Hmmm, "best city"!! Dont buy one any higher than you can jump out of the window, considering the earthquakes. Now, Sosua, for example is virtually earthquake free and comes with a wonderful small town atmosphere, winding tree lined streets and a safe beach on a bay with plenty of trees for the time when you are tired of baking in the sun. No beach in Santiago. And, best of all, its very difficult to get lonely in Sosua. Sorrry to hijack a thread but I cannot pass up an opportuntity to promote what is one of the nicest towns in the DR, all things considered.