I can agree with what others have posted.
After some 56 years here, I can say I have never felt "unsafe", but then I am a very quiet person, generally speaking. I do not party or go out to dance and carouse.
I do love Santiago and there are some great locations in town and on the periphery that provide safety, and peace and quiet.
If you are retired, you need to be close to health care: eye, teeth and body. All that is available in Santiago with good people.
I think rental is a goodthing at first, until you get a feel for things: Jarabacoa--mountains, golf, strawberries, swimmin in cold rivers, is just 40 minutes away. Beaches, quiet or noisy are 1.5 hours away until they finish the 4 lane highway. Even La Ensenada is only about 1:45 away, unless you stop often for beers (guilty).
Big getaway weekend? Go to Punta Cano, or go fishing with Mike, or go to Samana or La Romana..
If you need some help, just PM any of us here and we will help.
Cordially,
HB