Ron R. Says:
What can you tell me about living in the Dominican Republic?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Ron,
The Dominican Republic is home to thousands of expats; attracted by the weather, scenery, and low cost of living. With 1,000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is easy to understand why.
Given the size of the island, you have a wide choice of where to live. Beach or mountain? Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean? Much will depend on what is important to you.
However, if international supermarkets and schools are important to you, you’ll need to live in the tourist areas in the north of the country, the east, or the country’s largest cities: Santo Domingo and Santiago.
If you love the idea of a fusion of Europe and the Caribbean then head for the northeast Samaná peninsula and check out Las Terrenas, which was originally the place of choice of the French. There you’ll find amazing beaches, fabulous food ranging from lobster on the beach to upscale restaurants, French bakeries and supermarkets, and a perfect expat lifestyle.
If you speak Spanish and prefer to integrate more with the Dominican people, you could go to the beautiful southwest near Barahona, where the mountains descend into the sea and you can sit and eat fish next to a crystal clear river as it flows into the Caribbean. Home to one of the most interesting ecological parts of the country, with iguanas, crocodiles, flamingos, and a wide range of bird life, Barahona is one of the more remote areas of the country, with limited healthcare, and no international supermarkets or schools. But it’s slowly becoming more popular with expats due to its exceptional beauty.
Living in the Dominican Republic is a total change from the fast-paced life in North America. There is a mañana attitude to everything, and you will find yourself slowing down, relaxing more, and adapting to the Dominican way of life.
Read more about the Dominican Republic on the dedicated page of our website here.
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