Although the 'search function' is a great friend, I agree that it is sometimes difficult to get recent information on a topic of choice and, as I have no problem sharing my experience a number of times, I will attempt to answer the OP's queries.
We came to live in the DR for a number of reasons. Firstly, to enjoy warm weather where our ageing bodies would feel more comfortable rather than 'surviving' in damp, cold England. Secondly, cost of property and living here in comparison to other countries. Thirdly, we 'fell in love' with the smiling, happy people here (not all are like that, I know) but, for the most part, although many are poorer, they are a damned sight happier than most people in the UK! Finally, we wanted out of the EU so ended up here.
Been here just over 3 years now, apart from Mr. WB's stay back in the UK for 10 months whilst they diagnosed and treated his cancer..... why do we stay? Because it has fulfilled all the hopes and dreams we had in the previous outlined criteria and we are lucky in that, where we live, we have (as yet) had no real adverse experiences.
Hope this helps to answer you.