Looking to retire in the DR

Welcome.

There is no easy answer to your question because the Dominican Republic has it all when it comes to destinations for those with an active life style.

You will need to start researching online and the best place to start is using the Ministry of Tourism website godominicanrepublic   http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/ and click and see the various parts of the country with photographs information and videos.

Budget will be a factor and DR does have some high end resort complexes which offer everything you want but for the deep pocket. These include Casa de aCmpo and Playa Grande and some of the many complexes in Punta Cana on the East Coast at varying budget levels. There is also Juan Dolio with such communities too at a more affordable level.

Another affordable venue will be in the complex called Playa Dorada on the North Coast which does have it's own golf course.

If golf is really important that will narrow the choices.

If you want to be more independent there are places like the Samana Peninsula which is made for an active lifestyle. You can find that on the North Coast in places like Cabarete too. For the really adventurous the South West is interesting. Or there are the mountain towns.

Hope this helps to start locating the ideal places and then a visit or visits will be needed to see if it is right for you.