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Vega Baja, Puerto Rico

(VAI-gah BAH-hah)
Location of Vega Baja

Vega Baja is known as "La Ciudad del Melao Melao" (syrup city). Vega Baja was founded in October 3, 1776 by Antonio Viera, with the name of Vega-baxa del Naranjal de Nuestra Señora del Rosario.

Vega Baja is located in northern coast, north of Morovis; east of Manat&iaute;; and west of Vega Alta.

There are many well-known "vegabajeños", among them: Rafael Balseiro Dávila.


Siesta en Vega Baja (Photo: Peter Padawitz)

Vega Baja is made up of 14 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Algarrobo
  • Almirante Norte
  • Almirante Sur
  • Cabo Caribe
  • Ceiba
  • Cibuco
  • Pueblo
  • Puerto Nuevo
  • Pugnado Adentro
  • Pugnado Afuera
  • Quebrada Arenas
  • Río Abajo
  • Río Arriba
  • Yeguada

Restaurants

  • Tu Casa Sea Food Restaurant (Sea Food), (787) 855-5006

Accommodations

  • Chalets de la Playa Condominiums (Apartment/Condo), (917) 797-2657

Festivals and Events

  • Feria Socio-Cultural - May
  • Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Virgen del Rosario - October
    Every year, Vega Baja celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 855-2500
  • Maraton Melao Melao - October

Symbols

Vega Baja Flag

Anthem: Más dulce que la miel es tu recuerdo...

Education

There are 26 public schools in Vega Baja, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Vega Baja is also home of 2 colleges and universities.

Climate

10 Day Forecast

Demographics *

Population
54,414

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 45.86 sq mi

Density: 1,114.30 per sq mi

Median Age: 42.4

Sex: 52% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$11,444
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $20,126
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 45.7%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
19,343
Housing units density:
553.9 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.62

High school grad or higher: 73.6%

Marital status: 41% married

* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020

Map References

Coordinates: 18.4461° N, 66.3875° W

Zip Code: 00693, 00694

Driving Distance from San Juan: 30.9 miles

Driving Time: 49 minutes




Did You Know?

Puerto Rico is one among hundreds of small islands formed approximately 185 million years ago when a large shift of tectonic plates sank some areas and pushed other areas upward forming small islands.