Re: thanks for the link...
wtf2001 said:
THe school is one of the biggest reasons we are considering Sosua moreso than Cabarete at the moment. We would like to find something within reasonable distance of all the support infrastructure (grocery, school, social venues, *beach - if even possible).
If the beach were not within a 30 minute walk, we would want something higher on the hills or mountains that still had some nice vistas, if not of the ocean.
I have never really considered S.D. since we do not prefer city living. I have lived in Chicago and L.A., so would like to avoid repeat. The north area seems appealing in general moreso than a larger population.
I appreciate the advice this thread is generating. I assure you I invest several hours a day researching our interests, and this board is a huge benefit not just to me but for the rest of the forum community.
Gary and Kim
If you are going to live in Casa Linda you WILL NEED A CAR. Don't let anyone tell you that you won't need it unless you want to live like you did before you got a drivers license and depended on your mom and dad. There aren't taxis or motorconchos up at Casa Linda at your beck and call. You cannot walk to the beach from Casa Linda unless you are a power walker along with the 6 year old. Even if your 6 year old could make the walk school isn't so great for a tired sweaty kid every day.
IF you have a car, living in Cabarete and have your child in the International School in Sosua is just as convienent. Only 5 minutes longer than Casa Linda to the school. You cannot reasonably walk to the school from CL every day. You will pay more for taxis than a cheap car. Check out the bulletin board at the big supermarket in Sosua for notices of cars for sale.
I would suggest that you budget a few thousand for a temp car as well as everything else you are budgeting for. You can't see the country without one unless you want to live your life around public transportation which isn't much better than a cattle car in a lot of cases. There are great cheap busses but that is really only for longer trips. There are those without cars that only take public transportation and highly recommend that. If you have the financial choice get wheels.
I have taken the Caribee Tours bus from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo and it was a lovely inexpensive trip. Comfortable seats and a movie in English. All for about 4 bux us. Cant beat it.
You then have to take cabs all around which is expensive or have someone on the other end pick you up as I did. To truly see the country get a car. Let me try to express myself better, BUY A CAR freakin car and you will be way more happy
First two trips to Sosua I didn't rent a car. I wanted to get to know the town and walking is a great way to do this. After that I rented so I could see the whole general area and later the whole general country. I have since bought a car now that I am there more than 100 days a year now and probably closer to 200 days this year.
Scott