Which city is best?

Jeanne

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Aug 30, 2002
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Hi All!

My husband & I will be moving to the DR in the near future. We will be buying some property -but where?- I'd like to get your informed feedback, we are looking for a large 1++ acres of preferably oceanview property, with a home, at a reasonable price. POP, Jarabacoba, Carabete, Samana, Santo Domingo, Santiago? Which are the best and/or worst cities or states to live in? I'd love to hear your opinions, however biased they may be. In your opinions which areas are the most beautiful, culturally significant or just plain full of heart and charm! I need to add that we are not looking for work, just volunteering.
Thanks,
Jeanne
 
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Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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What parts of the DR have you been to and liked?

The options are endless and the waters potentially dangerous :)
 

Jeanne

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Aug 30, 2002
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Robert,

Never been-- but after years of research have wildly decided this is for us. Stupid, I know, but sometimes you just need to do something!
Jeanne
 

Robert

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Jan 2, 1999
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Stupid is one word that comes to mind :)

I strongly recommended you at least live here for 6 months before you make the plunge to invest here.

I don't care how much you have read, how much you think you know, you really know nothing unless you have lived here and experienced the culture and way of life. It's totally different to researching and vacationing here.

I'm not trying to discourage you, this is a wonderful country to live in.
If you do it right, it can be a total paradise.

This board has some of, if not the most informed and knowledgeable people that live and work in the DR on a daily basis.

I would rephrase your question and save yourself from the onslaught ;)
 

Jeanne

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Aug 30, 2002
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Hi Robert,

Thanks for the well meant insult. I look forward to an onslaught of information from your well informed correspondents. I am not as naive as you think, having spent a lot of time in countries other than America. I have the time and money to relax and contribute to another culture and am willing to give it a try!
 

Hillbilly

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Jan 1, 2002
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Stupid? No, but dreamy? Certainly!

Cost of a 5,000 sq meter lot = $250,000 (maybe)
Cost of building a nice home = $500,000 (if you are lucky)
Cost of finding out your property title is not legal = $300,000

Seeing the board members yelling : WE TOLD YOU SO!! Priceless!

First off you do need to do more research: Neither Jarabacoa nor Santiago de los Caballeros have any beaches--rivers (yuk) yes. Santo Domingo has an ocean, well the Caribbean Sea, but no beaches...go figure.

All the good property along the coastline you mentioned is privately owned and the owners know how much it is worth to a wealthy gringo..

Please, oh please follow Robert's advice and come here for a few months and get a feel for the place....meet some of the people that have done this and see if you like their lifestyles. Don't worry we can connect you to them...

HB
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Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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Jeanne, you request for info is a tough one to respond to because there are so many variables to consider. Your best chance of getting ocean view property would be Cabarete, Samana, and Puerto Plata. For culture, your best bet are Santo Domingo and Santiago. Jarabacoa is in the mountains, so there is no ocean view. Little in the way of cultural activies, also. Santo Domingo and Santiago are big cities, with all the advantages of shopping, medical care, cultural activities, etc. Samana is very limited with respect to all 3. For natural beauty, Samana and Jarabacoa would be the best of the areas you have mentioned. For prices of ocean-view property, Samana would be best, but you would probably have to build your own house. I lived there a long time and often thought if I had the money I would buy land on the heights overlooking the bay and build a house there. You could buy 1-2 acres very reasonably up there because so far the demand has been for ocean-front property. I would think you could get good value in Jarabacoa, also.

Because each area is so different, you really should come and check them out. Depending on your criteria, each has definite advantages and disadvantages. There are so many things to consider; no area is best for all. You will have to evaluate, decide what is most important, then make your choice from the very few likely to remain in contention.
 

andy a

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Feb 23, 2002
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Are you for real, or simply a jester?

Every few months it seems that there is an epidemic of such postings.

Although I am only a user of this board and others, especially those who control it, may think differently, my own vision for it is to be a forum for expats to exhange ideas (realistic ones) and share
information that they need. I hope that this board does not emulate the television commercial that goes something like, "...come to Jamaica and ..." (get fleeced).

Are we to believe that the same intelligence that enabled you to
become financially independent will be used to sink all, sight unseen, into the DR?

I am not necessarily trying to stop you, but to bring you down to reality.

You say little about why you chose the DR. Recently there was a post
comparing the DR with Costa Rica, another popular destination. There were few responses, but consider this:

Costa Rica has:

A better climate,
A better infrastructure,
A better legal system (could it be worse?),
Cheaper prices, at least for consumer items,
Better medical care,
Less fraud (again, could it be worse?),
...etc.

Why do Gringos and Dominicans alike arrive from the States with pockets full of money and suitcases full of gadgets? Simple, because of the difficulty of obtaining them from inside the DR. Mail order items, checks, etc. would be stolen from the envelopes. Even bank transfers aren't safe - have you lived before in a country where that's the case?

Living in the DR raises self sufficiency to a new level.

I sometimes wonder if I have much in common with other posters on this board. Some of them seem to wear rose colored glasses, but the people I KNOW PERSONALLY who frequent or live in the DR have specialised reasons for doing so - usually having gotten "locked in".
Perhaps because he's already invested so much that he has no choice, or perhaps because of a romantic relationship(s).

Neither of these reasons apply to you - at least not yet.

The DR does have one great asset - the hospitality of its people. As such, there are many rewarding things that one can do AFTER HE LEARNS HIS WAY AROUND THE CULTURE. Is that your reason for wanting to move there?

One final thought. Everyone that I know or have spoken to agrees that the DR is a black hole moneywise. Even the joke about taking a small fortune out after taking a big one in isn't heard in the DR ... because even that would be welcome.

If you are chomping at the bit to squander everything in the DR, go
for it. Otherwise, investigate, visit, and get your feet wet gradually.

Of course, if you are jesting, you've already won.
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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You must be having one of those days, Andy A.

andy a said:
I sometimes wonder if I have much in common with other posters on this board. Some of them seem to wear rose colored glasses, but the people I KNOW PERSONALLY who frequent or live in the DR have specialised reasons for doing so - usually having gotten "locked in".
Perhaps because he's already invested so much that he has no choice, or perhaps because of a romantic relationship(s).

Wow, you sure got a lot off your chest, Andy. Hope you are feeling better.

I don't wear rose-colored glasses; I know the DR isn't perfect. Likewise the other regular posters. You just have to read this message board to know that all of us think there are things that could be better, errors that shouldn't be made, offenses that shouldn't have been let go unpunished.

I'm, not "locked in" but I choose to stay here. Could have easily left when I sold my land in Samana for a good price, but I chose to buy a condo in Sosua instead.

Nor have I invested heavily in some scheme or business. Sounds like you might have but without success.

Jeanne indicated she would be coming to live, not to invest in a business or to make a million dollars. There are a great many foreigners living in the country with similar interests and others will be coming in the future.

There is a big difference between that and trying to make a success of a business or find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

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Andy B

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Jan 1, 2002
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Ken,
That post was not from me, ANDY B! It was from Andy A. Do you think I would ever tout Costa Rica with all its problems and high rate of inflation over our beloved Dominican Republic (no matter how trying it can be to live here sometimes)?

I would like to invite Jeanne to come and visit the Samana Peninsula and discover for herself why it is the nicest part of the island. And Jeanne, if you want more information about Samana, check into DR1's section on the peninsula or visit www.samana.net You may also email me privately if you would like more information. Robert, Ken and Hillbilly are right on in the info they have given you. Don't be discouraged by some of the posters on this board (I think they are jealous!!!! LOL).
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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SORRY, ANDY B.!!!!!

Very sorry, Andy. No, I couldn't believe it but thought I saw it. Very, very glad you set me straight. I was confused by the last initial, forgot which one you are. In fact, I actually forgot there was another Andy.

What ails the other Andy? When he says he doesn't see things the same as other posters, he sure has that right. But it isn't that the rest of us see things through "rose colored glasses". You only have to read this board to know that all of us have things we think should be different.

But not everyone belongs here; I've always said that.

When I post this, I'm going back and correct the previous post so that it is addressed to the right Andy.
 

Jeanne

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Aug 30, 2002
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Thanks to all for your responses to my rather vague, but real question! I will be in the DR in Oct-Nov. exploring Samana and as much of the north coast I have time for. I'll be back again to explore the other areas hopefully sometime this winter.

I understand that Santiago and Jarabacoa are in the mountains but had not realized that riverfront properties were 'yucky'-- Thanks for that tidbit. Your idea Ken of buying land in Samana
overlooking the bay is a very interesting possibility.

I might be a bit 'dreamy' but life has knocked me around enough so I know there are no utopias, I'm simply looking for a little bit of 'paradise'. I have no plans or schemes for making or investing a million dollars-- I want to live simply in what I believe is a society that less restrictive and happier, than the U.S. at this time.

Been to Samana.net a lot Andy B! One of my favorite sites about the DR. E-mail you privately soon.

Thanks again one and all for your insights.
Jeanne
 

andy a

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Feb 23, 2002
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Only Jeanne can decide what to do now, and whether "look before you leap" is wise.

One of the posters included himself in the company of Hillbilly and Robert, yet both of them recommended a considerable amount of caution.

He also derides Costa Rica in the same sentence in which he refers to "trying" times in the DR. Is inflation in real terms worse in Costa Rica? I doubt it. Why is the Dominican peso in near free fall now?

I believe I made it clear that I mentioned Costa Rica only for comparison purposes, and not as a recommendation. In fact, I have
obviously voted with my feet for the Dominican Republic. Each individual has different priorities, and some of them outweigh others. Clearly Costa Rica is higher on the comfort level, though.

Another poster said that we don't all belong here. I'm not sure what that means. I have noticed that various posters, some of them very
knowledgeable, have apparently agreed with him and left. Their presence is missed.

Good luck to you Jeanne, whatever you do.
 

Snuffy

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May 3, 2002
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My Advice.......

Go directly to Santiago.......find a nice condo or apartment to rent...........and begin your investigation of the country from there. Santiago is the most bearable of the cities if you are coming from the modern world. You will find it most like the modern world in terms of regular electricity, cleanliness, etc. It will give you a chance to ease into the country instead of crashing into it. Wish I had discovered it my first trip here. For those days that are really hot when the electric does go out...you will find Santiago bearable because of altitude. The north coast is not so far away and you can explore much of it in one day. Samana would require a two day trip or three. Punta Cana same. The south coast could be done in a day.

You will want to visit Punta Cana, Samana, and Cabarete...then make your choice if you want to be next to the beach. But be very very very very very very VERY careful in your financial transactions here. Like I said ...........EASE into it.

So you live in Santiago for a year and then you will know where you want to live. You could actually stay in one of the hotels here for a month at a reasonable cost and then make further decisions.
 

Ken

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Jan 1, 2002
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Jeanne said:
Your idea Ken of buying land in Samana
overlooking the bay is a very interesting possibility.

Jeanne, it is worth a look. The land up there mostly belongs to campasinos and I'm sure you could get a large parcel for a good price. Samana has been very slow to develop for a variety of reasons and there has been no demand for land on the heights. Someday, however, this land could be worth quite a bit. I have only been up there a couple of times and have been trying to remember how we got there. As best I recall, when you leave Samana on the road to Las Galeras you go up a big hill. Shortly after reaching the top and turning toward Las Galeras there is a road that goes off to the left. As I recall you turn left there, then soon afer you can turn right on a dirt road that parallels the highway to Las Galeras. I have been told that this was the road that served that part of the Samana Peninsula before the highway was built by Ballaguer in the 70s. When I traveled that road--quite some time ago--it was pretty rough. Probably still is. But I do think there are guaguas, probably pickup trucks--that go back and forth on the road to serve the people living along it. As you travel that road, you have a great view of the Bay--much, much better than if you lived on the shore--because you can see the whole sweep of the bay. Since the road runs very close to the slope, the land you are looking for will be on the left side as you drive along the road. When I made the trip I saw a lot of open land with great views. I'm sure much of this land is still open.

The main thing to worry about is buying up there is to be sure there is good title for the land. A great many campasinos own large amounts of land but haven't gone to the trouble and expense of taking out a title. Fabio Guzman, the lawyer who answers questions in the Legal section of the board, has a branch office in Samana. I recommend that you have him assist you if you get to the point of thinking about buying.

You should also check with people to see where they get their electricity and water. Living up there is not like living in a tourist complex which provides all the services to the residents. You might also need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you live up there, unless the roads are better now.

But if you want 2 acres of ocean view land for a good price, this would be a choice location.

Let me know what you decide after your trip. You can send me an email or PM
 

Andy B

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Jan 1, 2002
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Andy A,
Every person I knew who moved to Costa Rica in the 70's, 80's and early 90's came back to Florida disallusioned. At one time Costa Rica WAS a paradise, but no more. The same goes for Belize, where I almost moved to in the mid-80's. Even with all the problems the DR has, I still consider the DR to be the better place to live in the long run. Time will tell.
 

Tony C

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Jan 1, 2002
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By all means, Go to Santiago! With it modern conviences and cult..............ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
Santiago is the only place that makes living in the DR Boring!
If you want Culture, Nightlife, History, Action,Restaurants, and anything of a modern life there is only on place in the DR. Santo Domingo! If you want to get away from the Rat race there are many places to go. But Santiago just offers all of the Negatives of City life without any positives.
 

Hillbilly

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Roar, woof, gerrrrr....rip! Tony, Tony Tony....

Santiago, astride the Yaque dormilon...

Actually, Santiago can run you to a frazzle...if you want to party!

This weekend, one of the hotspots brought in a few truckloads of beach sand, set up beach chairs, the whole nine yards....ONLY beach attire was allowed!. different games and the prizes were weekends at the beach....Bacard? was one of the major sponsors (ugh!)....and Presidente!!!

Of course if you don't know anyone, can't make friends easily, or have dangerously high levels of BO, than you might have a problem....

Heck, even the Supermarkets here are fun....

Of course Jeanne would become a member of the Centro Espa?ol and be in the thick of the social set.. And there are Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or whatever her hobbies might be!!

And there is plenty of culture if you know where to look.

HB
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