Moving From Puerto Rico to Arizona: Homes, Heat and Shipping

Moving from Puerto Rico to Arizona trades ocean humidity for dry desert heat, and concrete island homes for Valley homes built with stucco over block or wood frame. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, this is a domestic move, so the big pieces are shipping your car and belongings to the mainland and buying a home from a distance with live video tours.

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Heat without the humidity

The first thing people from the island tell me after their first Phoenix summer is that it feels like a different kind of heat. The air is dry, the sun is strong, and shade matters more than a breeze. When you shop for a home, that changes what you look at:

• Orientation and shade. A covered patio facing north or east is usable more of the year than an uncovered west-facing yard.
• The AC system. Ask its age and service history. In Arizona, it is the most important system in the house.
• Windows and insulation. Dual-pane windows and attic insulation help with cooling.
• Pools. Many Valley homes have one. They are wonderful for half the year, but they come with equipment and upkeep.

The National Weather Service Phoenix office posts heat warnings and safety tips during summer, and it is worth bookmarking before your first one.

Concrete homes vs Valley homes

Many Puerto Rico homes are poured concrete, built with storms in mind. Valley homes look solid from the street because of their stucco exteriors, but the walls behind the stucco may be concrete block or wood frame, depending on the age and builder. Neither is better by default. What matters is the condition of the specific home, so I always recommend a full home inspection, plus a roof check and a look at the AC and the plumbing. Ask the inspector to explain what is behind the walls if you are curious.

Other differences that surprise buyers from the island:

• Roofs. Tile and shingle roofs are common here, and many are sloped rather than flat. Ask about the roof's age and any repairs.
• HOAs. A lot of Valley neighborhoods have homeowners associations with rules about paint colors, parking and yards. Read the documents before you commit.
• Yards. Desert landscaping with gravel and drip irrigation is common, and it needs less water than a grass lawn.

Shipping your car and household goods

TOTE Maritime ships cars, trucks, SUVs and other personal vehicles between Jacksonville and San Juan. From Jacksonville you can drive west or hire a carrier to bring the car to Arizona. Get every quote in writing, with the route, insurance coverage and delivery window, and keep copies of your title and registration handy.

For household goods, compare movers on the same inventory list and ask how they handle the ocean leg plus the drive to Arizona. Plan for the timing to not match your closing perfectly. A short stay in a furnished rental or storage near your new home can take the stress out of a late shipment.

When your car arrives, Arizona will want it titled and registered here once you are a resident. My post on new Arizona resident driver license and car registration walks through the basics, and ADOT MVD has the current rules.

Buying a home from Puerto Rico

You do not have to fly back and forth to buy well. Here is how I help clients who are still on the island:

• Get pre-approved first. Talk with a lender who works in Arizona so you know your price range before you fall in love with a house.
• Live video tours. I walk every room on a video call, open closets, show the views from the windows, and step into the backyard so you can see the real shade and space.
• Remote paperwork. Most documents can be signed electronically. Ask your title company early about the steps for closing from out of state.
• Inspection you can review. I attend the inspection, and you get the full report with photos to go over with me.
• One trip, if you can. If you can visit once, we line up your shortlist so you see the top homes in a day or two.

Ask about assumable loans

Some Valley homes have FHA or VA loans that a qualified buyer can take over with the servicer's approval. If you are a veteran or you qualify for FHA, ask me about homes that may have an assumable loan. You still need to qualify and bring funds for the seller's equity and closing costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is moving from Puerto Rico to Arizona a domestic move?

Yes. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so you are moving within the United States. You still need to ship your car and belongings across the water and register your car in Arizona once you are a resident.

How do I ship my car from Puerto Rico to Arizona?

TOTE Maritime ships personal vehicles between San Juan and Jacksonville, Florida. From there you can drive to Arizona or hire a carrier. Get written quotes with insurance and delivery details.

What is the time difference between Puerto Rico and Phoenix?

San Juan is on Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) and Phoenix is on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7), so Phoenix is three hours behind San Juan this time of year.

Are Arizona homes built like Puerto Rico homes?

Not usually. Many Valley homes have stucco over block or wood frame instead of poured concrete. Confirm the construction and condition of each home with an inspection.

Can I buy a home in Arizona without visiting first?

Yes. Many of my clients buy with live video tours, electronic signing and a remote review of the inspection report. Visiting once helps if you can.

Moving from Puerto Rico? Call Terry Day at DeLex Realty, 602-483-4665, and I will set up your first video tours.

See all homesCall Terry: 602-483-4665