Expat Living Options in DR
I am not the usual DR expat resident but I have been around the country for may years and lived in quite a few places. I have also lived in several other Caribbean islands too but chose DR.
Lots of people have dreams of living in the Caribbean and DR offers a cost effective options for some.
Most of you contributing to this forum live in the North Coast, East Coast or Samana and the interest of new memebers tends to be on those resort zones.
There is plenty of advice available for these places in this forum if sought.
Ditto for Santo Domingo where I lived upto mid September.
But there are some of us who live or have lived in other parts of DR.
This is a beautiful varied country if you care to venture beyond the usual areas.
I just wanted to start a thread to broaden the vision for people who have chosen this country to live so they can understand some of the options.
My current scenario albeit different from the norm is:
I have moved north of Santo Domingo into very rural Monte Plata province recently. Actually we on the border with Sanchez Ramirez and the nearest town is the pineapple capital of Cervicos. It is very green and frankly beautiful rolling hill country. But very very rural. The people are poor and work the land. But they express something lacking in western society - happiness with their lot albeit imperfect. I feel more free here. I am the odd one out - an expat - but surrounded by extended family. You need a good wife to feel as such. I doubt many expats would feel so content but years of living around DR including in the campo before has set me up for this life. I've lived the beach life and that soon bores and it is better to be able to chose when to go there. Ditto city life.
To adapt to live life here as an expat is not easy. I took that decison to relocate some years back. I bought land and built a home and have tried to find some support from the land and I still work on that.
Water is a big problem in DR and the village here lacks a regular supply. I put in my own well and filtration and it works fine. Electricity appeared to be a worry and my mind was set on solar but short term I opted to have a step up transformer to up the supply to a regular feed - and like everybody in this village i don't pay a penny - yet. Wi Fi has proven the problem and Viva has been a the best albeit a local businessman is beaming in Claro from Cevicos. I use both.
You can get many things locally - so much fruit and veg! but trips to nearest big town - Cotui solves most other matters without the regular trips to Santo Domingo. You adapt.
Yes an expat can live the real simple DR life. Questions answered if sought.
Over to others to expand on the other options of DR living.......
Lots of people have dreams of living in the Caribbean and DR offers a cost effective options for some.
Most of you contributing to this forum live in the North Coast, East Coast or Samana and the interest of new memebers tends to be on those resort zones.
There is plenty of advice available for these places in this forum if sought.
Ditto for Santo Domingo where I lived upto mid September.
But there are some of us who live or have lived in other parts of DR.
This is a beautiful varied country if you care to venture beyond the usual areas.
I just wanted to start a thread to broaden the vision for people who have chosen this country to live so they can understand some of the options.
My current scenario albeit different from the norm is:
I have moved north of Santo Domingo into very rural Monte Plata province recently. Actually we on the border with Sanchez Ramirez and the nearest town is the pineapple capital of Cervicos. It is very green and frankly beautiful rolling hill country. But very very rural. The people are poor and work the land. But they express something lacking in western society - happiness with their lot albeit imperfect. I feel more free here. I am the odd one out - an expat - but surrounded by extended family. You need a good wife to feel as such. I doubt many expats would feel so content but years of living around DR including in the campo before has set me up for this life. I've lived the beach life and that soon bores and it is better to be able to chose when to go there. Ditto city life.
To adapt to live life here as an expat is not easy. I took that decison to relocate some years back. I bought land and built a home and have tried to find some support from the land and I still work on that.
Water is a big problem in DR and the village here lacks a regular supply. I put in my own well and filtration and it works fine. Electricity appeared to be a worry and my mind was set on solar but short term I opted to have a step up transformer to up the supply to a regular feed - and like everybody in this village i don't pay a penny - yet. Wi Fi has proven the problem and Viva has been a the best albeit a local businessman is beaming in Claro from Cevicos. I use both.
You can get many things locally - so much fruit and veg! but trips to nearest big town - Cotui solves most other matters without the regular trips to Santo Domingo. You adapt.
Yes an expat can live the real simple DR life. Questions answered if sought.
Over to others to expand on the other options of DR living.......
👍4 members reacted to this post
See also
- Working in the Dominican Republic - Guide
- Associations for expatriates in Dominican Republic - Business
- Financial advisors for US expats living in the DR - 14 Replies
- Internet Options - 5 Replies
- Comparing cost of Living Options to DR - 7 Replies
- Living in DR is not for everyone! - 40 Replies
- Canadian Living fully in DR - 21 Replies
Great idea. I am on my phone and will leave my post for tomorrow from my computer!
Excellent article.
All I can add is if I were younger I would probably do the same thing. Quality of life is so precious. As you say you need a good wife to help and that I do have too.
Good luck with your project while I and thousands of others go back to confinement due to Covid-19.
All I can add is if I were younger I would probably do the same thing. Quality of life is so precious. As you say you need a good wife to help and that I do have too.
Good luck with your project while I and thousands of others go back to confinement due to Covid-19.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Good idea to have this topic.
The country certainly offers choices !!
As for the shopping , we in Cabrera need to go to Sosua or Sto Dom / STI for some of what we feel are necessities.
Any produce can be had locally - plentiful , fresh and affordable.
Meats - aren't quite as readily available - and if so, the quality can suffer at times.
However , a road trip now and then keeps us active !
Anywhere away from the tourist zones is pretty peaceful..... and stress free.
Yes, you need to accept and live with the idiosyncrasies of the culture and local life.....
but that applies almost everywhere.
The larger, more populous areas do have an advantage in health care.
That is a major concern for some and will factor heavily into their choice.
The country certainly offers choices !!
As for the shopping , we in Cabrera need to go to Sosua or Sto Dom / STI for some of what we feel are necessities.
Any produce can be had locally - plentiful , fresh and affordable.
Meats - aren't quite as readily available - and if so, the quality can suffer at times.
However , a road trip now and then keeps us active !
Anywhere away from the tourist zones is pretty peaceful..... and stress free.
Yes, you need to accept and live with the idiosyncrasies of the culture and local life.....
but that applies almost everywhere.
The larger, more populous areas do have an advantage in health care.
That is a major concern for some and will factor heavily into their choice.
👍2 members reacted to this post
This is the second time I have relocated to the 'campo' and the second time being the only expat for many miles around. Before, I was known locally as the 'gringo'; here they call me by my first name.
The first time was more of a modest small town alongside Autopista Duarte north of Villa Altagracia. I am now in a small village with unpaved road access - well no tarmac for 5 miles until you get to the village which has a few hundred metres of paving.
It would be a challenge for many to make a life in such cicumstances but I have travelled the world and worked in other remote locations and can relate to locals in tough circumstances.
I still struggle with the local dialect and no amount of coaxing will get people here to slow down their speech.
Local campo society is intruiging and warm. Families are all inter realted and there are plenty of issues between people which appear and vanish from one day to the next. But without doubt the community is strongly forged together much more so than on larger towns and even my past campo town.
Like everywhere else on DR, drugs has filtered into the life of a few of the younger guys. You quickly know who they are. The've got messed up but haven't decended to the thugs you get in the larger towns and cities yet.
Not much of a curfew here - if any. And no cases - and consequentially mask use is non existent until you leave the village. Even with the heavy rain yesterday families were taking a break from the weekly hard labour toils on the land and having a drink - and a dance at the local colmado in the afternoon. It is outside/open, spaced out and family and so I am relaxed and enjoyed a few cold ones watching the harmony. I dread the day an imported case comes - but again these folks are hardened by life and I bet their immune systems are strong.
It's sunday morning, so I can expect the local vicar and co to start preaching at the extremes of their lungs amplified by lodspeakers. A pre-cursor to merengue and bachcha at full blast on a Dominican Sunday. We are getting the house blessed by that same preacher at the month's end - not my idea but I'm hooked in- just as I was as being god father to a nephew and niece at a christening recently.
The first time was more of a modest small town alongside Autopista Duarte north of Villa Altagracia. I am now in a small village with unpaved road access - well no tarmac for 5 miles until you get to the village which has a few hundred metres of paving.
It would be a challenge for many to make a life in such cicumstances but I have travelled the world and worked in other remote locations and can relate to locals in tough circumstances.
I still struggle with the local dialect and no amount of coaxing will get people here to slow down their speech.
Local campo society is intruiging and warm. Families are all inter realted and there are plenty of issues between people which appear and vanish from one day to the next. But without doubt the community is strongly forged together much more so than on larger towns and even my past campo town.
Like everywhere else on DR, drugs has filtered into the life of a few of the younger guys. You quickly know who they are. The've got messed up but haven't decended to the thugs you get in the larger towns and cities yet.
Not much of a curfew here - if any. And no cases - and consequentially mask use is non existent until you leave the village. Even with the heavy rain yesterday families were taking a break from the weekly hard labour toils on the land and having a drink - and a dance at the local colmado in the afternoon. It is outside/open, spaced out and family and so I am relaxed and enjoyed a few cold ones watching the harmony. I dread the day an imported case comes - but again these folks are hardened by life and I bet their immune systems are strong.
It's sunday morning, so I can expect the local vicar and co to start preaching at the extremes of their lungs amplified by lodspeakers. A pre-cursor to merengue and bachcha at full blast on a Dominican Sunday. We are getting the house blessed by that same preacher at the month's end - not my idea but I'm hooked in- just as I was as being god father to a nephew and niece at a christening recently.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Here is my story......
I started by moving to Puerto Plata, I loved it there. First couple years I worked in Excursion management, learned a lot! When I moved here my Spanish did not exist. My first apartment was in a reasonably poor Dominican neighborhood. I earned about US 300 a month and I made myself live off of it. I got to know my neighbors and the kids. My co workers commenced teaching me Spanish and the culture. I went out dancing 3 times a week!
Some of those things did not change for 7 years. Others, like my job and living accommodations did! I upgraded the job dramatically, got a better apartment and bought my first air conditioner!
I learned so much those first two years about the culture and about myself. I adapted to instead of fighting the culture. I learned to love my neighbors and co workers!
SInce then I have lived briefly in Sosua (hated it), briefly in Cabarete (it was ok) then 4 years in Santo Domingo, 2 years in La Romana, back to the north coast and now over 3 years in Santo Domingo east!
I have worked in many areas of this country and been blessed to get to know people of many countries and many economic classes! I have found honest straight forward people across all groups. I have found the opposite across all groups as well. I have learned to trust my gut instincts and the messages coming at me.
Currently in Santo Domingo east. I love love love where I live, the little neighborhood is middle class and very quiet. A blessing in the big city! I have all I want and need within a few minutes! The beach is only 20 minutes away, almost all needed shopping within 7 minutes and places to dance are all over!!!!
The downside - traffic sucks! Seriously sucks. My office is anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 hours away. It depends on the day and the time and the rain! Friday of a pay weekend when it is raining - 2 hours minimum! Tuesday morning at 6:30 and I can do it in 35 minutes.
Sunday afternoon here in my house, I rent. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, one level with a small front garden, garage and a back patio, current price: US 430 a month.
I have moved often here for work or other reasons. I love where I am. I am the only expat in the area! I am treated like everyone else, share coffee with neighbors, colmado boys help me out as needed, controlled entrance keeps an eye on all of us!
I started by moving to Puerto Plata, I loved it there. First couple years I worked in Excursion management, learned a lot! When I moved here my Spanish did not exist. My first apartment was in a reasonably poor Dominican neighborhood. I earned about US 300 a month and I made myself live off of it. I got to know my neighbors and the kids. My co workers commenced teaching me Spanish and the culture. I went out dancing 3 times a week!
Some of those things did not change for 7 years. Others, like my job and living accommodations did! I upgraded the job dramatically, got a better apartment and bought my first air conditioner!
I learned so much those first two years about the culture and about myself. I adapted to instead of fighting the culture. I learned to love my neighbors and co workers!
SInce then I have lived briefly in Sosua (hated it), briefly in Cabarete (it was ok) then 4 years in Santo Domingo, 2 years in La Romana, back to the north coast and now over 3 years in Santo Domingo east!
I have worked in many areas of this country and been blessed to get to know people of many countries and many economic classes! I have found honest straight forward people across all groups. I have found the opposite across all groups as well. I have learned to trust my gut instincts and the messages coming at me.
Currently in Santo Domingo east. I love love love where I live, the little neighborhood is middle class and very quiet. A blessing in the big city! I have all I want and need within a few minutes! The beach is only 20 minutes away, almost all needed shopping within 7 minutes and places to dance are all over!!!!
The downside - traffic sucks! Seriously sucks. My office is anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 hours away. It depends on the day and the time and the rain! Friday of a pay weekend when it is raining - 2 hours minimum! Tuesday morning at 6:30 and I can do it in 35 minutes.
Sunday afternoon here in my house, I rent. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, one level with a small front garden, garage and a back patio, current price: US 430 a month.
I have moved often here for work or other reasons. I love where I am. I am the only expat in the area! I am treated like everyone else, share coffee with neighbors, colmado boys help me out as needed, controlled entrance keeps an eye on all of us!
👍6 members reacted to this post
Wow, planner and lennox...you folks are awesome.
In my wife's and my "dream DR" location, we'd be in the deep countryside, like Lennox. We live in a pretty rural area in the states, but not too far to reasonable sized towns on an excellent highway.
However, I have sufficient medical issues that I don't think the countryside is going to work out for us in the DR.
I'll still follow this thread, admiring other's visions and realities. Perhaps one will strike a bell for us.
Still planning to be in DR in January to pick up our Cedula, etc. Finally!
Jim
ExpatRusher
In my wife's and my "dream DR" location, we'd be in the deep countryside, like Lennox. We live in a pretty rural area in the states, but not too far to reasonable sized towns on an excellent highway.
However, I have sufficient medical issues that I don't think the countryside is going to work out for us in the DR.
I'll still follow this thread, admiring other's visions and realities. Perhaps one will strike a bell for us.
Still planning to be in DR in January to pick up our Cedula, etc. Finally!
Jim
ExpatRusher
👍1 member reacted to this post
Thanks for sharing your stories. It is good to hear another perspective on how someone has found his way to Dominican Republic.
For me it has been a plan that has been on the planning table for the last 7 years. I am happy to say that 2021 will be the year my plan will be realized.
I have lived and worked out of what many will call 3rd world countries. I have never been to a place I did not like or have grown to like over time. It has been a educational experience.
My first visit to DR was about 5 years ago. I had been researching numerous Caribbean countries prior to that. My first visit convinced me that the DR would be my first choice. Now I have bought a apartment and plan to start renovations in a couple of weeks.
I plane to live 6 months in DR and 6 months is Canada. Because of my age, having health care insurance will be to costly.
One of the obstacles I face is language. In my opinion learning the language has to be number 1 priority. When you get older you believe that learning another language is to difficult. I can tell you; it is not. To my surprise with the help of Durlingo, I find myself understanding more and more each day.
For me it has been a plan that has been on the planning table for the last 7 years. I am happy to say that 2021 will be the year my plan will be realized.
I have lived and worked out of what many will call 3rd world countries. I have never been to a place I did not like or have grown to like over time. It has been a educational experience.
My first visit to DR was about 5 years ago. I had been researching numerous Caribbean countries prior to that. My first visit convinced me that the DR would be my first choice. Now I have bought a apartment and plan to start renovations in a couple of weeks.
I plane to live 6 months in DR and 6 months is Canada. Because of my age, having health care insurance will be to costly.
One of the obstacles I face is language. In my opinion learning the language has to be number 1 priority. When you get older you believe that learning another language is to difficult. I can tell you; it is not. To my surprise with the help of Durlingo, I find myself understanding more and more each day.
👍3 members reacted to this post
Interesting and insightful. For me, I lady I was introduced to via her sister in Canada brought me to the DR to see if this lady was as awesome as she seemed. She was and is and we have now been married since Mar 2018. She and her family live in Moca which is a fairly small center that is just 16 kms down the road from the Santiago International Airport. I too have lived in other countries around the world for periods of time and I have found that one melds in when you accept the differences, attempt to learn the language and enjoy wherever you are. From Moca it is a short drive to the countryside and before the COVID situation, we made it a point to get to Cabarete, Sosua and other locals such as Las Terrenas. Even with limited spanish, I have no difficulty going places or getting what I need. As the only expat that I know of in Moca, I am accepted as the neighbourhood gringo and have many acquaintances and indeed friends around Moca. I am continually surprised by the number of folks that speak english whenever I am in a store struggling with questions! From here it's a beautiful drive to the north coast (90 minutes) or out to super restaurants past La Vega up in the highlands. When I return from Alberta after earning the cash I need to build our house and once my wife gets her Canadian Permanent Residency, we will be travelling back and forth to Canada and the USA on a regular basis. Like Stan, am too old for affordable healthcare here however I think my next step will be to obtain citizenship and then be eligible for some coverage - we'll see. Seeing the various levels of poor, middle and upper income levels is the same around the world, whether on an island or a continent. What is evident here in the DR is that family centers much of the the social life. I never liked tourist spots anywhere, or big cities, so Moca is a nice compromise for me.
👍1 member reacted to this post
planner wrote:Here is my story......
I started by moving to Puerto Plata, I loved it there. First couple years I worked in Excursion management, learned a lot! When I moved here my Spanish did not exist. My first apartment was in a reasonably poor Dominican neighborhood. I earned about US 300 a month and I made myself live off of it. I got to know my neighbors and the kids. My co workers commenced teaching me Spanish and the culture. I went out dancing 3 times a week!
Some of those things did not change for 7 years. Others, like my job and living accommodations did! I upgraded the job dramatically, got a better apartment and bought my first air conditioner!
I learned so much those first two years about the culture and about myself. I adapted to instead of fighting the culture. I learned to love my neighbors and co workers!
SInce then I have lived briefly in Sosua (hated it), briefly in Cabarete (it was ok) then 4 years in Santo Domingo, 2 years in La Romana, back to the north coast and now over 3 years in Santo Domingo east!
I have worked in many areas of this country and been blessed to get to know people of many countries and many economic classes! I have found honest straight forward people across all groups. I have found the opposite across all groups as well. I have learned to trust my gut instincts and the messages coming at me.
Currently in Santo Domingo east. I love love love where I live, the little neighborhood is middle class and very quiet. A blessing in the big city! I have all I want and need within a few minutes! The beach is only 20 minutes away, almost all needed shopping within 7 minutes and places to dance are all over!!!!
The downside - traffic sucks! Seriously sucks. My office is anywhere from 35 minutes to 2 hours away. It depends on the day and the time and the rain! Friday of a pay weekend when it is raining - 2 hours minimum! Tuesday morning at 6:30 and I can do it in 35 minutes.
Sunday afternoon here in my house, I rent. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, one level with a small front garden, garage and a back patio, current price: US 430 a month.
I have moved often here for work or other reasons. I love where I am. I am the only expat in the area! I am treated like everyone else, share coffee with neighbors, colmado boys help me out as needed, controlled entrance keeps an eye on all of us!
Your experience in Santo Domingo East sounds like a dream come true to me! I plan to move to the DR in the beginning of December. I see you mentioned a controlled entrance. How is the security situation there? I want to live in or around Santo Domingo but I'd be lying if I said the crime didn't worry me a bit. But thanks to your post I think Santo Domingo East will be where I begin my apartment hunt.
Where I live is similar to a few places near here. Controlled entrance means they take ID when you enter. The association here keeps it very quiet and I love it. My cost is 500 Rd a month. I expect that to increase Jan 1.
Be aware there are many less safe places in Santo Domingo east.
Feel free to contact me privately if you want more info
Be aware there are many less safe places in Santo Domingo east.
Feel free to contact me privately if you want more info
👍1 member reacted to this post
In general, many would shy away from living east of the Ozama river in Santo Domingo East. Whilst there might be a few good locations and 'planner' seems to have found one - and she knows the country well -, most of the barrios would be considered bad areas. Added to which, there are horrendous traffic problems getting into and back from the city - SDE is not the only outlying area with such problems.
The so called better areas in the city tend to be nearer the commercal centre or nearer the Malecon. There are others but as in most cases they are often next to a more densely populated barrio and that is where crime eminates. The areas nearer the city centre tend to be more expensive in terms of rental property.
It takes time to get to know the city. My advice is don't jump in. Go rent in a few locations perhaps starting in those better areas and expand your knowledge of surrounding areas bit by bit.
I started by renting in Bella Vista and then after a year had located a quiet barrio with cheap apartment in Miramar, one block back from the Malecon with good access to the city and out of the city using 30 de Mayo, and good shopping banking and other facilities on Independencia and also a short trip to Bella Vista and the Malls in that area.
The city can drive you nuts. Traffic has got much worse in recent years. People are less friendly imo. It is a rat race there. The negatives perhaps outweigh the positives. The biggest positive is medical outlets. You have to have an 'out' from time to time. A quick route to some tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Added to which covid19 takes away some of the benefits of the city - restaurants, nightlife, cinemas, cultural events, etc.
The so called better areas in the city tend to be nearer the commercal centre or nearer the Malecon. There are others but as in most cases they are often next to a more densely populated barrio and that is where crime eminates. The areas nearer the city centre tend to be more expensive in terms of rental property.
It takes time to get to know the city. My advice is don't jump in. Go rent in a few locations perhaps starting in those better areas and expand your knowledge of surrounding areas bit by bit.
I started by renting in Bella Vista and then after a year had located a quiet barrio with cheap apartment in Miramar, one block back from the Malecon with good access to the city and out of the city using 30 de Mayo, and good shopping banking and other facilities on Independencia and also a short trip to Bella Vista and the Malls in that area.
The city can drive you nuts. Traffic has got much worse in recent years. People are less friendly imo. It is a rat race there. The negatives perhaps outweigh the positives. The biggest positive is medical outlets. You have to have an 'out' from time to time. A quick route to some tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. Added to which covid19 takes away some of the benefits of the city - restaurants, nightlife, cinemas, cultural events, etc.
👍1 member reacted to this post
absolutely agree! If you can live in the east and stay in the east its cool. If you need to go into the city every day its brutal.
Reality is that traffic in greater Santo Domingo is horrifying. It sucks! And its worse now than before the pandemic.
Its way worse when it rains and rains heavily. Last week they closed the :"floating bridge" due to the high level of the river. Imagine all the other bridges! Yikes.
There used to be rush hour in the morning and evening. Now its kind of all day!
There are nice areas all over greater SD. And there are some really bad barrios!
Where you live needs to match your needs, whatever they are.
Reality is that traffic in greater Santo Domingo is horrifying. It sucks! And its worse now than before the pandemic.
Its way worse when it rains and rains heavily. Last week they closed the :"floating bridge" due to the high level of the river. Imagine all the other bridges! Yikes.
There used to be rush hour in the morning and evening. Now its kind of all day!
There are nice areas all over greater SD. And there are some really bad barrios!
Where you live needs to match your needs, whatever they are.
👍3 members reacted to this post
I can't say exactly why, but I just loved reading these stories. Each of these are not just insightful, it makes me hopeful. I first went to DR whilst on a remote contract. I ended up staying a couple of months Dec 2018 to Feb 2019 and decided whilst I was there that I'd return, not to visit but to live.
I simply adore DR and determined to move there as soon as I can decide what to do with my current house (mortgaged) here in the UK, and whether I'm buying land in DR and build on it, buying an apartment, and of course location.
I stayed in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional and was already convinced I'd be in the city. Having read all of you, my options are becoming wider and probably means I need to see other parts of the country before settling on a particular location.
City or rural? I really don't know. I think I'd be happy in either one.
I simply adore DR and determined to move there as soon as I can decide what to do with my current house (mortgaged) here in the UK, and whether I'm buying land in DR and build on it, buying an apartment, and of course location.
I stayed in Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional and was already convinced I'd be in the city. Having read all of you, my options are becoming wider and probably means I need to see other parts of the country before settling on a particular location.
City or rural? I really don't know. I think I'd be happy in either one.
👍1 member reacted to this post
I suspect that many expats now living here permanently, found the same immediate affinity for this country during their first visit.
Mine was back in 1983, when I had the opportunity through business on a nearby island to visit Santo Domingo and fly over the country in a small aircraft so I could see the greenness and the topography. I also visited and stayed with a English friend and his wife who were living in Puerto Plata at that time and we took the road over the mountains to Santiago to buy a cured ham.
Those memories were so vivid and it was not until 2005 that I returned having travelled and worked in many other countries.
It was clear that then a future life in DR was for me, and I was in the deep end living in the country in a small town armed with only the basics of Spanish - and a gf. I learnt a lot in those years. The good, the bad and much more of the country which is essential to find waht you really want.
I can't imagine someone jumping in and deciding on the spot, this or that particular place in DR. The choices are so wide and varied. You have to explore.
I guess it is easier if you have a relaxed retirement plan in mind in tropical surroundings and by the beach. But even then DR has a wide choice of those places too.
I note you are web designer. Santo Domingo would be a good place to be in that line of work. But it could be remote too. Your Spanish needs to be good - or should I say Dominican Spanish? And of course you need residency or work permit too.
My days are done with the city. I had my time working in London and commuting daily. It' a rural life now for me!
Mine was back in 1983, when I had the opportunity through business on a nearby island to visit Santo Domingo and fly over the country in a small aircraft so I could see the greenness and the topography. I also visited and stayed with a English friend and his wife who were living in Puerto Plata at that time and we took the road over the mountains to Santiago to buy a cured ham.
Those memories were so vivid and it was not until 2005 that I returned having travelled and worked in many other countries.
It was clear that then a future life in DR was for me, and I was in the deep end living in the country in a small town armed with only the basics of Spanish - and a gf. I learnt a lot in those years. The good, the bad and much more of the country which is essential to find waht you really want.
I can't imagine someone jumping in and deciding on the spot, this or that particular place in DR. The choices are so wide and varied. You have to explore.
I guess it is easier if you have a relaxed retirement plan in mind in tropical surroundings and by the beach. But even then DR has a wide choice of those places too.
I note you are web designer. Santo Domingo would be a good place to be in that line of work. But it could be remote too. Your Spanish needs to be good - or should I say Dominican Spanish? And of course you need residency or work permit too.
My days are done with the city. I had my time working in London and commuting daily. It' a rural life now for me!
👍3 members reacted to this post
lennoxnev wrote:I suspect that many expats now living here permanently, found the same immediate affinity for this country during their first visit.
My days are done with the city. I had my time working in London and commuting daily. It' a rural life now for me!
I'm reading this response and the "Green Acres" started playing in my head.
I'm exactly the same.
👍1 member reacted to this post
You're very correct about needing to explore the whole country and then also test the different types of locations. The beachfront lifestyle doesn't sound so bad but I know I enjoyed living in Piantini. I also know that Piantini isn't like the rest of Distrito Nacional, let alone the rest of the city... talk less of the whole country.
This exploration alone is already exciting to me. I'm not nearly ready to retire yet as I'm still fairly young but I know I'm definitely done with the UK. I grew up in London and like you, I am sick of the commute.
It's true that my job can afford me the special kind of lifestyle of working remotely (as long as I have a decent client or three). I plan to take advantage of my skills as a developer and initially 'explore' the best kind of place to settle down in. In the meantime, I am definitely practising my Spanish. Unfortunately, I am sort of only able to use Duolingo. Occasionally, I get to practice with people here but like you rightly observed, I need to familiarise myself with Dominican Spanish. I've picked up a few Dominican words and phrases.
I'm particularly grateful to you and everyone else who's giving their experiences because I was narrowing myself and guide price for a home/apartment in DR to pretty much just Distrito Nacional (Piantini to be precise). I've since spotted a few gems in other areas and the affordability is so much more attractive. Also, if exploration is the way to start, I shouldn't even be thinking about buying just yet. I should first find my desired location before even trying to buy. I've been limiting myself all this time.
Thanks for your insight.
This exploration alone is already exciting to me. I'm not nearly ready to retire yet as I'm still fairly young but I know I'm definitely done with the UK. I grew up in London and like you, I am sick of the commute.
It's true that my job can afford me the special kind of lifestyle of working remotely (as long as I have a decent client or three). I plan to take advantage of my skills as a developer and initially 'explore' the best kind of place to settle down in. In the meantime, I am definitely practising my Spanish. Unfortunately, I am sort of only able to use Duolingo. Occasionally, I get to practice with people here but like you rightly observed, I need to familiarise myself with Dominican Spanish. I've picked up a few Dominican words and phrases.
I'm particularly grateful to you and everyone else who's giving their experiences because I was narrowing myself and guide price for a home/apartment in DR to pretty much just Distrito Nacional (Piantini to be precise). I've since spotted a few gems in other areas and the affordability is so much more attractive. Also, if exploration is the way to start, I shouldn't even be thinking about buying just yet. I should first find my desired location before even trying to buy. I've been limiting myself all this time.
Thanks for your insight.
👍2 members reacted to this post
I used to work in an office in Piantini and I was commuting from my earlier home in the campo north of Villa Altagracia daily. The morning commute wasn't that bad and I got to offcie for 7.30am (beating the school run traffic was key). But to get out of Piantini was a nightmare with the one way systems and traffic jams onto Churchill.
It may be a nice area but is expensive and you are trapped by the now much worse traffic problems of central SD.
If you choose to liev in the city, my advice would be tolocate to soemwhere where it is easy to leave the city at weekends or holidays without enduring being stuck in traffic jams.
The exit north and west from Bella Vista/Miramar is quick via Nunez/30 de Mayo and the ring road. Going east it is better to be near the Malecon and a trip over the floating bridge and along Avenue Espana gets you quickly to Autopista Las Americas.
Those who have lived in the city know the shortcuts and ways to try to avoid the miserable traffic jams.
It may be a nice area but is expensive and you are trapped by the now much worse traffic problems of central SD.
If you choose to liev in the city, my advice would be tolocate to soemwhere where it is easy to leave the city at weekends or holidays without enduring being stuck in traffic jams.
The exit north and west from Bella Vista/Miramar is quick via Nunez/30 de Mayo and the ring road. Going east it is better to be near the Malecon and a trip over the floating bridge and along Avenue Espana gets you quickly to Autopista Las Americas.
Those who have lived in the city know the shortcuts and ways to try to avoid the miserable traffic jams.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Great advice in terms of traffic. Anyone in the capital learns quickly to try to travel at non peak times and days.
Never buy until you have been here a good period of time and know where you want to be.
Never buy until you have been here a good period of time and know where you want to be.
👍1 member reacted to this post
jdjonesdr wrote:lennoxnev wrote:I suspect that many expats now living here permanently, found the same immediate affinity for this country during their first visit.
My days are done with the city. I had my time working in London and commuting daily. It' a rural life now for me!
I'm reading this response and the "Green Acres" started playing in my head.
I'm exactly the same.
I suspect there are quite a number of expats who would like the country life here too, but it would be very difficult for most to plant themselves in most rural parts of DR (small towns too) - and there are many beautiful places inland - without some roots there such as family connections or close friends. Language is the biggest problem for many expats and to live the rural life you need to be independant to some large degree otherwise you will ge exploited. Health care also is very high on the list of negatives to country life.
There are options for expats which offer a blend of rural life and the coast adjacent and some of our members are enjoying those places in west POP, Cabrera and Samana as examples, and we have had posters who have relocated to south of Barahona too. There are also those that have chosen the mountain town of Jarabacoa to live and there is a small expat community there which includes the French language expat.com moderator.
I feel fortunate that my wife is from a particularly beautiful but simple part of DR. Monte Plata is a big and beautifully green province just to the north of the capital. it would have been one of my choices in any case. Others would have been San Jose de Ocoa/Rancho Arriba, Padre Las Casas in Azua, near Bonao and in the mountains near Mao. The inlnad parts of San Cristobal and Peravia provinces too are lovely in places too. I do also think living near Las Galeras in the adjacent rolling hills campo could be fun, but it is so remote from anywhere that perhaps it is best left for a few days relaxation on vacation.
For those that have ideas of continuing a life in the city (SD), there are some rurally located developments to the north alongside Autopista Duarte in the lush green hills either side of that road. Costly but nice. I am sure those options apply to Santiago too.
I would be interested to hear from other expats who have lived here for some time, like JDJ, their thoughts on where an expat could settle in the campo. Even those who itch to move inland a bit more.
"My days are done with the city. I had my time working in London and commuting daily. It' a rural life now for me!"
I had the same feeling with Santo Domingo and lesser degree with Santiago. I still have to visit Las Galeras and some of the areas you mentioned but on hold until Covid passes.
I had the same feeling with Santo Domingo and lesser degree with Santiago. I still have to visit Las Galeras and some of the areas you mentioned but on hold until Covid passes.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Coty vs rural= false dichotomy. There are many small towns/villages where you can just walk everywhere. Anyway most gringos dont even work.
Great posts. Got lucky finding this forum.
Hi Planner. I've been traveling to DR for several years. I'm retired military and looking to settle down with my Dominican fiance. I've decided on the Santo Domingo area. After spending some time stationed in Key West Florida, I completely understand the beach gets boring after some time.
My question is I'm looking for a relatively safe area of Santo Domingo. I would love to live somewhere I can continue my morning bike rides/jogs. The only area I've seen that fits is the neighborhood around Adrian Tropical. But the homes there rent for $2000+
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Planner. I've been traveling to DR for several years. I'm retired military and looking to settle down with my Dominican fiance. I've decided on the Santo Domingo area. After spending some time stationed in Key West Florida, I completely understand the beach gets boring after some time.
My question is I'm looking for a relatively safe area of Santo Domingo. I would love to live somewhere I can continue my morning bike rides/jogs. The only area I've seen that fits is the neighborhood around Adrian Tropical. But the homes there rent for $2000+
Any advice would be appreciated.
Wow. Okay first welcome to the forums. Yes around adrian tropical is expensive as is Mirador de Sur.
If you look at Santo Domingo east down near the ocean there are some decent areas.
Santo domingo north has some nice open spaces as well that are not over priced.
If you look at Santo Domingo east down near the ocean there are some decent areas.
Santo domingo north has some nice open spaces as well that are not over priced.
👍1 member reacted to this post
I'll check those areas out thank you.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Could you share about your experience in Sosua/why did you hate it?
LaChilombiana wrote:Could you share about your experience in Sosua/why did you hate it?
On the subject of living options in DR it is fair to ask about Sosua because many anglophile expats choose it to vacation and come and reside there. There are a number who regularly contribute to this forum who live or have stayed there so hopefully they will offer some broader less opinionated insights.
I personally don't like the town with all it's baggage but others absolutely love the place and life there so please don't go by my comments. I hope they tell you of their attraction to the town.
It was one of the first places where I spent a vacation but that was short and we relocated to Cabarete quickly. More recently I had work on a resort development just east of Sea Horse Ranch a few years back and stayed in Sosua Ocean Village working days and commuting back to the capital weekends. I was very )comfortable at that the apartments there and only ventured as far as Super Polo to shop. Beyond that it was Cabarete outside work and the Swiss restaurant at the end of the resort driveway.
Dominicans in general do not think well of the town for it's sex tourism and whilst I am no prude, the commercialism, seediness and recent shabbiness of the town is not to my liking nor my Dominican wife. Pity really because it almost certainly was idyllic 30 years ago.
The current President's recently deceased father lived in Sea Horse Ranch which is a quality community. He has inlaws there too - good people. There are some fine people there and they want back the past in that town. Maybe there is hope.
👍2 members reacted to this post
I loved there briefly a number of years ago and it not for me during the day it's fine. The beach is beautiful, lots of restaurants and tourist type shops.
By later in the day and the night it's not for me! Way too many issues in Sosua.
Some people love Sosua, I have a number of friends and clients there. It's not for me.
By later in the day and the night it's not for me! Way too many issues in Sosua.
Some people love Sosua, I have a number of friends and clients there. It's not for me.
Thank you for your input.. After some time living by the beach i would venture to higher elevation myself.
Planner;
Thanks for your comments on Sosua......am curious about what the "issues" are...
Thanks for your comments on Sosua......am curious about what the "issues" are...
Well to be blunt there are issues of prostitution and drugs. I have zero interest in walking down a street to go to a restaurant and being approached constantly by prostitutes. And yes, this actually happened! There is no where there to go dancing to latin music. Its all tourist type music which I really do not like.
The pricing almost everywhere is tourist based.
All of this attracts a lot of a type of tourist. Seriously I am not judging prostitution or toursists who treat people fairly.
This just doesn't work for me! AND to be fair this was a number of years ago. I have heard stories, lots of them, of what is happening now but I have no first hand knowledge currently.
The pricing almost everywhere is tourist based.
All of this attracts a lot of a type of tourist. Seriously I am not judging prostitution or toursists who treat people fairly.
This just doesn't work for me! AND to be fair this was a number of years ago. I have heard stories, lots of them, of what is happening now but I have no first hand knowledge currently.
Many thanks.......useful to know.....I will update you all once we have spent some time there......
I live in Cabrera.
I went to Sosua for a day.
It's not on my 'revisit' list.
Just one guy's opinion and I'm generally wrong a lot
Jay
I went to Sosua for a day.
It's not on my 'revisit' list.
Just one guy's opinion and I'm generally wrong a lot
Jay
Living in Moca, we have enjoyed several "weekenders" to both Cabarete and Sosua enjoying the beaches and restaurantes in each location. WE have walked the around the tourist areas in Sosua and what little there is in Cabarete (comparatively speaking) but have not been out and about after dark. I have been many places in the world and generally recognize working gals. In Sosua, I never saw any obvious signs of such during the hours and places we went. Our great weekend in LT was pretty peaceful and absolutely no such activity seen there. A little different in the few areas I have been in Santo Domingo - around two different hotels I've stayed at....just my limited take...cheers
👍1 member reacted to this post
I have now been living in my new very rural home for over six months and it is more rewarding as the days go by.
There has been much to do to settle in.
We are already realizing our aims to produce some of our food and there is so much more to do.
We are or have been producing: eggs from chickens, ducks and now guinea fowl, plantain, rullo (cross between plantain and banana) and bananas, yucca, sweet potato, beans, sweet corn, creole peppers, green peppers, thai chillie, ginola, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, cilantro, mint, rosemary, lemon grass, avocado, tangerine, orange, figs, caribbean pumpkin (ayuama) and water melon. Not yet a flow of produce but that will come in time.
We are about to crop lettuce, green and red peppers, cantaloupe melon, papaya and bok choy. We still are working on eggppant! We are planting the tops of pineapple we eat and should see rewards at the end of the year. No shortage of pineapples here provide by family - this is pineapple country.
The fruit trees are growing and hopefully this year we will see the first small fruit tree crops planted last year with orange, lime, grapefruit, star fruit, local cherry, guava both local and asian and granadilo. In coming years we should get tamarind, types of mango, lemoncillo, rambutan, mamey, custard apple, zapote, coconuts, cacao and more avocado.
We have also planted citronella grass and it sure does keep the mosquitoes away. more to be planted. The plan is to distill and produce citronella oil in the future for natural mosquito repellant.
We have our first bee hive and a second one is due stocked with queen, drones and worker bees. They have loads of flowers to visit! So hopefully plenty of honey later this year. I am geared up but we have a local farmer who supplies us with bees and is at ease with them and wears zero protective clothing and says he does not get stung!
We have also planted bamboo on the boundary nearest the colmado and it can be both a crop and sound wall.
Looks like we will dispense with the ducks who just eat and get fat - I am no fan of duck except in moderation at a chinese restarant roasted with sweet sauce. And in their place try and harvest tilapia.
I do intend to go to my favourite vivero on Duarte Autopista just north of Villa Altagracia - Vivero Superplant - to add to my fruit trees this weekend and also a trip to Rancho Arriba to the Vivero Induban to buy a large number of coffee plants to set within the cacao trees.
To prepare the rich dark soil we have and manage the weeds a small rotavator was bought and rather than back breaking machete cutting we opted for a grass trimmer too.
I am glad I have the help of my wife's family who benefit too with what we are doing.
Water is a big problem in much of DR and it is no different here. Thankfully we have had no droughts so far but an irrigation set up is needed this year. Providing poorer neighbours with water has been a necessity. I plan to install a well and pump in the next few months in the village so help avoid their daily treck to us for water. I do think that providing water for all throughout DR has been an urgent need for years and finally this government has a plan to end this injustice.
Planning for solar is on the back burner for now but I will get a round to that for sure.
A rewarding expat life in very rural DR is attainable.
There has been much to do to settle in.
We are already realizing our aims to produce some of our food and there is so much more to do.
We are or have been producing: eggs from chickens, ducks and now guinea fowl, plantain, rullo (cross between plantain and banana) and bananas, yucca, sweet potato, beans, sweet corn, creole peppers, green peppers, thai chillie, ginola, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, cilantro, mint, rosemary, lemon grass, avocado, tangerine, orange, figs, caribbean pumpkin (ayuama) and water melon. Not yet a flow of produce but that will come in time.
We are about to crop lettuce, green and red peppers, cantaloupe melon, papaya and bok choy. We still are working on eggppant! We are planting the tops of pineapple we eat and should see rewards at the end of the year. No shortage of pineapples here provide by family - this is pineapple country.
The fruit trees are growing and hopefully this year we will see the first small fruit tree crops planted last year with orange, lime, grapefruit, star fruit, local cherry, guava both local and asian and granadilo. In coming years we should get tamarind, types of mango, lemoncillo, rambutan, mamey, custard apple, zapote, coconuts, cacao and more avocado.
We have also planted citronella grass and it sure does keep the mosquitoes away. more to be planted. The plan is to distill and produce citronella oil in the future for natural mosquito repellant.
We have our first bee hive and a second one is due stocked with queen, drones and worker bees. They have loads of flowers to visit! So hopefully plenty of honey later this year. I am geared up but we have a local farmer who supplies us with bees and is at ease with them and wears zero protective clothing and says he does not get stung!
We have also planted bamboo on the boundary nearest the colmado and it can be both a crop and sound wall.
Looks like we will dispense with the ducks who just eat and get fat - I am no fan of duck except in moderation at a chinese restarant roasted with sweet sauce. And in their place try and harvest tilapia.
I do intend to go to my favourite vivero on Duarte Autopista just north of Villa Altagracia - Vivero Superplant - to add to my fruit trees this weekend and also a trip to Rancho Arriba to the Vivero Induban to buy a large number of coffee plants to set within the cacao trees.
To prepare the rich dark soil we have and manage the weeds a small rotavator was bought and rather than back breaking machete cutting we opted for a grass trimmer too.
I am glad I have the help of my wife's family who benefit too with what we are doing.
Water is a big problem in much of DR and it is no different here. Thankfully we have had no droughts so far but an irrigation set up is needed this year. Providing poorer neighbours with water has been a necessity. I plan to install a well and pump in the next few months in the village so help avoid their daily treck to us for water. I do think that providing water for all throughout DR has been an urgent need for years and finally this government has a plan to end this injustice.
Planning for solar is on the back burner for now but I will get a round to that for sure.
A rewarding expat life in very rural DR is attainable.
👍5 members reacted to this post
We're going to have to talk bees with you once we're in our house!
It is a case of needing the bees but they are indeed interesting creatures and there is so much to learn. I am a real novice. And honey is the bonus!
I had loads of flowers on my avocado tree next to the house and busy bees. We saw two hives in tall trees nearby and that motivated me to get hives of my own pronto. I need them and it is better they are in my control. Always was in my plan.
Two hives with colonies are secured and two more empty hives to be bought hoping for new settlements.
You will find bee keepers throughout DR. You can get locally made hives and screens and you will probably need to find a local bee keeper to supply you with queen and entourage. You won't get mail delivery of bees here.
I had loads of flowers on my avocado tree next to the house and busy bees. We saw two hives in tall trees nearby and that motivated me to get hives of my own pronto. I need them and it is better they are in my control. Always was in my plan.
Two hives with colonies are secured and two more empty hives to be bought hoping for new settlements.
You will find bee keepers throughout DR. You can get locally made hives and screens and you will probably need to find a local bee keeper to supply you with queen and entourage. You won't get mail delivery of bees here.
👍1 member reacted to this post
Essential services for your expat journey
Choose the best health insurance
Protect your health and get easy access to treatment for expats in Dominican Republic.
Plan your international move
Facilitate your move to the Dominican Republic by getting a quote from our top rated movers.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
Send money overseas at the best rate
For fast, safe and secure money transfers to and from the Dominican Republic.
Other discussions on living in Dominican Republic
- Macao Hills - Avalon
- Paying Edenorte bill online?
- Intercultural relationships in Dominican Republic
- Prescription medication
- Working remote in the dom rep
- Cruise On Land Project
- Most common scams in Dominican Republic
- Anti Sex Tourism Raids in Sosua - will they work? Who knows
- New Cost of Cleaner in Punta Cana
- Universal vs Humano experience and some questions
- Air Conditioner
- Rude & Disrespectful Folks in Punta Cana
- Private Schools
- CONSTRUCTION BUDGET/ESTIMATION
- Noise and the DR - Be Warned
- Sleeping medication
- House maid
- Dating a Dominican Girl
Further reading
Education in the Dominican Republic
This article will cover the Dominican Republic's educational system, including public schools attended by 80% ...
Death in the Dominican Republic
What customs and procedures are common when dealing with death in the Dominican Republic? Find more about it in ...
Living and accommodation on the South Coast of the Dominican Republic
Along the south coast of the Dominican Republic, going from East to West, you will find the sugar town of La ...
Birth in the Dominican Republic
This article provides some information about the culture and the customs of Dominicans when giving birth and ...
Driving in the Dominican Republic
What is driving like in the Dominican Republic and how do you obtain a driving license? Find out all about it in ...
Moving with your pets to the Dominican Republic
Many folks wish to bring their dogs and cats to the Dominican Republic, and this article will explain exactly what ...
Living and accommodation in the up and coming Southwest of the Dominican Republic
Barahona, for some, might be Santa Cruz de Barahona, is the biggest city in this region. However, not yet a ...
The healthcare system in the Dominican Republic
If you are moving to the Dominican Republic, one of your primary concerns is likely to be the healthcare system ...