Delicuencia in Santiago, is it something to worry tons about?

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

I am planning to move myself and family (Boy-3month, Girl-3years and Dominican wife) over to Santiago by the end of the summer. Ive got the house almost ready, and have a job almost ready. Been speaking with my father in law that lives in Santiago and he tells me that crime down there is very rampant. He talks about how thieves are pulling up with guns and robbing businesses, breaking into homes, sticking up people with guns in plain daylight. One of the things that worries me the most is a home invasion while my wife and kids are home alone and, God forbid, something really bad happens. The house I built is in los llanos de Gurabo. Ive been planning this move for the past 3 years but am seriously having second thoughts. Could it be cold feet now that I know that the time is finally approaching? As far a security for the home Im sure I have it down packed; I've got a security alarm system that should cover every square inch of the home. Am I making the right choice?

I can think of lots of reasons not to go: Crime, diseases that are not prevalent in the US (cholera, dengue fever), slower internet,.....

And I can think of some reasons to go: more sociable lifestyle, lots of friends, my wife's parents, good schools (private).....

Looking for some advice. Cheers!

Chip · May 27, 2012

Crime is on the rise. However, most of the targets seem to be involved in risky business ventures. Therefore make sure your not a target. Having a nice house doesn't mean you necessarily will be a target because there are thousands here. You can also pay for a private security service that goes for RD2000 a month.

Also, home invasions here in Santiago seem to be rarer compared to other places. I try to keep up with the news and the only one I've heard of was in my neighborhood but it turned up being an ajuste de cuentas. Just be careful who you associate with. Tigueres, whether poor or rich are easy to spot a mile away.

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

Chip said:
Crime is on the rise. However, most of the targets seem to be involved in risky business ventures. Therefore make sure your not a target. Having a nice house doesn't mean you necessarily will be a target because there are thousands here. You can also pay for a private security service that goes for RD2000 a month.

Also, home invasions here in Santiago seem to be rarer compared to other places. I try to keep up with the news and the only one I've heard of was in my neighborhood but it turned up being an ajuste de cuentas. Just be careful who you associate with. Tigueres, whether poor or rich are easy to spot a mile away.

Yeah, I hear what your saying Chip; do you know what that security covers? Do they come by your house once, twice per day?

pelaut · May 27, 2012

Check your PDR. Cholera has been endemic in the Gulf States for decades, but not common due to modern public hygiene and water/sewer systems. That will change with economic decline. In remote bayou villages it's another thing.

Because it's easily recognized, easily cured, but with a bugbear rep from 19th century Europe, people from more temperate climes worry too much about it.

In the DR it's mostly clustered around Haitian worker barracks like one sees in Punta Cana/Cap Cana. They bring it with them. Expect spotty outbreaks among Dominicans in the worst barrios. Santiago (Cienfuegos perhaps excepted) should not be a worry, especially Gurabo.

Teach your children to wash hands constantly and not put fingers in any orifice at all ? you're in the tropics now.

kampinge · May 27, 2012

I was in the same situation like you 7 years ago. Going with my Dominican-born wife and three children (5,6,and 8 years old)from Germany to the DR. I done it and I REGRET IT.
After consider the pro and contras, there are more contras. For each year I am here I discover more disadvantages .

Some pros are : I don't complain the private school . I think my children get a very good education for a reasonable price.
But after school after Bachelor? The universities here are poor they start on the level of dominican education will say 8 to 9th grade compared with our level.
No future for the children.
My children here are not free, they can't go anywhere alone, not even visit a friend, I have to drive and watch them everywhere.
When I come to the States or Germany I have to teach the children how to behave on streetcrossing act because they never get any experience here.
Beside of this all what you write in regard of criminality and public health is a serious matter.
You have to be extremely careful with everything.
The children don't grow up in a real world they grow up in a artificial,extreme protected world and I am afraid they will have problems later to adapt to a "normal live"
Beside of this, driving here especially by night is a nightmare the rid of accidents is very much higher then in the States or Europe, NO MATTER HOW CAREFUL YOU DRIVE.
There are BIG differences in mentality between Dominican mentality and 'gringomentality.
I know you will say you know all that because your wife is Dominican.
But believe me, your wife will be much more dominican when she lives here some years. You may like it or not, I don't know.

My advice : Think twice. If you are prepared to live in a complete different world than move. Start to read dominican papers on internet and look dominican tv. The reality is even worthier.
The problem is if you are here and have invest it is hard to leave the country without loosing half what you brought in.

Hillbilly · May 27, 2012

gOOD advice, all.

For the last 50 years I have lived in the midst of this country, and while "victimized" by local kids, and a "wachi" it was nothing all that important. If you flash it, they will see it and act. Just be normal.

The "trots" are a normal occurrence, but you do need to watch out. Like all diarrheas, cholera, typhus and other intestinal ailments are usually the result of hand-to-mouth transmission of the infecting agent. Which is why "Palaut" says washing your hands is so so very very important. Gatoraid, rice water and bottled water will generally solve the issues. If it is really violent, then go see a doctor right away...

Not to worry, hygiene is your friend.

HB

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

Hillbilly said:
gOOD advice, all.

For the last 50 years I have lived in the midst of this country, and while "victimized" by local kids, and a "wachi" it was nothing all that important. If you flash it, they will see it and act. Just be normal.

The "trots" are a normal occurrence, but you do need to watch out. Like all diarrheas, cholera, typhus and other intestinal ailments are usually the result of hand-to-mouth transmission of the infecting agent. Which is why "Palaut" says washing your hands is so so very very important. Gatoraid, rice water and bottled water will generally solve the issues. If it is really violent, then go see a doctor right away...

Not to worry, hygiene is your friend.

HB

HB,

That is what my brother says, he has been living in Santiago for 3 years. Most of the robberies happen to people flashing gold or cause the thieves know they own a gun.

I think I may be getting cold feet, like just before one gets married.

jorgesarduysousa · May 27, 2012

lisagaus, it depends where your going to live in Santiago; also are you the type of person weho hangs out in the "bancas, colmadones, barrios with high poverty..." this is where the majority of crime starts. The main victims are motoconchos, bars,

I have lived here over 25 years and have never been robbed, broken into.... it all depends the type of lifestyle your planning to have.

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

jorgesarduysousa said:
lisagaus, it depends where your going to live in Santiago; also are you the type of person weho hangs out in the "bancas, colmadones, barrios with high poverty..." this is where the majority of crime starts. The main victims are motoconchos, bars,

I have lived here over 25 years and have never been robbed, broken into.... it all depends the type of lifestyle your planning to have.

jorgesarduysousa, I will be living in llanos de Gurabo, Ive talked to my neighbors and they tell me the same; they haven't had any type of problems as far as burglaries or the likes. My house is also in an area which has only one entrance; like a dead end street, so anyone that goes in there has to come out via that same street. I don't hang out in colmados, barrios and bancas.

It may as well be cold feet that I am experiencing as the planned day to move is getting so close. If you don't mind sharing; where do you live?

Bigocean · May 27, 2012

jorgesarduysousa said:
lisagaus, it depends where your going to live in Santiago; also are you the type of person weho hangs out in the "bancas, colmadones, barrios with high poverty..." this is where the majority of crime starts. The main victims are motoconchos, bars,

I have lived here over 25 years and have never been robbed, broken into.... it all depends the type of lifestyle your planning to have.

I agree with Jorgesarduysousa as well. As a long time resident of Santiago, I must say the old saying of the three most important things in real estate are location, location, location, is never more true than here in Santiago. There are some very nice, safe and tranquil areas to live here. Essential to do your homework before you buy/build/rent. A friend on mine is currently building a house in a very nice area that is great for families. Here are a few photos:

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=25imdch" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/25imdch.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2nhnxmv" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2nhnxmv.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2exwizt" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2exwizt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2d6hdw" target="_blank"><img src="http://i50.tinypic.com/2d6hdw.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=23t14qg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i49.tinypic.com/23t14qg.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=s1i7w9" target="_blank"><img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/s1i7w9.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=28bv2c3" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/28bv2c3.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=28bv2c3" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/28bv2c3.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=15epp0" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/15epp0.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=15xs9di" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/15xs9di.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=war6he" target="_blank"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/war6he.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

Bigocean said:
I agree with Jorgesarduysousa as well. As a long time resident of Santiago, I must say the old saying of the three most important things in real estate are location, location, location, is never more true than here in Santiago. There are some very nice, safe and tranquil areas to live here. Essential to do your homework before you buy/build/rent. A friend on mine is currently building a house in a very nice area that is great for families. Here are a few photos:

I know where that is, that is in los Quintos de Pontezuela and unless you don't have a couple of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a solar don't even bother.

Bigocean · May 27, 2012

lisagauss said:
I know where that is, that is in los Quintos de Pontezuela and unless you don't have a couple of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a solar don't even bother.

When Las Quintas de Pontezuela began at around 2006 or so, the lots sold for around $6000 RD per meter. Now, phase 1 has been long sold-out, but when one comes up for sale by chance, they are quickly snapped up at 14,000 RD or more per square meter. The reason is simple, it offers a rare commodity of security, community construction requirements and standard of living that is not at all common in Santiago. They have a phase two opening now but I don't know about the prices or sizes of the lots.

I would rather have $200,000 USD invested in a lot in Las Quintas than have $200,000 USD invested in a house and lot in Los Llanos de Guarbo. If you do not understand why, you will once you move.

sgtjosephmiller · May 27, 2012

lisagauss said:
I am planning to move myself and family (Boy-3month, Girl-3years and Dominican wife) over to Santiago by the end of the summer. Ive got the house almost ready, and have a job almost ready. Been speaking with my father in law that lives in Santiago and he tells me that crime down there is very rampant. He talks about how thieves are pulling up with guns and robbing businesses, breaking into homes, sticking up people with guns in plain daylight. One of the things that worries me the most is a home invasion while my wife and kids are home alone and, God forbid, something really bad happens. The house I built is in los llanos de Gurabo. Ive been planning this move for the past 3 years but am seriously having second thoughts. Could it be cold feet now that I know that the time is finally approaching? As far a security for the home Im sure I have it down packed; I've got a security alarm system that should cover every square inch of the home. Am I making the right choice?

I can think of lots of reasons not to go: Crime, diseases that are not prevalent in the US (cholera, dengue fever), slower internet,.....

And I can think of some reasons to go: more sociable lifestyle, lots of friends, my wife's parents, good schools (private).....

Looking for some advice. Cheers!

get the glock ready.lol.na u will be all right.crime is up but you can't shine.stay lo key ,average car ,no jewrely and don't invite people u don't know to ur home.,like a cousins friend or something like that.got to be alittle more vigilent.can't beat the rio and playa and sun any day of the week.thats the part u can't beat.move and go with ur heart and u family.good luck

bob saunders · May 27, 2012

sgtjosephmiller said:
get the glock ready.lol.na u will be all right.crime is up but you can't shine.stay lo key ,average car ,no jewrely and don't invite people u don't know to ur home.,like a cousins friend or something like that.got to be alittle more vigilent.can't beat the rio and playa and sun any day of the week.thats the part u can't beat.move and go with ur heart and u family.good luck

Mostly good advice, but probably no need for the gun. We have a young couple above us,( the girl a former student and my wife know the family for several generations andf her boy friend is a Vet's assistant. Renter below us , is an architect - also known to my wife for 40 years. We are surrounded by people who know each other, safety in numbers and eyes watching.

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

sgtjosephmiller said:
get the glock ready.lol.na u will be all right.crime is up but you can't shine.stay lo key ,average car ,no jewrely and don't invite people u don't know to ur home.,like a cousins friend or something like that.got to be alittle more vigilent.can't beat the rio and playa and sun any day of the week.thats the part u can't beat.move and go with ur heart and u family.good luck

So true. good neighbors and not letting any strangers know too much about you is a good starting point.

Bigocean · May 27, 2012

lisagauss said:
So true. good neighbors and not letting any strangers know too much about you is a good starting point.

There is no lateral movement from a middle-class life in the USA/NA to the DR.

You either have to go up or down. You chose Los Llanos de Guarbo, so prepare accordingly and you will be fine.

bob saunders · May 27, 2012

Bigocean said:
There is no lateral movement from a middle-class life in the USA/NA to the DR.

You either have to go up or down. You chose Los Llanos de Guarbo, so prepare accordingly and you will be fine.

Agree, WE are moving in an area totally different from our neighbourhood in Canada. In Belleville most of my neighbours are professionals or business owners. I'm one of the poor guys here and I'm not poor. In Jarabacoa we are in a poor neighbourhood but not a rundown barrio.

keepcoming · May 27, 2012

Think about it, if you flaunt what you got then you may have a problem.

lisagauss · May 27, 2012

Bigocean said:
There is no lateral movement from a middle-class life in the USA/NA to the DR.

You either have to go up or down. You chose Los Llanos de Guarbo, so prepare accordingly and you will be fine.

Are you familiar with that area?

Bigocean · May 27, 2012

lisagauss said:
Are you familiar with that area?

Yes. It would be consistent with a low-end blue collar area in the USA. The direction, and future, of Santiago is eastward, so I would not consider it a good area to invest in Santiago (the rent to cost to build ratio in that area makes it seem better to rent unless you have some type of incentive such as previously owning the land, etc.)

However, take your precautions, know your neighbors and use common sense for your security. I would concur with your idea about an alarm system, and I hope that you have installed a stronger window and door system than the cheapo aluminum sliders, they are shockingly easy to open in a short period of time. You need to have a firearm as well (unless you are uncomfortable with them, then probably more harm than good) as your alarm will only notify you of intruders, you will have to take it from there. Alerta (alarm company) offers a community watchman service and are rather quick, as I understand, to respond, but I don't know the particulars as to how many members needed, etc. I imagine your neighbors can let you know as security is a common (unfortunately) theme everywhere in this day in age.

Delicuencia in Santiago, is it something to worry tons about?

Bronze

Platinum

Bronze

Bronze

Member

Moderator

Bronze

Bronze

Bronze

New member

Bronze

New member

New member

Platinum

Bronze

New member

Platinum

Moderator - Living & General Stuff

Bronze

New member