North Coast of the Dominican Republic

Moving to the North Coast of the Dominican Republic was exciting and also a bit scary. This wasn’t going to be another week’s vacation but the beginning of a new lifestyle. Living in the Caribbean was a dream come true. We have lived in the DR for just over seven years and absolutely love it.

Our Reasons We Love Living in The DR…and You Will Too!

1. 365 Days of Summer

Playa Grande

The weather has been described as the “Endless Summer”. It is very easy to become accustomed to the warm and sunny weather. The North Coast, specifically Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosua, is considered a tropical climate zone. Typically, you can expect rain in the evenings which keeps plant-life green and lush. June to October are the warmest months, and January to March are cooler. To wake up  to the sun shining, tropical breezes, and blue skies never gets tiring.

2. Enjoying the Best Beach Destinations 

Sosua Beach

We love living minutes from so many beautiful beaches in the North Coast! Two of those beaches are considered the best in the Dominican: Cabarete and Sosua. Both beaches are unique in their own way. Sosua is a smaller beach and offers more of an authentic and native vibe. It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, SUP or just relaxing. The warm water is crystal clear, usually calm and always inviting.

Cabarete Beach is considered the water sport capital of the Caribbean. It is a surf town. The ongoing tropical breezes provide the perfect conditions for wind and kite surfing. We enjoy long walks on Cabarete Beach while watching all the kite and wind surfers glide along the top of the ocean. On most days, there will be a multitude of colourful kites flying high in the sky. Cabarete also hosts several large water-sport competitions every year. The Master of The Ocean is a well-recognized international event to watch and cheer-on the local athletes as they represent their home country, the Dominican Republic.

3. Buying Fresh Organic Fruit & Veggies All Year

Buying organic local fruit and vegetables is very inexpensive. Vendors are found along the side of the road loaded with their fresh produce such as: pineapple, bananas, watermelon, papaya, mango, cantaloupe, passion fruit, avocado, red and yellow peppers (which are sweet, crispy and so delicious), corn, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, etc. The DR has a very diverse geography and high in the mountains you will find a small town called Constanza, or the “highlands of the Dominican”. Here, they can grow colder type produce such as apples, strawberries, kale, cauliflower, spinach, potatoes and corn. Our grocery stores also carry a wide variety of local and imported produce. If you like to make your own homemade smoothies, you will not be disappointed by all the healthy options available.

4. Dining on the Beach in Cabarete

Cabarete Beach

The town of Cabarete is just one of those cool places that has plenty of international restaurants, small cafes, bakeries, beach-side grills and bars. Restaurants offer indoor seating, but the best part is dining on the beach while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean. Warm breezes, beautiful sunsets and the stars twinkling above make this a very special place to have a meal anytime of the day. If you are not hungry, you can simply chill on many of the large comfy couches while drinking your favourite beverage or two. Yep, this is Caribbean life.

5. Great Expat Community

Developing new friendships is an important aspect when moving overseas. We are very lucky to have a large expat community in Sosua and Cabarete. It is always great to meet someone from your hometown, or with the same “mindset” to hear their experiences and advice. Also, if you are thinking to start a new business, then living in a large expat community can be a definite benefit.  We have plenty of social activities, sporting events, the international jazz festival, cultural events, yoga classes, surf lessons, cooking classes, etc. We can be as busy as we like or just simply enjoy dinner with new friends.

6. Gardener’s Dream Come True

My garden

If you love to garden, then this is as close to paradise as it gets. During the day, our glass sliding doors open onto the backyard overlooking the pool and ravine. Smelling the sweet fragrance of gardenias, fruit blossoms, roses, and nicotiana (at night) is absolutely heaven. No more waiting for the spring to begin gardening and only enjoying your favourite blossoms for a few months. Everything grows very quickly and without much fertilizing. I have banana, lime, avocado, pineapple and papaya trees/plants. Seven foot hibiscus hedges provide us privacy; I could hardly keep one alive indoors when living in Canada. All the blossoms draw humming birds and butterflies. During the day , dragonflies dance over the pool, and at night, large fireflies dart through out the trees. This is definitely my Zen place.

7. No Shoveling Snow

No more shoveling snow in freezing cold temperatures. I think that is all I really need to say…Yeah!

8. Exploring

Punta Rucia

The DR has has some of the most beautiful beaches, over 14 national parks, eco-reserves, marine sanctuaries, quaint towns and large cities to explore. On our way back from Paradise Island in Punta Rucia (about 1.5 hours drive from our home in Sosua), our driver stopped at this small beach so we could get a closer inspection of the mangroves. Life is too short – get out there and explore!

9. Dominican Hospitality

Dominicans are very friendly, helpful and will always greet you with a welcoming smile. Family is extremely important and plays a vital role in day to day living. Last year while driving on a country road my truck decided to “conk out” on me and that is not the best feeling. Grabbing my cellphone l realized it was dead and Rich was out of town. I thought to myself don’t panic you can handle this.  I was glad I brought my dog Nickel with me for a car ride to keep me company. It was only a few minutes before I had a Dominican family stop and ask if they could help. I was so relieved and soon my truck was running again. Thank You Mario….!! 

Note: In October 2014, the Minister of Public Works introduced the MOPC, which is a highway patrol service for roadside assistance and protection. When driving on the North Coast, the MOPC is very visible and always willing to help.

10. Caribbean Living with Family & Friends

Caribbean Living in Cabarete

Life in the Dominican Republic is wonderful to share with our family and friends. There is always so much to see and do. We can spend a day at the beach, take a few surf lessons, have dinner at our favourite restaurant or enjoy a BBQ poolside at home. 

Rich and I live in a friendly and affordable gated community, Casa Linda Residencial, between Sosua and Cabarete. Dominican Republic real estate (Huffington Post – 5 Great Reasons To Live in the DR) is still the most affordable in the caribbean. If you would like more information on Caribbean living in the DR, please contact Rich at [email protected]

Written by Cathy Regan