Where Should a Foreigner Live in Dominican Republic? Pt. 1
There's so many great places to live in Dominican Republic. There's the city life where everything is convenient, to the beautiful beach towns, or the peaceful country life surrounded by epic views
As a foreigner when choosing where to live in the Dominican Republic or anywhere for that matter, don't “cheap out”. I strongly advise those searching for where to stay, not to look for where is the most cheap. I’m also not advocating that one must stay in the most priciest areas either, but if you can afford it why not. I often suggest to foreigners to live in the middle class areas and upwards. In comparison to the US or Canada the overall cost of living in Dominican Republic is much lower, so spending a little more on location can save from a tailwind of potential problems. As the famous quote goes“Different strokes for different folks” we all have are preferences between, the city, country, rural areas and beach towns. In Dominican Republic it's easy to appreciate all for there uniqueness, but you can only live in one. I would like to share with you on what will be an ongoing conversation of where are the best places to live in the Dominican Republic.
CITY
One of the most popular destination for living in the Dominican Republic is the capital city, Santo Domingo. The current population of Santo Domingo is 3,587,000. The most populated city on the island, Santo Domingo consist of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo Northe, and Santo Domingo Oeste. As like any other major city in the world Santo Domingo also has some unsafe areas. I love to visit this city, I’ve never ran into any problems personally the many times I've been there. Santo Domingo is the business capital of the Dominican Republic. Anything that one may require is in the capital city. Santo Domingo is one of the more costly regions to live in the country. Rent cost can vary, a beautiful modern 2 bedroom in a nice area could go for $900 (usd) per month. The cost of living, well that all depends on the lifestyle of the individual(s). Many things do cost more in the city because the location grants access to a widest variety. A lot of the biggest companies from around the world have business there. All the embassies are located in the city. Most job opportunities, the best universities and what ever your looking for, if it's in the country, likely it's in the Santo Domingo. It’s recommended to drive in Santo Domingo, even though they have a subway service, taxis and uber. Everything is in close proximity. Santo Domingo has some of the most beautiful houses you'll see in the country, and the eye-catching modern high-rise condos that light up the city skyline at night. The President of the Dominican Republic resides in the National Palace, located in Santo Domingo. It's known that some of the most successful people live Santo Domingo. There's plenty of nice fluent neighbourhoods in Santo Domingo such as Bella Vista, Piantini, Los Cacicazgos, Ensanche Naco, Zona Colonial. Living in the city these are all great choices as for where should a foreigner live in Dominican Republic.
BEACH TOWN
There are far more beach towns then there are cities here in Dominican Republic. One beach town that stands-out is the town of Cabarete. Known to attract surfers from around the world, and lovers of water sports. Cabarete is located around beautiful beaches and so much more. Many grocery stores are in the area, aswell as one of the top rated grocery stores. Lots of restaurants from all different cultures so you can dine international while being at the beach in Dominican Republic. Cabarete has a large expat community of Americans and Canadians, you can get by with English more so then being in the city. A quiet, very safe, laid back friendly town that has everything in walking distance. Cabarete does not have high rise buildings, they are mid-rise and low-rise buildings. There's also many gated communities and houses in Cabarete. Modern beach front condos that over look the water. In comparison to other Dominican towns, Cabarete is on the pricey side, with some things being a little more costly, and this being a foreigner magnet attractive location has a lot to do with it lol. Nevertheless, rent cost can be $500 - $1000 (usd) per month for a 2 bedroom, which is a fraction of what one would pay in the States. Many things are in this area, where you don't have to leave or go far if there's anything you need. Cabarete has taxis, motoconcho (motorbike taxi), and Uber if you want to explore out or around the town. Some of the best things about this location are that the nearby towns Sousa and Puerto Plata are just 15 minutes drive away. Those towns are also great choices of where should a foreigner live in the Dominican Republic. Another plus if you plan to travel from Dominican Republic or have visitors coming in, the Puerto Plata International Airport is a short drive away from Cabarete.
COUNTRY
San Jose de Ocoa, this province is a hidden gem, not popular with the average traveller or Dominicans that live outside of the province. Locally called Ocoa aka “Paraiso Entre Montanas” (Paradise Within The Mountains). Surrounded with beautiful mountain views, the perfect weather, never too hot and never humid. A continuous fresh Caribbean breeze that goes from morning to night and never stops. Ocoa is very peaceful, a small town feel with the friendliest people. Whoever made up that old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” was definitely talking about Ocoa. Ocoa is a place where everyone looks out for each other. A great place to raise children, live in peace as a couple, or for retirement. Renting a nice size 2 bedroom in Ocoa could be $300 - $500 (usd) per month. Ocoa has some of the best prices interns of cost of living, with some of the lowest prices in the country. No US or International big brand retail, or popular fast-food names there, only independent local stores. Filled with mostly houses and the few apartments that are no more than 4 - 5 storeys. Older buildings and houses, that are built to last the test of time, not as old as Zona Colonial lol. Ocoa only has motoconcho, there are no taxis, so a vehicle maybe useful, but it depends on the location if you live close proximity to everything. There's farms and more country in parts like Rancho Arriba, where it's even more peacefully quiet. Mostly everything closes around 8pm in Ocoa, except for restaurants and bars. Ocoa is very safe, it's almost as if crime doesn't exist. To better describe Ocoa, it's country but not just beautiful mountains, palm trees, clean streets, and surrounding greenery. There's plazas, stores, restaurants, clubs, all in all a solid choice when choosing where should a foreigner live in the Dominican Republic.
Ooh you're really "selling" the idea of a mountain location, it sounds like it's the best option! Do beach town get less busy during some months of the year or is it always full of tourists there?