Cabarete is very dusty and consists of a 4-5 block row of strip stores.The main road which is narrow runs thru the strip stores.
The traffic often travels at high speed and is very dangerous as well as dirty.The ocean is frequently very rough and there are drownings on a regular basis. No lifeguards. There is crime in Cabarete and as a matter of fact only a short time ago an elderly couple walking the beach were victims of a strong arm robbery.
Sosua on the other hand is an older town with winding streets and friendly people. In Sosua there are many Politur which is the tourist police. Prices in general are lower in Sosua. The beach in Sosua is on a bay and the waters are calm and clear. The beach is tree lined so you do not have to bake in the sun. Stay in Sosua and visit Cabarete, its only 15 minutes by car.
I live in Cabarete and don't recognise it the way you describe it. There is more than just the main road. High speed traffic -difficult. Ever seen the motos doing wheelies down Pedro Clisante, Sosua? Regular drownings? You make it sound like on a daily basis! Sadly, there have been drownings, but it is a world famous water sports centre, so unfortunately inevitable. Yes, there is some crime but there is in Sosua too. And there is crime in Miami, Marbella and virtually anywhere where tourists visit.
For me, there is a reason why apartments in Cabarete cost a little more: it is more upmarket! And you can always get to Sosua in 15 minutes if you want a night of "excitement"!