Five Surprising Reasons People Are Choosing To Retire in the Dominican Republic
Imagine you made a decision to fulfill a lifelong goal: to retire in the Caribbean.
For you, that decision may mean spending the bulk of your year on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
As a condo owner, your concerns about maintenance are minimal and generally only a phone call away. Once a week you have a housekeeper that comes in and does a thorough cleaning. Most of your destinations throughout the day are within walking distance and for those that aren’t, they are a quick drive along the coast, just out of town.
Your days are filled with everything from yoga to art classes, early afternoon bingo at a local pub with friends to happy hour drinks on the beach. Your network of friends is robust and you realize that you feel a strong connection to where you now call home.
The decision to choose to retire in the Dominican Republic may seem obvious. However, beyond the obvious, there are many other residents here that will attest to the fact that there are a few surprising benefits about choosing, for example, the beach towns of Cabarete and Sosua, on the north coast as a retirement destination.
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Here are five reasons to consider the Dominican Republic as a retirement destination:
1. The relative affordability of purchasing a property and the cost of living
Compared to the rest of the Caribbean, property prices in the Dominican Republic are still relatively low. As stated in a recent article in the New York Times, luxury property prices in D.R. start at around $700 USD per square meter. Basic condos with considerable amenities are as low as $150,000 USD. Not only is this good news for would-be property owners looking to make the most of a fixed income, but it’s also a reflection of the investment potential for the years ahead.
2. The ease of owning a condo for both living and renting.
The Dominican Republic is a very popular vacation destination. Many condo owners choose to block out time each year to reside in their home and then trust respected property managers to handle lucrative rentals for them when they are not in the country.
3. Affordable and thorough health care is within a few minute’s reaches of most residential areas.
At the top of mind of many retirees is quality health care. This is more than understandable – and on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, it’s a pleasant reassurance. Private, effective health care is accessible in Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Cabarete.
In addition to medical care, there are chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, naturopathic doctors and massage therapy clinics. There are an active health provider community and numerous health fairs throughout the year where local residents can meet and learn about what’s available in the community for them to access and benefit from.
4. An extensive selection of groceries and fabulous restaurants.
Due to the cultural diversity on the north coast, there is a wide variety of grocery stores and restaurants. There is also an emphasis on healthy alternatives and many businesses that support a holistic, healthy lifestyle. The restaurant industry is a direct reflection of the cultural diversity in the community and many residents enjoy a rich dining experience.
5. An easygoing and welcoming community.
One can’t underestimate the power of relationships and connections. Time and again, what is most often spoken about on the north coast is the connection of the community, the strength of the bonds and the sense of belonging that is accessible to all who choose to settle in and connect. The population on the north coast is a reflection of the global village. Residents and short-term visitors alike are from all over the world. This global representation helps to create rich and diverse relationships and cultural connections.
To find out more about what a retirement property can look like for you in the Dominican Republic, contact us today.
Sabine A Mertes-Urbahn