After the recent hurricanes PR has had to endure and the recent mass amounts of earthquakes, most people would think I was crazy to consider moving there. I only have my father living there alone. I will be retiring in 4 years and therefore was considering buying a small home in the island that can withstand these natural disasters (like my father's home which had zero damage in spite of all the hurricanes and earthquakes).
Due to many abandoning the island after these disasters, lost of electricity, lost of internet, and lack of jobs, I was wondering if it is still worth buying a home there. As I look at my options I see some beautiful properties that look too good to be true. Then my dad tells me that its because it is located in a drug crime infested area. I have read about the daytime shootings, robberies, etc. which explains the houses that look like cages. I wish the government would crack down on crime so people wouldn't have to live like that. It's an embarrassment for the people of Puerto Rico.
Most of the homes look like jails with all the enclosed gates since the people feel safer living this way with all the crime present. This makes me sad to think that our own people are abandoning the island due to these problems with crime, earthquakes, and hurricanes. But I still feel optimistic about the possibilities. Homes in the U.S. are just too expensive so I still look for options in PR but the one thing stopping me is the crime. I would be retired so I am not worried about job seeking. Also I remember living there during my high school years and no major earthquake nor hurricane was felt for over 20 years. My hope is that all these natural disasters would stop for a couple of decades so I can enjoy my retirement.
Any feed back on the which towns are safer to retire in would be appreciated. I already know the risks of living south where the earthquakes destroyed lots of homes so I am avoiding that area and of course the tourist trap, San Juan.