Shooting in Palermo has me thinking...

[PhilipDT]

Maybe safe but not Buenos Aires.

And why not?

The food? No, from choripan's on the costanera to lomo at las lilas, puerto madero has the full gamut of Argentina cuisine.

The people? I was just in puerto madero today and I'd say the ratio of foreigners to argentines was no higher than in parts of santelmo or palermo.

The architecture? With all the fantastically recycled old port buildings I'd say it's doing better than places like barrio norte, alto palermo and caballito which are dominated by dime a dozen, generic and unaesthetic apartment towers.

The culture? Well I see people out rollerblading & running the same as they are in palermo. I see kids sitting together in the parks drinking mate. I even saw a man pouring soda water into his wine at lunch today.

So I'm sorry. If narrow, dark streets with broken sidewalks covered in dog shit and insecurity are the only things that make a place authentically buenos aires, well then screw living in buenos aires!

 

[Risu]

You may want to consider a small barrio located between Palermo and Belgrano. It was recently rated one of the safest in Cap Fed. Called Colegiales, where many schools are located and many affordable family style homes. We visit friends who have lived there for 4 years. They say it is quiet, safe, friendly, centrally located, no stinky smells or night noise from restaurants or bars unlike parts of Palermo or Recoleta. As with many big cities, you must keep alert, dress down & know the current scams. Believe you will find what you are seeking here. Best of luck!

 

[dr__dawggy]

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

The area around Times Square was very unsavory during this period and beyond. Nothing like what it is today.

 

[dr__dawggy]

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.

The one mugging I have personally witnessed to place on a Sunday morning on Posadas in front of Patio Bullrich. The mugger knocked an elderly man down, stole his watch and billfold, ran down the street to the intersection of Libertad, jumped on the back of his accomplices moto and quickly disappeared as he turned onto Libertador. As you said, there may be less crime but it is everywhere.

 

[dr__dawggy]

And why not?

The food? No, from choripan's on the costanera to lomo at las lilas, puerto madero has the full gamut of Argentina cuisine.

The people? I was just in puerto madero today and I'd say the ratio of foreigners to argentines was no higher than in parts of santelmo or palermo.

The architecture? With all the fantastically recycled old port buildings I'd say it's doing better than places like barrio norte, alto palermo and caballito which are dominated by dime a dozen, generic and unaesthetic apartment towers.

The culture? Well I see people out rollerblading & running the same as they are in palermo. I see kids sitting together in the parks drinking mate. I even saw a man pouring soda water into his wine at lunch today.

So I'm sorry. If narrow, dark streets with broken sidewalks covered in dog shit and insecurity are the only things that make a place authentically buenos aires, well then screw living in buenos aires!

Puerto Madero is changing...but after the Crisis of 02 development came to a standstill...lots of projects were left incomplete..as these and other newer apartments have been completed there is more street life than was there just a few years ago...but many of the things that make Buenos Aires neighborhoods so charming are still incomplete in Puerto Madero---kiosco's, cafes, farmacias, ice cream shops, neighborhood fruit stands and grocery stores...have been slow in coming. The trade off is safety and no broken sidewalks.

 

[marksoc]

I know that people do not believe me, but I found that certain suburbs feel safer than the touristic neighborhoods. At least I know those in the Libertador Ave. line and those in the West from Ramos Mejia to San Antonio de Padua near Rivadavia Ave. (some 15 km. of nice suburbs!).

Around the touristic quartiers there are some sketchy areas (La Boca, Flores, places near Palermo Hollywood) and after some nice quarters (inside the city) that feel like the suburbs I was speaking of (Devoto, Villa del Parque, Coghlan and others).

Puerto Madero is sterile, but it is changing and it is safe because it is kind like an open prison, if that makes any sense. Still, the ´bondiola´ shops near the Ecological Reserve and the Reserve itself are unmissable in any nice day, especially weekends.

As always in any big city, with a little bit of caution you will be OK. I heard many stories of people being robbed (bags) when going to the Retiro Bus Station, so spend some (small) pesos and take a cab from (to) there, at least for some 5-10 blocks.

 

[cruizes]

I find Puerto Madero to be a place that I avoid. It is sterile and devoid of charm and character. It is full of pretentious Argentine yuppies and clueless tourists (I find mainly from cruise ships) what an obnoxious mix.

Why are you saying that if you take a cruise then you are obnoxious? I really expected more from you Lee.

 

[Amargo]

Al final most expats are like gata Flora...either are all sidewalks kaputt and there is dog sh*t everywhere or the only corner of BA that resembles the First World (Puerto Madero) is tacky, full of yuppies. Either there are no services for tourists in this country, or it is full of tourists. There are no great restaurants, but then you have all those posh expensive restaurants in Puerto Madero.
Make up your mind.