Cocotal is a very good Spot, Milosh can fill you in there.
there is large Sankie-Town named El Cortecito, many Appartments available there, IMHO El Cortecito is overprized for the offered Quality, but check 'em out, there's always a good Place to find for a reasonable Rate, Cortecito as a small Area has the Advantage that you are located very Central, smaller shopping etc eventually in walking Distance, Beach down there is no big Deal but exceptable.
aside Cortecito is Los Corales, nice beach and a large number of Condos/Villas available, some good restaurants in walking distance.
and Pueblo Bavaro is a good Bang for the Buck, 20 minutes away from Corteciot, 10 minutes to Cabeza de Toro Beach, 15 to the Airport, 30 Minutes to Higuey.
once the soon to open 2 new bigger Supermarkets here are open at PC-Village and Cruze Coco Loco they are bot close to the Pueblo bavaro Residence as well.
good luck
Mike