I've been living in Punta Cana since January and I have yet to regret my decision. After living for over 8 years in Santo Domingo, the peacefulness here is very welcome. If I were to complain about something, I would say it's the lack of stores and everyday items. But even that's getting better with the Iberia Supermarket that was opened a couple of months ago in Higuey. It's not next door but it's a lot better than La Romana!
I'm currently working at PUNTACANA Resort & Club and basically don't have to spend money if I don't want to. Like many resorts, from a certain level up you get housing, 3 meals a day and some sort of transportation. However, you live on-site, and basically have to be available around the clock. That's life in tourism. Most of us have to work 11 days straight with 3 days off which at the beginning isn't easy but I've gotten to enjoy being off for 3 days. Other than that, life here is very different from the hectic life I used to lead in Santo Domingo. It's great to not have to watch my back all the time for purse snatchers and fight for a carro publico!!
For those who enjoy nightlife, Punta Cana may be a bit boring. In Punta Cana itself there isn't much to do, but you've got Bavaro not too far away that's a bit more lively but the distance gets tiring after a while. In Punta Cana, pretty much everything is far away even when you have a car. Now if you're like me, and a game of pool or bowling a week is enough, then you won't have any problem.
For all the rest, you have to keep in mind that Punta Cana/Bavaro is dedicated to tourism. It doesn't have much else besides resorts and the occasional little extra. For kids there are several good schools around but as far as I know, no college or university. There are a few good clinics but $$. As for work, unless you have an impressive job history or something that puts you apart from the rest (ex. 4 fluid languages), then you'll have to fight with dominicans to get a job and you'll get paid the same as them, which is not much.
Hope this answers some of your questions!