Dollar dropping and LT prices
I made the move to LT based on the peso-dollar rate of last year which was in the mid forty up to as high as fifty. Since the major tourist business here is to the European market, the Euro market, they have not needed to reduce their prices, so for just "living" for an American, it might prove more expensive than other places. Also, the language on the streets of the foreign population is French, not English - so if you have no other language - beside Spanish, that is - you may be a bit isolated. I found that $300 a month will only get a rental in the "Dominican" neighborhoods - very close to the streets, high noise level with motochoncos and discos that go into the early morning hours. There are, I am told, rentals in the little town next door, Limon, which is where most of the "commuter workers" - the Dominicans and some of the Europeans live- in the lower price ranges.
There are plenty of European families from all over - Italians and French, Dutch, German, and some nice looking little apartment houses. We are, I think, only about 6 Americans. I would expect to pay closer to $600 to $1000 for a rental on an American standard. There is quite a lot of land development, some very nice houses in middle class neighborhoods on the hills behind town. Also, every sort of food that you could ever want to buy from Europe - along with Paris Match, etc etc... Very sophisticated, very chic, very South of France. The street dogs are sleek and friendly and well fed.
There appear to be no "exclusive" gated, restricted looking communities here, which is what attracted me.
It's a great international experience. But pricey if your money is coming in in dollars. It is being developed as a very "high end" destination. Two economies are running right along side. Along the waterfront, the Europeans have one and behind that is the local one. Certainly you can "survive" eating at only the local Dominican restuarants, but to mingle with the tourists or the local Europeans, expect to pay the price of living in an American city - and a major one at that. Of course, if you are coming as a family, and will be eating at home, meeting people, the price for dining out will be only ocassional.
There are condos for sale in the tourist beach hotels, if that is all that you are looking for - and you might be able to make a deal with them for a long term rental. I would advise that you will get the best price if you wait until April when the season is over.
Have heard that Las Galeras is still a sleepy village type - and Samana still quite a Dominican city- but haven't yet checked out either.
Hope this helps.
Annie