Is Aguadilla Safe, Pros and cons of living in Aguadilla

Aguadilla, a coastal city in Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Situated on the island’s northwest coast, it boasts stunning beaches, historical sites, and a vibrant local atmosphere. The city is a popular destination for both tourists and those seeking a new place to call home, drawn by its tropical climate and relaxed pace of life.

This guide provides an in-depth look at what it’s like to live in Aguadilla, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, and employment opportunities. It aims to equip potential residents with the information needed to make an informed decision about relocating to this dynamic Puerto Rican city.

Is it Safe to Live in Aguadilla?

Aguadilla’s safety profile indicates a need for awareness, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The city ranks in the 8th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 8% of cities, though safer than 92% of cities (CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate is reported at 7.420 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest (CrimeGrade.org).

Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime in Aguadilla varies by neighborhood. The risk ranges from 1 in 96 in southwest neighborhoods to 1 in 169 in the southeast (CrimeGrade.org). Property crime statistics include burglary at 500.1, theft at 2,042.8, and motor vehicle theft at 284 per 1,000 residents (Niche). While Puerto Rico as a whole faces challenges with crime, understanding neighborhood-specific data can help in assessing personal safety.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Aguadilla presents a balanced landscape for both buyers and renters. The median listing price for homes is approximately $482,000, with a median rent of $1,500 per month (Realtor.com® Research). There are typically around 87 homes for sale, indicating active inventory in the city (Realtor.com® Research).

For those looking to rent, the median rent price stands at $1,500, with approximately 54 rental properties available (realtor.com®). Year-over-year, rental prices have seen a decrease of 16.67%, potentially offering more affordable options for renters (Realtor.com® Research). The median home value is $150,800, which is about half the national median (Niche).

The zip code 00603 shows a median listing price of $495,000 and a median rental price of $1,500 (realtor.com®). This area offers 82 homes for sale, with a median listing time of 61 days (realtor.com®). The market in Aguadilla is currently considered a buyer’s market, suggesting that the supply of homes may exceed the demand (Realtor.com® Research).

Job Market and Employment

Aguadilla’s job market offers a range of opportunities, with an average salary of $52,137 per year or $25 per hour (SalaryExpert). The median household income in Aguadilla Municipio is $21,540 (U.S. Census Bureau). The employment rate in the area is reported at 35.1% (U.S. Census Bureau).

Major employers in the region contribute to the local economy, though specific names were not detailed in the provided data. The Aguadilla Business Center aims to support economic development by providing resources for small businesses (Friends Of Puerto Rico). For those seeking employment, understanding the industries prevalent in the area is key.

The unemployment rate for the Aguadilla, PR Metro Area has shown a downward trend, decreasing from 23.2% in 2017 to 11.8% in 2023 (CensusDepth). This indicates a recovering job market, though it remains a factor for individuals considering a move.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Aguadilla is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the U.S. national average. The average cost of living in Aguadilla is $1,209, which is close to the world’s average cost of living and ranks relatively low within both the United States and Puerto Rico (Living Cost). It is noted that the cost of living in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico is 5% less than the national average (ERI Economic Research Institute).

This cost is calculated by accumulating expenses for food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous items (ERI Economic Research Institute). For instance, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around $12.00, and a monthly fitness club membership averages $35.00 (Cost of Living). Basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment are approximately $120.00 per month (Cost of Living).

The median after-tax salary is $2,682, which is sufficient to cover living expenses for approximately 2.2 months (Living Cost). This suggests that while costs are manageable, income levels play a significant role in overall financial comfort.

Climate and Weather

Aguadilla experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot, humid, and windy conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 88°F throughout the year (Time and Date). The city rarely sees temperatures below 67°F or above 90°F.

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with September being the wettest month, averaging 3.9 inches of rain (Time and Date). February is the driest month, with an average of 0.9 inches of precipitation (Time and Date). Wet days, defined as having at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more frequent during the wetter season, which lasts from April to November.

The water temperature is also a significant feature, with warmer periods from July to November, averaging above 83°F. The coolest water temperatures are observed from January to April, averaging below 80°F (Time and Date).

Education and Schools

Aguadilla offers a range of public schools serving its community. Among the highly-rated institutions are Juan Suarez Pelegrina (Nueva) with a perfect 5 out of 5 rating, and Escuela Benito Cerezo Marquez with a rating of 4.17 out of 5 (Niche). Ramey School also serves the area, holding a rating of 3.77 out of 5 (Niche).

These schools vary in grade levels and student-teacher ratios, with some elementary, middle, and high school options available (Niche). For instance, Escuela Antonio Geigel Paredes has a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 (Niche).

Higher education opportunities are also present, with universities in Aguadilla awarding degrees. Universal Technology College of Puerto Rico and Advantage Technical College-Aguadilla are among the institutions offering programs (Data USA).

Demographics

Aguadilla Municipio is home to a population of approximately 55,101 residents (U.S. Census Bureau). The median age is 45.2 years, with a slightly higher median age for females at 47.4 years compared to males at 43.1 years (World Population Review). The racial composition is predominantly White, accounting for 72.49% of the population, followed by other races at 11.86% and Black or African American at 3.44% (World Population Review).

A significant portion of the population identifies as Hispanic, making up 98.57% (World Population Review). Educational attainment shows that 78.4% of residents have a high school education or higher, and 28.1% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Census Reporter). The median household income is $21,540 (U.S. Census Bureau).

Regarding housing, 56% of residents own their homes, while 44% rent (Niche). The median home value is $150,800, and the median rent is $509 (Niche). The total number of housing units in Aguadilla Municipio is 28,777 (U.S. Census Bureau).