Where's the best beach town for long term stay?

[Suez02]

I agree that Punta Cana has everything you are looking for.

 

[yb1]

Bayahibe fits your criteria.
1. relatively safe Yes
2. close to excellent scuba and snorkel spots - yes. do a google image search for "bayahibe dive map". good snorkeling off the beach. 3 or 4 good dive outfits in town.
3. can live walking distance to beautiful beaches for under $1000 a month all accommodation in Bayahibe and Dominicus is within walking distance of the beach. yes under $1000 pm, average 600 for 2bd apt. There are also apart-hotels that have apartments for rent long or short term.
4. able to do our shopping in town Yes local supermarket is pretty well stocked. easy to find fresh fruit, veggies and fish. Decent bakery (Trigo de Oro) in Dominicus 5 minute guagua ride away. 25 minutes drive away is La Romana with pharmacies and large well stocked supermarkets - Jumbo, Iberia, PlazaLama etc. Several inexpensive restaurants around the 2 bays.
5. good internet connection (husband works online) yes

 

[DannyS]

North Coast is great! Cabarete is a nice little town

Yes North coast is great if you want to surf or ride the wind especially in Nov/Dec but the poster mentions scuba/snorkling and I would not recommend the Atlantic on the northside in the winter for those activities.

 

[Heidi]

Wow! Those condos look perfect for our situation. Thanks so much. We had friends that lived in Sosua and loved it!

Take a look at Condos Domincano in Sosua: Condos Dominicano :: El Batey, Sosua, Dominican Republic Their advertised price for 2 bedrooms is within your budget. You can walk from there to shopping and to Sosua Beach. Quiet neighborhood, just a few blocks from center of town.

Wherever you decide on, you will need to reserve soon. Your dates are getting you into what we call the high season and demand picks up, also the prices.