I am looking to move to either Santo Domingo or Santiago within the next 90 days. I am hoping to change my life and settle down. I am actually tired of the states. I live in Columbus, OH and I believe that this will hopefully be a life changing experience. I own a decent bit of rental property and have things set up to be managed while I am gone. As an American where would be the best place to set roots to meet people and have a great time? Santo Domingo or Santiago. Also for the record my spanish sucks. LOL
- Thread starter mboydii
- Start date
Looking for some advice
...in the long lines at the Immigration Office to apply for residency.
Be sure to check with the embassy or consulate closest to you in the USA months before you catch your flight to the DR.
exactly!!! all this immigration shyte is becoming tiresome. as SKY says, get on a plane, come down, and see how much you like, or do not like, the vibe. if it is for you, then you can worry about the other crap later. you can do the residency application next time you are back in the USA.
SKY is batting 1.00. Santiago is the ticket. it has most of wht SD has, but is more laid back.
Looking ahead - if you enjoy the exploratory trip, your rental property portfolio will be to your advantage should you decide to seek residency.
Have a read of that to see that hurdle is not as high for you as it may be for some others
Have a read of that to see that hurdle is not as high for you as it may be for some others
Yes Charlise , but if you read all the postings here about the problems in the North Coast and the foreigners who have trouble adapting whilst living in the North, why would he not be better in the Southwest or the east . I think that I would start off in a gated community if I could not speak spanish and steadily become adjusted .
I find it difficult in SD or Santiago without Spanish but that could make you learn the language quickly!!
NC hardly need Spanish at all.
NC hardly need Spanish at all.
Santo Domingo is a no no if you don't have good Domincish/Spanish. You'll find doing even the easiest thing very difficult, no one speaks English unless they are foreign and they are few and far between. Not where you are likely to be living.
EastCoast is boring imo, Central is not Caribeany (and is boring) enough for newbies looking for palm trees and Pina Coladas, and so EastCoast or NorthCoast are the obvious answers. I've never met a newbie that didn't love the NC the first few times, unless you have kids with you. I think moving to a city s great once you've done the initial Caribbean thing. But until you've lived in a beach town you will never settle your mind wondering what you are missing compared to the noisy bullsh1t city.
Try thinking Bavaro/Punta Cana for a seriously laid back life. Or Cabarete for a little more excitement, plenty of expats or foreigners for language not to be an issue, and that little glancing danger you will notice just to spice it up a little.
You need a car where ever you live, so remember that!
EastCoast is boring imo, Central is not Caribeany (and is boring) enough for newbies looking for palm trees and Pina Coladas, and so EastCoast or NorthCoast are the obvious answers. I've never met a newbie that didn't love the NC the first few times, unless you have kids with you. I think moving to a city s great once you've done the initial Caribbean thing. But until you've lived in a beach town you will never settle your mind wondering what you are missing compared to the noisy bullsh1t city.
Try thinking Bavaro/Punta Cana for a seriously laid back life. Or Cabarete for a little more excitement, plenty of expats or foreigners for language not to be an issue, and that little glancing danger you will notice just to spice it up a little.
You need a car where ever you live, so remember that!
Take a month and tour the island before you make any big decisions. PC/ Bavaro area is nice too. Lots of english in this area as well. As a previous poster said ignore the naysayers. If its so bad they should grace another island with thier presence.
My 2 cents. Scout the island spending at least a few days in several areas and get a bit of a feel for each area. Then rent.....don't buy. After spending quite a bit of time in D.R. over many years I suspect I will wind up on the north coast somewhere on Samana peninsula. Santo Domingo is OK but tough if you don't speak Dominican.
Considering that he is a gringo and does not speak Spanish, I doubt he'll ignore other gringos.
Right here he is asking advice of gringos.
Learn Spanish is good advice!
Quote:
"I am actually tired of the states. I live in Columbus, OH and I believe that this will hopefully be a life changing experience. I own a decent bit of rental property and have things set up to be managed while I am gone. As an American where would be the best place to set roots..." end quote
How is Cdn Gringo's advice garbage?
The OP wants to put down roots and have a life changing experience.
Informing oneself of the legalities of residence is prudent.
An exploratory visit is great!
One does not just move to a country and stay, you should have an inkling that things may be changing in the DR.
@ the O.P., first welcome yo Dr1! Go live your dream, why not, life is to short.
Take some time, travel the island, find the place that fits you then settle in.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Take some time, travel the island, find the place that fits you then settle in.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Island life is different than Columbus, OH. Lower the bar on your expectations and you will not be disappointed. DR is good for those who use common sense and selectively choose your friends. Spanish is required regardless of your location.
