Yeah, given the choice, I’d rather go to the Virgin Islands. Been there a few times too — they are very close to PR. You used to be able to get there by ferry, but I think they shut it down.
Next time, go to the British Virgin Islands. Same area, no welfare, no drugs, everyone speaks English and they use US currency. Their economy is based on tourism and offshore banking. There is virtually no crime. There is also no gambling and outside investment is not allowed. Therefore, no big name resort hotels.
The problem that Puerto Rico and the USVI’s(not so much on St. John) have is that it is the ONLY place in the Caribbean that you can go on welfare. It attracts the lazy/slugs of the Caribbean. Every other island in the Caribbean IF you want to eat, you have to work. IF you want to work hard, you can become RICH. Sometimes, very rich.