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Hi Sabrina. I live and work in Santo Domingo Domingo.

No you can't live near a beach and commute honey, way too far and traffic will kill you.

Piantini is a very expensive part of town.  We need to look at budget and transportation options first. I would prefer to keep that info private. I will message you.

Traffic in SD gets worse every day. In the capital there is value in living close or living on a transit route. Our Metro subway system is pretty good.  There is a fleet of new green busses hitting the streets and new overhead tramway is operational. It appears the govt is trying to get the situation under control. I don't believe they will ever succeed but they are helping.  The additional lengthening of line 2 of the metro goes live tomorrow!

My wife and i just completed a 12-day trip to the DR -- primarily looking for an investment property.  I'm certainly not an expert, but can share such conclusions as we reached. 

First, our results are oriented toward apartments/condos, as that is where the reasonable pricing is.  If you desire a home...you are talking lots of money in Santo Domingo.  I would caution against that unless very sure your new job is secure over the long term.  Rent or buy a modest apartment initially, and if everything works out you can upgrade later, perhaps even renting out the old one.

Second, EVERYONE we spoke with strongly recommended Piantini as tops for quality, safety and atmosphere.   You will feel safe walking those streets, and the nearby shopping and restaurants are high-quality. Piantini also seems to be the center of town, financially and new business-wise -- lots of nearby jobs.  Piantini thus won't be cheap by any stretch. 

Third, the adjacent Naco neighborhood came in second in recommendations and our investigation.  Naco is less expensive than Piantini, but also is clearly less-polished, a bit rougher around the edges.  It is greener than Piantini, but the traffic is heavier and the folks walking the streets are more blue collar.  Naco does seem to be booming and the newer construction seems aimed at higher quality (and incomes).  Naco will probably evolve into Piantini II, but also always stay a step or behind. 

BOTTOM LINE:  If we were looking for a personal residence, we would choose Piantini.  Investment-wise, I would choose Naco.  Piantini would be a great place for an investment, too, but the pricing currently provides slimmer returns.

Hope all that helps. 

Jim
Aka ExpatRusher

You need to be aware that if your office is based in Piantini (as mine was a few years ago), be prepared for a horrendous drive home if you choose to live, north of JFK and beyond or south of 27 de Febrero and beyond.

Frankly for a job in Piantini, ask to work flexible hours starting before 8am and leaving the office before 5pm, or live in Piantini or Naco.

I could not ever envisage that because the area is trapped amongst Churchill, Lincoln, JFK and 27th.

Bella Vista and nearby the Mirador Sur park is a better area imo and at least at weekends one can quickly escape the city, via 30 de Mayo and west and north using the toll ring road from Haina.

Knowing the traffic issues in SD should be a prime decision maker when moving there.

@SabrinaRodrigues

Beter find some very close to job in your budget rent or buy

I don't know how people find these to respond but I always get fooled reading it then realizing it was from almost 7 years ago!

@DRVisitor

Yes, it's old.  I had forgetten I has posted in this particular thread (it has me under a "GuestVisitor" heading for some reason). 

Looking back on this 2018 thread, I can only say everyone's opinion has been validated:

1. Piantini has gotten more expensive and congested, as has Naco.
2. Traffic is even worse now, based on our 17 days in Piantini and Bella Vista in February. 
3. If you're planning to work in the city, TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC should be your #1 criteria.
4. If you're planning to live in/near Piantini or Naco... and I would now include Bella Vista, as well... TRANSPORTATION & TRAFFIC SHOULD BE YOUR #1 CRITERIA.
5. Back in 2018, Bella Vista was charming, not too traffic-y, very nice.  Since then, a lot of new shops and restaurants have been added, plus new residential buildings put up.  Parking is now horrendous (used to be not too bad, but now it is AWFUL).   THE TRAFFIC IS MIND-NUMBING!! 
6. If you're buying or renting a residence, PARKING may be your #1 issue anywhere in Piantini, Naco or Bella Vista.
7. Trust me, you CANNOT count on street parking.   Make sure you have a spot in a garage!! 
8. Taking Ubers -- new in 2018 but prolific by 2025 -- eases the burden of dealing with parking and avoiding driving in horrid conditions... but Ubers are also a LOT more expensive now, too.  Still cheaper, safer and better than taxis, though.
9. And Ubers don't get there any faster... and you're paying for their time sitting in traffic.

We have the luxury of being retired and comfortable income-wise... but it still doesn't solve the traffic/congestion issues.   

We will be revisiting all of the locations and housing options, soon.  Our application for naturalization (citizenship) has been APPROVED; we're now just waiting to be sworn in and to obtain our passports!!

1. We were unwilling to consider relocating until we had citizenship completed...
2. But now, we'll be readdressing it in detail. 

Best to everyone, both old hats and new users.  There is a LOT to like about the Dominican Republic, and we're glad to be joining as full citizens!!

@Tomyroni

Very old thread honey.

@ExpatRusher

The traffic is bad!

Why is anyone replying to the thread from 2018????