After living in New York for over 36 years (I was born in Spain); I re-discovered the Domincan Republic this year. Yes I was here (Santo Domingo & Puerto Plata in 1885) What a difference 20 years made!!!!
I always new that dominicans are a very gracious and hospitable people, but in my last 4 trips (all this year) I found out much more.
Government: I believe the actual government is doing a very good job (within the limits od their budget) Their iniciative in promoting foreing investment in Construction and hospitality services is showing everywhere. They are working really hard (and getting results) in educating natives about the importance of protecting and caring for visitors, as a very important source of income for the Country.
Illiteracy have been eliminated or reduced to practically 0 (I believe it's actually 3% for men and 2% for women). The newer generations of dominicans are very well informed about democracy, politics and how important the turism business is.
Racism: It's very possible that the Dominican Republic is the most racism free country in the world. There are no colors here. They have been exposed to the mix of races long before the United States was born.
I'm 61 years old, self-employed and looking for a future retirement in the Dominican Republic. I really see a lot more advantages than inconveniences.
Sure, the rent per capita is still under US$8,000 a year; but I would bet that this amount here in the Dominican Republic, goes much further that US$30,000 in the United States.
To me, the Dominican Republic has the most beautiful beaches in the world,
the country in general has tremendous potential to develop a new kind of turism: National Parks, Rivers, Waterfalls, Caves, etc., all in all, some of the most beatiful scenic views (mountains, beaches, etc) to be encountered any
where in the world.
The infrastructure is improving with some highways like Santo Domingo to Santiago (you can make the trip in under 2 hours) and Santo Domingo San Pedro de Macoris. However, in my opinion this is an area where the government should accelerate proyects in order to acommodate the growing number of visitors and business.
With 7 international airports, the Domincan Republic has one of the easiest access in the Caribbean.
As one of my favorites hobbies, my experience with restaurants in the Dominican Republic, has been a very positive one; with a big advantage: you can have a very nice gourmet meal anywhere in the island, including martinis, apetizers, main course and desert for less than half of what you would pay in the United States in comparable establishments. Tips: visit these restaurants:
Cofresi bar & Grill, next to SeaWorld in Cofresi (Bahia de Maimon)
Aura Beach Club in Juan Dolio
Museo del Jamon, Santo Domingo's zona colonial
Al Fresco, Pasta Grill & Sushi in Playa Dorada (Puerto Plata)
La Ponderosa Lobster House, Puerto Plata
We are looking for a property in the Dominican Republic (Condo or beach house). The advantages here are very obvious: No Real EState tax and virtually no maintance costs, maybe $100 to $150 a month, and that, in most cases, will include electrical, gardening, security, water, etc.
Your retirement money can go a long way.
The language is obviously very important. As a spanish speaking person, things are much easier for me; however a growing number of natives speak and/or can communicate in english.
Give yourself and your family a chance; go there, don't be afraid, I'm sure you''ll get used to the easy style of living. If not, pack your suitcases, get back and, at least you'll be richer for the experience.
Sometimes, when we get back to Kennedy Airport in New York, I tell my wife jockingly: "I feel like we are getting back to a third world country"
With every trip I make, I feel it's less of a joke.