shift in lifestyle has come with challenges, but it’s also reshaped how they think about time, space, and community.
Here, we’ll look at what led to their move, what it’s like to live on the island with two kids, and how their daily life has changed. From the high cost of living to outdoor adventures and power outages, the Kreher family has learned what it means to adapt and discovered the unexpected rewards of leaving their comfort zone.
Leaving the mainland behind
The move started with a job opportunity. Charity’s husband was offered a role in Puerto Rico, and her remote job meant the transition was possible. They had lived in Missouri, Virginia, and Oklahoma, but the idea of moving to a completely new culture pulled them in. Charity had never visited the island before—they landed in November without ever having set foot in Puerto Rico.
Back in Tulsa, they owned a 3,500-square-foot house and enjoyed a quiet, affordable lifestyle, but it lacked outdoor activity. “There wasn’t an outdoor aspect to be able to enjoy”, Charity said.
Their new life in San Juan was immediately different: they downsized to a 1,500-square-foot apartment in an oceanfront high-rise. It’s more expensive—$6,500 per month—but they spend far less time indoors. Beaches, hiking trails, and a vibrant local scene have replaced playrooms and backyards.
Finding a new rhythm for their lives
The biggest shift has been how much more active they’ve become as a family. They go outside daily, play beach tennis and pickleball, and have even taken up running. San Juan’s roads fill with joggers on weekend mornings, and the community has been welcoming. Charity said they often see the same people out running or on the courts, and it’s helped them feel connected.
Their kids’ school is now just a few blocks away, making it easy to walk there each day. It offers after-school programs with more cultural variety, including Spanish immersion and music classes. “Hopefully they’ll end up bilingual”, she said. The family’s social circle has also grown, thanks to a mix of locals and transplants from around the world.
But life on the island isn’t without trade-offs. Food and dining out cost more than expected, and power outages are common. “The last time we were at church, the power went out halfway through the sermon”, she said. Their apartment building has backup systems, but some friends have gone days without water. Navigating dark intersections or stocking extra supplies is now part of daily life.
Still, the benefits outweigh the frustrations. The kids are thriving, and the parents are more active. Charity’s family had concerns when they first announced the move, but she’s found that living in Puerto Rico feels more familiar than people assume. They’ve gained a stronger sense of community and more time outside that has made their lives feel fuller. “Some things are different, but you’re not left wanting”, she said.
