Well I can see why a foreigner like you coming from the far north, and I'm guessing not young, would chose the north coast any day of the week. As for me, I think I could never live in the north coast, the boredom would kill me, what is there to do in the city of Puerto Plata, or the other tourist towns, heck there's not even a Pizza hut or a movie theater there.
As for what it has to offer, which you mentioned in your fist post yet totally omitted on this one, Santiago has way more to offer for someone who lives in the island full time, than the North Coast. In terms of education, social life, culture, shopping, food, night life, health care, entertainment, sports, history, people, events, etc.. is way superb than the NC, sure the NC has the resorts, obviously the beaches and more Putas and sakies, everything but in everything else Santiago wins, there's a reason why many north coaster come down to Santiago, you included. but then again like I said before, I can totally see a gringo, or someone who just likes a peaceful beach view life style chose the NC any day over Santiago, I'm just given you my reasons why I would never live there.
Ohh and about what's beautiful, the surrounding towns Janico, Sajoma, etc are extremely beautiful, very similar to Jarabacoa but less populated, and just 20-30 minutes away, ohh the girls lets not even go there, the mountains surrounding the city and the views one can have from there, the residential areas that are well kept and organize, the Dominicans in Santiago are just beautiful lol etc.. again definitely not the most beautiful place in the world but maybe my low standard for beauty sees beauty where the rest don't. Ohh I would like to know what's beautiful about the NC besides all those extremely nice beaches?
Again, sounds just like me when I go to the north coast, once in a while I'll get a good deal on a resort, go with my girl eat like a pig and **** like a dog for two days, but after that, it just gets boring being lock up in a resort, and with nothing to do outside of it. This conversation reminds me of the saying "Santiago is only for Santiagueros" I would also add and for those who come on their monthly trips in need of its services.