Shooting in Palermo has me thinking...

[sinagua980]

If you haven't heard: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/article/81081/man-in-critical-condition-after-palermo-shootout

I'm moving to BA with my wife next week. I've spent time there before and am not naive about the crime. I've lived in a gang-neighborhood in Houston for a while which is worse than anything BA has produced (something to be thankful for). I've had several people shot on my street and bullets through my house before.

My wife taught high school in one of the most dangerous schools in Los Angeles: Locke High School.

Needless to say, we're tired of it. We'd prefer to have as much peace as is possible while in Buenos Aires for the next few years. We were considering Palermo as our final destination, but this shooting (and another one I can't find info about) has me thinking.

What do you all think? I'm not worried about petty theft, but about more violent assaults and shootings. How often does this happen? Which neighborhoods are the safest with regards to violent crime? Are the violent crimes typically targeted or random?

Thanks in advance.

 

[chris]

I'd say you'd be more secure and feel more comfortable in the heart of Recoleta, for example on Posadas, Quintana, Avenida Alvear etc. There seems to be more police presence there, better lit streets, a more long standing and stable neighborhood. That is not to say that there isn't crime but I personally feel a lot better in this area which is quite international due to many 5 star hotels, embassies, the best shopping mall etc.

 

[TomAtAlki]

Palermo is HUGE. There are good areas and bad ones. We own a place in Palermo Viego and love it. I grew up in NYC 1950 to 1970 and THAT was dangerous, Palermo no.

Nancy

 

[JHB1216]

The fact that it was so early on a Saturday morning makes me think that alcohol was probably involved as the city is pretty much dead at that time of the morning. IMO, the violent crime here is not as prevalent as in the USA and nowhere near the inner city violence that you described. I would venture to say that it is a lot less in the same size city in the USA.

I have been here more than 3 years and I am more concerned about petty theft than threats of violence.

 

[jb5]

I would think the safest areas are those with the guard booths, basically the embassy areas in Barrio Parque and Belgrano.

 

[El Duderino]

I live in Palermo and that story doesn't really sway my opinion of the neighborhood. I feel safe here.

Random homicide happens everywhere.

 

[DontMindMe]

I have been here more than 3 years and I am more concerned about petty theft than threats of violence.

True, and I feel the same way, although you do from time to time hear about armed robbery. But even then it's flash the gun, take the purse and run.

Agreed, Palermo is huge. Some parts are quite tranquil and residential, while others, near all the bars and restaurants, feel a bit sketchier to me but really only in terms of petty crime/opportunists prowling about. Really the only super sketch part I can think of is Godoy Cruz, just south of Santa Fe, near the Line D Palermo subte stop. For six blocks or so it's very unpleasant. I walk this part all the time to get to my boyfriend's house, unfortunately. But I'm sure others know the neighborhood better than I do, never having lived there.

I'm a native Houstonian, born and raised inside the loop. Which neighborhood did you live in? Are we talking like Spring Branch or Third Ward level, or worse? I've lived in BA in various neighborhoods for two years and could probably give you some insight in terms of comparing the two places. I must say violent crime has never been a big worry for me here, and probably isn't for anyone living in a halfway decent part of Capital Federal. Robberies and break-ins are the main fears, it seems.

 

[CarverFan]

You may want to check out this thread...
http://baexpats.org/expat-life/5805-crime-bsas-anyone.html

 

[chris]

Palermo is HUGE. There are good areas and bad ones. We own a place in Palermo Viego and love it. I grew up in NYC 1950 to 1970 and THAT was dangerous, Palermo no.

Nancy

Manhattan was dangerous in the 1950-1970 era? More so than Palermo today? I beg to differ. Are you talking about the other boroughs?

 

[bebero]

Things happen, like everywhere, but in general, Palermo is NOT a not safe neighborhood.
The best areas in Palermo are Barrio Parque and, more affordable, Palermo Nuevo (actually, near the US embassy). Cops everywhere and anything hardly happens.