Dear Planner I'm responding to your post about living in La Romana. My husband and I are currently researching and considering a possible move to the DR. I have Dominican friends who live in Santiago and I have visited there, but not my husband. I like Santiago and could probably live there, but my husband would probably find it somewhat stressful because of how crazy people drive. Our Dominican friends have suggested La Romana, but we weren't really thinking the southern coast. I have done a little research on La Romana and would consider taking a look, but my concern is it being snuggled in between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, neither of which I am interested in at all. Also, from what I read it seemed touristy, which is not at all what I have in mind. Besides in my language touristy translates into costly, which is why we are wanting to leave the U.S.
Ideally what we would be interested in is something that could provide us with the opportunity to enjoy both the mountains and the ocean. We see ourselves living up slightly in the hills/mountains overlooking the ocean. In other words, not exactly on the coast, but close enough to see it. We'd prefer a small community with access to a large city or larger community. A somewhat rural setting, yet close enough to walk or ride to town. We'd prefer more land and less house. And of course, safety is of utmost importance as is health care and easy access to an airport. It will be just me and my husband as our kids are grown. We probably would not want anything more than 3 bedrooms. A pool would be AWESOME as would be part-time domestic help. Our goal is to live off $2000-2400 per month.
Also, my husband is a highly skilled electrical contractor in the U.S. Is it possible that he might be able to pick up work in the DR? I teach school, but am not a "certified" teacher, although I have received certification in reading. My husband lived in Vieques years ago and spoke some Spanish at that time. He's lost most of it, but does have a tendency to pick it up easily when he's around it regularly. I speak no Spanish at this time, but do plan to learn.
So armed with all this information, what can you tell me about where we should start our search and what, if any, is the likelihood that both or either of us could eventually pick up some part-time work.