I'm also a woman of a certain age, living alone in San Pedro. I love it! I think it's a wonderful place for women to visit and live on their own. I feel more free and about as safe here as when I lived in Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, and Birmingham Alabama. I don't generally walk the beach alone at night, or go to clubs alone, or wear flashy jewelry, or leave tempting items in tempting places. I walk like I know what I'm doing, acknowledging the people I see. Out & about I usually wear my purse across my chest after a friend fake grabbed it from his bike (to make a point). If for some reason I didn't think it was safe for me to walk somewhere alone, I'd spring for a taxi. I pay attention to the security measures locals take, and ask my friends about how to do what I want relatively safely (or if it's just not a good idea). In fact, when I moved I asked friends to find a safe and cheap place for me. They found one with metal window blinds, a strong door plus screen door, and families around. When I'm home asleep, I keep my solid door locked but when awake I often keep it open to catch the breeze. When I'm going on a trip (like fishing at Turneffe or exploring the mainland), I tell at least one other person where I'm going, with whom and when I expect to be back; and I let my traveling companions know someone knows all that. I also usually follow the Belizean custom of being friendly and letting few people into my home. How safe you'd feel is hard for me to say. I hope you do come and see how it suits you.