My husband has done some business in the DR, fell in love with the country and the people and would like to relocate the family there from Texas. I have done some research and read the "newbie" posts but still have a few questions:
1. Schools - After research of the schools, I would like to send my kids to either Carol Morgan or ISS. My husband was told that there is an International School in Juan Dolio but I couldn't find a link to it (Villas Del Mar) - maybe it doesn't exist anymore? My children don't speak any Spanish and have been sheltered in their lives - living only in California, Virginia, Florida, and Texas. I would like for them to experience the DR culture but would like the schooling to be a smooth transition. Suggestions? Anything in Juan Dolio or Punta Cana? I found information on CMS and it said $13000 USD up front for enrollment for my 3 children and then $1500/month for all?? I can handle the monthly fee but is this "up front one-time fee" correct?
2. Location/Housing - It seems like the best place for our family would be the Northern Coast (Puerto Plata or Sosua) but my husband wants to purchase in Juan Dolio or Punta Cana. What kind of house would appx $150,000/yr USD buy in each of these places beachfront (actual cost of home, not annual income - annual income will be more)? How many bedrooms/baths? Fencing? Which is the best City for us (Americans who have no experience out of the US) to relocate to? My husband has made good friends in Boca Chica and Santo Domingo but after reading posts on these cities, I would prefer to live elsewhere, more family friendly. My children are 13, 13, and 10. We like the "suburban living" instead of the rat race of city life.
3. Cost of living - How much USD does it cost to hire a driver? Do you provide the vehicle for him/her?
I'm sorry for all of the questions but I am very nervous about leaving my "safe haven" and comfortable lifestyle that I've grown accustomed to but at the same time, I'm ready for the adventure and to have my family experience the culture - I'd just like to be ready for what's ahead and make the best decisions.
Thank you for any tips that you can give me. Take Care.
1. Schools - After research of the schools, I would like to send my kids to either Carol Morgan or ISS. My husband was told that there is an International School in Juan Dolio but I couldn't find a link to it (Villas Del Mar) - maybe it doesn't exist anymore? My children don't speak any Spanish and have been sheltered in their lives - living only in California, Virginia, Florida, and Texas. I would like for them to experience the DR culture but would like the schooling to be a smooth transition. Suggestions? Anything in Juan Dolio or Punta Cana? I found information on CMS and it said $13000 USD up front for enrollment for my 3 children and then $1500/month for all?? I can handle the monthly fee but is this "up front one-time fee" correct?
2. Location/Housing - It seems like the best place for our family would be the Northern Coast (Puerto Plata or Sosua) but my husband wants to purchase in Juan Dolio or Punta Cana. What kind of house would appx $150,000/yr USD buy in each of these places beachfront (actual cost of home, not annual income - annual income will be more)? How many bedrooms/baths? Fencing? Which is the best City for us (Americans who have no experience out of the US) to relocate to? My husband has made good friends in Boca Chica and Santo Domingo but after reading posts on these cities, I would prefer to live elsewhere, more family friendly. My children are 13, 13, and 10. We like the "suburban living" instead of the rat race of city life.
3. Cost of living - How much USD does it cost to hire a driver? Do you provide the vehicle for him/her?
I'm sorry for all of the questions but I am very nervous about leaving my "safe haven" and comfortable lifestyle that I've grown accustomed to but at the same time, I'm ready for the adventure and to have my family experience the culture - I'd just like to be ready for what's ahead and make the best decisions.
Thank you for any tips that you can give me. Take Care.