I wouldn't say it is "utopia".
What makes the difference in Jarabacoa:
One could say it is a tourist town, but it has a large local population that takes pride in Jarabacoa. For years, Jarabacoa has served domestic Dominican tourism and upscale locals that maintain their weekend homes there.
And then many discovered it was a good place to live all year round. Why? The greenery, the lower temperatures (but it does get hot). The manageable size of the town makes a difference. Jarabacoa is petite, but its shops are well stocked with what's needed to make a good barbecue, or sancocho. Most people will drive in from Santo Domingo and shop local. The shopping is part of the fun... running into people.
The beauty parlors are good! It is a land of flowers and everything grows well there, so those who enjoy gardening...
Of course, the people... everyone seems to know each other.
They even have their own forestry university -- small, but has sister programs with Olds College of Alberta, Canada. They have a variety of programs.
Would say Jarabacoa is a wellness town. The greenery has the effect of a spa on the body. It is relaxing.
You can relax as much or be as active as you want -- horseback riding, hiking, river rafting...
My husband is president of the UAFAM, the forestry university, and is there frequently helping to make Jarabacoa even better, so I get to come along and always enjoy the visits.