I've been to the island, but only once about 10 years ago, and then only for a day.
Most comparable US city? Has to be New Orleans, though of course with demographics most similar to Miami.
Comparison to US cities:
Culinary Scene: Well, I'm going to guess that it is perhaps not having the mix up of ethnic places, and maybe not as many "trendy" places as US cities by comparison. That said, likely a Top 10 City in the US for foodie scene just based on how outstanding I know many local Puerto Rican dishes can be. Plenty of great options. One can eat very well there.
Nightlife: I haven't personally partaken in Puerto Rican nightlife, but I can imagine it would be at very least fun/distinctive from most US cities, and it has no last call. So, that is a strong suit there, though I believe there is no on street drinking, which some US cities do have. With that said though, that, along with PR being a global HQ for Rum (Bacardi), has to put it in the Top 10 at least. Maybe not tops because some cities have more diverse nightlife scenes, but up there.
Architecture: This one is complex, because I suppose it would depend on what type one is referring to. But, simply talking it's historical architecture, and highrise properties in and near the city? I think it fares pretty well. From a historical standpoint we're talking 2nd oldest cathedral in the Americas, and some of the Americas most significant forts, for starters.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ca...7!4d-66.118003. Along with perhaps rivaling a handful of cities in the states for the most structures built prior to 1700 or so.
Here is a list of some more outstanding structures:
https://duranvirginia.wordpress.com/...-architecture/
I don't know if it has as many high rises as a number of mid-sized US cities, though that could be due to a zoning code or aesthetic standpoint, but I agree, the skyline still doesn't look half bad and is certainly more structurally dense than a number of comparably sized US cities. All things considered, this combination would at least put San Juan fringe top 10 in terms of architecture among US cities.
History and Historical Sites: I'm not sure if it makes Top 10 on historical significance, or number of sights, but on impressiveness to visitors of the historic sights, and general historical aesthetic? Certainly Top 10, in fact could very well crack Top 5 on that last one. So, overall, it's well ahead of most US cities, major or otherwise, in that regard.
Sports Culture/Following/Facilities/Traditions: It's going to be well behind the pack on the venues/teams aspect. But as Puerto Ricans can generally be quite passionate about things, following/culture is certainly going to be up there. I haven't been to any events, but whenever I do go, experiencing a baseball game at the Estadio Hiram Bithorn is high on my list as I'm sure the atmosphere is epic. Of course, there aren't really major professional teams apart from PR League teams on the island, but facilities are perhaps at the lower end for what a mid-size city should have. So, it's not high on my list for that, but at the same time, it is because I want to experience PR baseball culture firsthand.
Festivals/Parades:
https://www.google.com/search?biw=12...FEJgvU#imgrc=_
...I'll just leave that top part here. It would be difficult for all but maybe 2-3 US cities to match here.
Vegetation: Unfortunately, this one is a sensitive one at this point in time. A main cog in the economy and obviously more impressive than most places in the state, however, the agriculture industry was hurt significantly by the hurricane. I suppose the hope is that the economy will reinvent/adapt, and improve as a result.
Location: Subjective, and thus difficult to rate. On one hand, at the Center of the Caribbean, closer to the rest of Latin America, on an island surrounded by beaches and mountains, not half bad. On the other, in a way quite isolated, though I suppose Santo Domingo is quite close. Those two need to partner/collaborate more moving forward.
Economics: The per capita metrics are going to compare poorly to most places in the US, and right now, the economy is in need of stimulation and realigning towards the 21st century/whatever it's niche may be. That said, there is some opportunity there, and it fares well compared to a good number of Latin American counterparts. Hopefully it can attempt to become like a Hong Kong of the Caribbean, moving forward.
Languages: Not quite certain what is meant on this one. Different languages spoken maybe? By it's very nature of being primarily Spanish speaking yet having a good number of English speakers it will feel more exotic than a good number of US cities, but it is likely less diverse in terms of immigrants than most mid size US cities even.
Topography: Obviously, it has to be one of the most naturally scenic cities/regions within the United States. It has 4,390 feet of variation within 50 miles, which places it in the Top 10 of major US cities to start with. Combine that with the fact it has a Tropical Rainforest (El Yunque), and significant stunning and varied coastline, geologic features within that stretch? Almost certainly Top 5 in that regard within the US, and could be on the fringe of Top 10 in world among relatively major cities, depending on ones tastes.
Climate: This one is subjective, and I'm not particularly a fan of the fact that it seems like it would constantly be summer there. That said, I could see where many would be, and the nice thing about PR for someone like me is it is decently cooler and relatively comfortable year round up in the mountains it appears, and those are quite close at hand.
Density: 8,253 PSQM, with 5 CDPs among the 70 densest in the United States. So, most likely Top 10 in that regard, esp. considering the presence of traditional urbanity at it's core.
Infrastructure: Hard to really measure, and I don't know enough about the city/island to feel comfortable describing/comparing.
With all that said, I think you could be right about that, but I think the problem is most posters on here/Americans in general just don't think of San Juan/Puerto Rico as being a part of the US.
Overall, would I live there right now? No, especially not with the aftermath of the storm.
But where does it rank among American cities for offering visitors a place with impressive man made, and natural features? I think one would be hard pressed to keep it out of the Top 10, and it could be fringe Top 5.
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