Hey Dude
Came here to the DR to visit since one of my other trips (tour thru Russia for pic opportunities) had to be cancelled. I was trading in the US exchanges and was tired of watching my portfolio go up and down. I cashed out and bought an apartment here. Not looking at the apartment as an investment. Just a place to come and get away from the chaos in the US. The developer gave me a decent deal on the apartment I wanted, so I bought. This area has really improved from the time I made the purchase, so I'll hold on to it for a few more years, and then may decide to move on to others "things" in life. I must say "Island Life" is unique. I had spent some time in Phuket, but there is a big difference in people and ways they live, think, etc. Probably my preference...just dislike the 28 hours travel time getting there. I think that a lot of people come here looking for paradise. Seen a few crash and burn. People in these tourist areas forget that the DR is a 3rd world country. There are good people here and the not so good....but you will see this everywhere in the world. However, if you choose your contacts/friends carefully then life is not much different than living in other countries