Harleysrock,
You must have seen some of the posts on this earlier as there have been many.
The main ones on the Mountain side of the N5 are : ProCab in Cabarete -gated by now improving its security with a good range of properties; Casa Linda many new properties good construction , Las Canas an older development very close together but with some adminstrative and utility problem; Lomas Mironas ( it has two parts one well run and protected and the other with little security), Haciendas El Choco - big lots but a bit on the expensive side -, Costa Azul just outside Cabarete which has increased its security but is not so good. Then in Sosua - Hispaniola Residential - good security, management and some sea views etc very close to Sosua but everybody overlooks each other so not sure it is for you with your free lifestyle. Terrama ( Sunset Valley) a little way beyond Sosua before Charamicos - Limited security, high utility charges.
On the Ocean side witth Beach Access - Coconut palms/Vista del Caribe area, small enclaves of gated communities but with great access to Encuantro Beach; Hideway Beach - some lots availalbe but somewhat expensive , in general good security , Chez Asenios restaurant and beautiful beach; Perla Marina in genral good security, residential community, good beach and access , restaurant at Natura Cabanas - breakfast and Lunch at Kayana Restuarant and night time dinning at the other one - dont know the name, within Perla marina - Ocean Sands Estates - higher level of security an only about 20 houses with some lots availalbe; Seahorse Ranch you have already dismissed as too expensive, Playa Laguna -poor security , fracture management and relatively poor infrastructure, Sosua Ocean Village - high level of security, great restaurant , limited beach but Gym etc - villa , land etc.
Thats really it in the Cabarete /Sosua area for the better ones as you have rquested.
Hope that helps.
Olly and the Team