Vega Baja is spread out and you'll find pockets of good and bad neighborhoods. I live near Laguna Tortuguero which has some families, some section 8, a little bit of everything really. Mostly I feel pretty safe. On the weekends there is a lot of cycling/running activity due to the trails around the nature reserve. Would I go by myself running? No. Down the street is a newly refurbished sports facility with track, exercise areas, a pool, etc etc. There is also a pretty nice community center.
Near by is a corner market that opens at 5 am that is kind of the hub of the area, residents, the police, atheletes, etc stop in for their morning cuppa and some breakfast. I get by on my limited spanish but most ppl do not speak english. I would say maybe 20%. I did forget to mention the best part though, I am about a mile from some gorgeous beaches that never seem to get crowded. One town over in Manati, barely a 10 min drive has Reserva Natural Hacienda La Esperanza, a beautiful sanctuary featuring a remodeled plantation/mill, stunning beaches and many trails.
We only have the (SuperMax) grocery store and their produce/meat is dismal. I usually end up at Costco in Bayamon for groceries. About 30 minutes door to door. There is a Walgreens, CVS, Ace Hardware, Walmart Superstore and various fast food restaurants within a 2 mi radius. There are also a few good restaurants, including one AMAZING sushi place, an awesome deli/restaurant, a bakery or two and a few garden centers as well. Though tbh, I generally head over to Byron Pike Nursery in Arecibo.
Is it a good place to raise a family? That's up to you. You really need to check it out for yourself. I have lots of neighbors that are doing just that.
Here are some photos of the beaches here.
