Worth Moving to PR now?

As long as you stay away from metropolitan areas, you will see less crime, most crimes in PR are drug related or a situation with a triangle of love. Avoid both, stay away from drug points of sale and you will be fine.
Home breaking happen all over the US, even more that in PR. There are crimes of opportunities, people know you are well to do or run a business, so they know you either have money or have expensive stuff. Don’t flaunt your wealth.

Be polite and friendly, try to make friends and they will watch out for you.

Most expats like to live in gated communities, that is fine for their sense of security, but the rest of the expats like all over their communities including in very isolated areas and have zero issue, don’t let paranoia get you.

That's the problem. If I go out dressed nicely, the locals may think I am flaunting wealth. If I like to drive a nice car, the locals may think I am rich. So in other words, you can't have anything nice and live in PR.
If I ever do decide to move there, I will have no choice but to get several firearms, alarm system, and security cameras everywhere.

Well, what you say is partly correct. My wife told me not to wear the Rolex.  But we have seen relatively little crime in our area (knock on wood) as we live away from SJ.

My opinion is be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash a lot of cash, exercise normal precautions that you would do in the states.

Lock your car and house as needed. You can get a weapon permit here if you wish (I did) but don’t obsess over stuff.  Keep cool. 😎

I have been coming to Hatillo for the last 10 years.
As others have said there is crime everywhere, but I have no fear and see no drug crime here.
At this point, I have no return ticket to the USA.
I have been ready to stay for some time. Now to find permanent housing.

The majority of the crime is drug related, gangs fighting for territory or settling a score.
Next is family issues, likely a love triangle or jealousies
Next is crime of opportunity, you walk around showing money and items of value, or leave thing in your car visible to others or they see you putting something of value in the trunk.

Crime of opportunity is way down at the moment due to lock down, drug crimes is normal and family issues are up because they are forced to stay home and they tend to fight.

Did I forget anything?

My wife and I are in a similar boat. But for different reasons.

Crime is not really too much of a concern for us.  We have land in Aguada and we visit family every year.
I've never felt unsafe and I've never witnessed a crime. My brother lives in Mayaguez (Ex-NYPD) and he's not witnessed any either. 

It's only when I go to places like San Juan, that you need to be aware of your surroundings.  Like any big city.

So, for us, it's La Porta del Sol, the west side.  I just think it's safer on the west side.

We're holding off for now on building our home in Aguada. It's in a gated community. (Something to think about).
 
Our big concern is, as we get older in PR, Medical care will be an issue.  You can't compare what we have here in the states to what you get in PR.  Most people hop on a plane and head to the states for certain procedures.  But that's not always an option. 
I have a couple of years before retirement. Thinking this through carefully.  It's a big commitment.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

If you do go, here's my suggestion.  Go west, but don't drive an Aston Martin. 

-FB

Fburgos,
There are a lot of people living more than 100 years here. Doctors are as well trained and most train at US universities. The problem is availability, takes longer to see a specialist, but if you don’t wait too long to check yourself, you should be able to treat it on time.

Not sure who you are talking about when you say most people go to the states for some treatments, most Puerto Rican’s get their treatment here. Maybe you are referring to mainlander?

Hey Rey,
I've lived on the island and I visit my family in Puerto Rico several times a year.
I have family all over the Island.  From San Juan to Aguadilla.
A few have left to have procedures taken care of here in the state.  Spinal surgery would be one of them.
So, I know first hand.  Not to mention, My poor 83 year old uncle  and aunt have had to endure 8 hour waits  at their doctors office, only to to be told to return tomorrow.  Even. with an appointment, it's first come first server. That's nuts.
Also, I never said they weren't trained properly, there just aren't enough doctors on the island to go around. Especially specialist.
Since 2006, the number of doctor has dropped from 14000 to only 9000.  Sad to say, a mass exodus.
So, not sure who you're talking to but perhaps you need simply do a little reading.

Fburgos wrote:

Hey Rey,
I've lived on the island and I visit my family in Puerto Rico several times a year.
I have family all over the Island.  From San Juan to Aguadilla.
A few have left to have procedures taken care of here in the state.  Spinal surgery would be one of them.
So, I know first hand.  Not to mention, My poor 83 year old uncle  and aunt have had to endure 8 hour waits  at their doctors office, only to to be told to return tomorrow.  Even. with an appointment, it's first come first server. That's nuts.
Also, I never said they weren't trained properly, there just aren't enough doctors on the island to go around. Especially specialist.
Since 2006, the number of doctor has dropped from 14000 to only 9000.  Sad to say, a mass exodus.
So, not sure who you're talking to but perhaps you need simply do a little reading.

Wow aggressive,
There are 3.2 million people the majority of them have never left the island, you seem to be speaking about personal experience with your family and friends not population wide. Also Medicare and mi salud programs are not the same as private plans. Also there are doctors that work cash only and take zero plans.

Fascinating how you don’t see that 3.2 million people and only 9000 Dr’s can be reason for concern.

I’m done.

Fburgos wrote:

Fascinating how you don’t see that 3.2 million people and only 9000 Dr’s can be reason for concern.

I’m done.

Fburgos, it's unfortunate that some posters on here attack you.  I can see why you are done.  There are other competing forums that aren't so militant and rude.

Bothas, what other forums?  Like almost everyone else covid has upended everyone's plans. Peru is currently in country-wide lockdown, but Vizcarra could slowly reopen in July. Spirit shows many flights from FLL to LIM later in the year. Anyway, I am supporting someone there and want to spend 6 months of their summer in country. I was flirting with going for residency in CO, maybe Medellin, and just set it up so I could visit down in Arequipa from time to time, Medellin having a decent climate for its altitude.  Then I thought about the other 6 winter months in PR so I could keep my Medicare and supplemental. Had dual hip replacement end of '19 and beginning of '20. But, but, but, look at just this stream. My business depends on reliable Internet, for example, one day without and I lose money, sitting in a doctor's office all day, can't do it, looks this this is no-win. Tell me I'm right or wrong.

I moved here a few months ago from ft lauderdale and have tripple s salud for my company insurance and it is much better than insurance in USA.  My daughter is actually in St Jorge's children hospital now for infection and she has the entire 3rd floor to herself and a private room with a play area with dolls and doll houses all to herself.  I have been several different doctors and not had to wait long at all.  The insurance is $5 for meds and $15 for doctor and if you go to hospital its $50 thats it.  Insurance pays the rest.  Once you get here and learn the area you wont have any problems.  It is much better than in mainland....the insurance you have to pay much more each month and then a huge deductable before you can even use it....its rediculous......oh and I have an act 60 company and pay no federal income tax and save hundreds of thousands a year so there is that too.....oh and I walk to the beach and have ocean views from home and office.....

City-Data.com has good info on PR, is more friendly, free, and open.

Fburgos wrote:

My poor 83 year old uncle  and aunt have had to endure 8 hour waits  at their doctors office, only to to be told to return tomorrow.  Even. with an appointment, it's first come first server.

For Medicare, it is coming to the mainland very soon and it is already there in some cities.
Medicare is in a big trouble: higher cost and fewer services. It was happening for many years and will continue but at a higher speed now as I read.

Scott18684 wrote:

... I have an act 60 company and pay no federal income tax and save hundreds of thousands a year.

It may go away when PR becomes a state. They are pushing for this. Probably it will be good for PR, but these programs will end.

Jannyboy63 wrote:

If I go out dressed nicely, the locals may think I am flaunting wealth

Blending in is a wise move. It is safer not to make an impression that you are wealthy unless you are in a business which depends on your look.
Life is a simple and nice in PR- beaches, sun, ocean, nature, food, friendly (most of them) people. Until a disaster strikes...

Jannyboy63 wrote:

If I ever do decide to move there, I will have no choice but to get several firearms, alarm system, and security cameras everywhere.

Not fun to live like this. Statistically, guns are not a good protection for you at home. Are you going to sleep with a gun under your pillow? It will not help. Alarm system and security cameras may not help either because they can be relatively easy to be defeated.

Blending in and not going to dangerous areas are better way to protect yourself against muggers.

Fburgos wrote:

3.2 million people and only 9000 Dr’s can be reason for concern.

Yes, these numbers are true for the year 2016 and now it is probably even worse. It is a huge concern indeed.
Are the lines to a specialist the same for private insurance holders?

Puerto Rico becoming a state. Well, i personally don’t think  it will happen anytime soon. It will take an act of Congress.
Puerto Rico would most likely be a blue state. The republicans are not going to risk losing any electoral Votes. So, act 20, act 22 will be around for a while.

Fburgos wrote:

Puerto Rico becoming a state. Well, i personally don’t think  it will happen anytime soon. It will take an act of Congress.
Puerto Rico would most likely be a blue state. The republicans are not going to risk losing any electoral Votes. So, act 20, act 22 will be around for a while.

Agree. But it is possible only if democrats will win the majority in the Senate and Biden wins.
So I guess we will know by January.

Yes, we shall see. It could be a good thing.

I moved here 3 years ago and my wife has had the best cancer treatment. Ray does not know what he is talking about. Medical is great. Crime in the West is nil. ***