Avoid taking photos in high crime locations (ask the locals where not to go!) It’s more like a laboratory where many mostly-younger Puerto Ricans are trying to build something new in a barrio that used to be known for drugs, crime, and blight. As Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, that status does provide the country with local autonomy and the ability to fly its own flag. When Puerto Rico raised its sales tax from 7 percent to 11.5 percent on July 1, instead of calling it quits, Valeria Bosch, the owner of Len.T.juela, a vintage boutique on Calle Loiza in Santurce, started to offer local shoppers an 11 percent discount on their purchases. 'Absolutely disgusting! I have walked every street in Old San Juan, and much of the city from Old San Juan to Condado, with zero problems. LGBTQ Puerto Ricans have the same legal protections as heterosexual locals and same-sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Practice common sense anywhere you go. If you become a victim of crime, being able to communicate to the police is important. Puerto Rico has a high homicide rate however this usually affects those involved in gang activity, the drug trade or both. As to Puerto Rico, have walked from Old San Juan to the tip of Isla Verde and never felt unsafe and the walk for an architectural buff is quiet interesting in which the American vs Spanish architecture mix. Dont miss the tropical forest of El Yunque with its pools of water and high views. We have had absolutely no problems. Yes this can happen anywhere but the truth is you do need to always be careful. Drugs confiscated by federal agents and local authorities at an apartment in Santurce, Puerto Rico, on Monday night as the hunt intensified for Carlos Cotto, identified by local media outlets as the carjacker who killed three cops and injured a fourth. The perfect gift for Fathers Day, Mothers Day, Christmas, Puerto Rican Parade or playing baseball and representing your Puerto Rican pride. Stick to the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Miramar and Condado at night, where there are regular police patrols. Santurce is one of the districts of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Not everyone approves of the changes that are happening here. The defendants were fugitives since February 2019, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Its rate of property crime was lower than the national rate. Anything to avoid a tantrum! Combining activities with lunch and drinks and transport can start to get pretty expensive in Puerto Rico when planning independently. Federal agents and local authorities storm the Luis Llores Torrens housing projects in Santurce, Puerto Rico, in search of Carlo Cotto, who allegedly killed three cops after he … Drink driving is also a major offense in Puerto Rico which can result in financial penalties and potentially jail time. Don't leave your valuables or belongings unattended and only take what you need out with you. This Sept. 23, 2014 photo, shows an aerial view of the Santurce neighborhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The area had deteriorated in the 1970s as people moved out to suburbs near San Juan. Travelers will be most affected by petty crime, such as pickpocketing or robbery. So to everyone, travel to where you may but never go astray and have a great day! I recently moved to Puerto Rico on Jan 1st, 2017, and overall the experience has been awesome. A fourth police officer was injured in the violent confrontation. The Island is highly developed, though the roads have pot holes, many street lights are still in the dark since hurricane Maria, overall, it's pretty cleaned up and normalish. Now back to Puerto Rico, lovely people, weather, beaches, but I totally agree with the author of the article -- you need to be careful about where you go and what you do! For those who are not aware, Old San Juan is an Island and one can see Puerto Rico from its southern shore. All the locals we have met have been very friendly. It was the first time in recent history that so many Puerto Rico police officers were slain in one incident. Is it safe to go to Puerto Rico right now? Puerto Rico: Municipality: San Juan: Barrio: Santurce: Area • Total.05 sq mi (0.1 km 2) • Land.05 sq mi (0.1 km 2) Elevation . Santurce, Puerto Rico. There really isn't a reason to be out in the inner city at night. I've felt more fear living in Europe. This Puerto Rico vintage retro baseball jersey makes a great gift for Mom, Dad and a fan of Puerto Rican baseball or someone that is from Santurce. Salamán was rushed to a local hospital and declared dead. I'm from Chicago and to look at Puerto Rico's crime rate, I'd say I feel right at home there. There are a few sketchy homeless people and alcoholics like in any big city. Should you have an emergency, call 911 as you would in the US. I’m of course vigilant of my surroundings when in unknown areas. That said, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than many major US cities. Its downtown is very nice like Albuquerque NM with a subhumid climate similiar to parts of Eastern Brasil. No matter the time of day, throughout the neighborhood of Santurce, one would stumble upon the dreadful population of heroin addicts, unable to connect with reality, referred to as ‘zombies’. Keep your car door locked and valuables out of sight while traveling. I lived in Guayama years back. Read the latest travel alerts to find out how COVID-19 restrictions may affect you. ', Cache of weapons and bullet proof vests seized from an apartment at the Luis Llores Torres housing projects in Santurce on Monday night. Welcome to Aussiewood! I have NO problems going anywhere in PR, any more than I have in any big city in the mainland, unless it's Chicago or Detroit. That said, if you do happen to be stopped by local police, don't attempt to bribe them. Puerto Rico is as safe and unsafe as any other state in the Union, true areas to avoid are there, however, overall it is an extremely safe destination. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Santurce, Puerto Rico.