To me this is a huge difference. I live near a city that recently had a mass shooting (San Bernardino) and not all-that-far from another city where the gunman was randomly killing people and for no apparent reason (Las Vegas). At least in Q.Roo I can choose not to become involved in drugs and stay away from bad areas but in the US you could become a victim anywhere, and at any time. In order to join some of the gangs here you have to kill someone--anyone. You could be walking down the street and be shot just because you happened to be there.
I'm not sure where "the hood" might be in San Miguel but I have walked around neighborhood at midnight many times and not only did I never feel threatened, I felt welcome.