12 Scenic Places in the Dominican Republic That Are Perfect for Settling Down (2026 Guide)

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to turquoise water, warm breezes, and the kind of sunshine that instantly improves your mood, the Dominican Republic will feel like paradise wrapped in practicality. It’s one of the most beautiful — and surprisingly livable — countries in the Caribbean. Expats love it for its low cost of living, friendly local culture, strong expat communities, affordable healthcare, and year-round summer.

But here’s the thing: the DR isn’t one type of lifestyle. You can live beachfront with a cocktail in hand, settle in a lush mountain valley, move to a surf town, or choose a colonial city steeped in history. It’s a country with many personalities — and if you’re thinking about relocating, you’ll want to know which part fits your life best.

After spending time exploring these regions and talking to expats who now call the DR home, here are the 12 most scenic, comfortable, and livable places to settle down in the Dominican Republic.

1. Punta Cana — The All-In-One Paradise for Easy Living

If you want postcard beaches, modern condos, and a place where everything “just works,” Punta Cana is your best bet. It’s clean, organized, and built for comfort — but it still feels Caribbean at heart.

Why Punta Cana is perfect for expats:

• Some of the safest beaches in the DR
  
• Dozens of gated communities
  
• A major international airport
  
• Fantastic healthcare clinics
  
• Restaurants, shopping, gyms, nightlife — all easy to access
  

It’s especially ideal for retirees, families, and remote workers who want to live beautifully without the learning curve that often comes with moving abroad.

Lifestyle vibe: resort-style living with all the conveniences you could want.

2. Las Terrenas — The European-Flavored Beach Town Everyone Falls in Love With

Las Terrenas is one of those places you visit for a weekend and suddenly you’re scrolling property listings. It’s gorgeous, relaxed, and full of French and Italian expats, giving the whole town a cosmopolitan yet beachy vibe.

What you’ll love:

• Miles of swaying palm beaches
  
• International restaurants everywhere
  
• Affordable beachfront apartments
  
• Artisanal bakeries and cafés
  
• A very safe, walkable center
  

Las Terrenas has its own rhythm — soft, warm, slightly bohemian — and it attracts people who want beauty without losing lifestyle quality.

3. Cabarete — The Coolest Beach Town for Active, Social Expats

If your perfect day includes kitesurfing, volleyball at sunset, and meeting people from around the world, Cabarete will feel like home immediately.

Why people move here:

• The world-famous kitesurfing beach
  
• Young, active expat community
  
• Tons of yoga, surf, and wellness studios
  
• Lively bars and beachfront restaurants
  

Cabarete is perfect for digital nomads, long-term travelers, and anyone who wants a social, energetic, wellness-forward lifestyle.

Vibe: sporty, international, fun.

4. Sosúa — A Relaxed Coastal Town with One of the Best Beaches on the North Coast

Sosúa is often overlooked, but that’s exactly why expats love it. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and more affordable than Punta Cana or Las Terrenas.

You’ll find:

• A large long-term expat community
  
• Warm, friendly locals
  
• Beautiful calm-water beaches
  
• Great international food options
  
• Affordable villas and apartments
  

It’s ideal if you want beach life with a slightly slower pace — but still enough convenience to live comfortably.

5. Santiago de los Caballeros — The Big City Without the Stress

Not everyone wants beach life. Santiago, the second-largest city in the DR, offers a laid-back urban lifestyle backed by mountains and surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Why it’s a great place to settle:

• Excellent healthcare and hospitals
  
• Modern malls and dining
  
• Lower cost of living than coastal towns
  
• Safe, upscale neighborhoods
  
• Cooler weather than the coasts
  

This is where professionals, families, and long-term expats choose to settle when they want comfort, culture, and convenience — without beach-town crowds.

6. Santo Domingo (Zona Colonial & Piantini) — Culture, History, and Modern Luxury

The capital is busy, bold, and full of life. While not as calm as the coastal towns, Santo Domingo offers the most cosmopolitan lifestyle in the country.

Settle here if you want:

• High-end condos with ocean views
  
• Michelin-level dining
  
• Nightlife, art, museums, theaters
  
• Walkable, charming historic districts
  
• Fast internet + best job opportunities
  

Best neighborhoods:

• Piantini (modern, luxury living)
  
• Naco (central, convenient, upscale)
  
• Zona Colonial (historic, romantic, artistic)
  

This is the heartbeat of the DR — perfect for city lovers.

7. Jarabacoa — Mountain Living That Feels Like a Breath of Fresh Air

If you’re craving cool weather, green scenery, and fresh mountain air, Jarabacoa is your dream destination.

Best for: nature lovers, adventure seekers, eco-living fans.

What makes it special:

• Stunning rivers and waterfalls
  
• Pleasant year-round climate (60–75°F)
  
• A peaceful, safe environment
  
• Affordable mountain homes
  
• A tight-knit expat community
  

Living in Jarabacoa feels like living inside a nature documentary — peaceful, vibrant, and deeply grounding.

8. Constanza — The “Alps” of the Dominican Republic

Constanza sits at one of the highest elevations in the Caribbean. The result? Crisp mountain weather, fertile valleys, and views that genuinely take your breath away.

Why expats love Constanza:

• The coolest climate in the DR
  
• Fresh produce, farms, and green landscapes
  
• Quiet, rural, low-cost living
  
• Very safe and family-oriented
  

If you want serenity and nature but with a small-town charm, Constanza is one of the most underrated gems in the country.

9. Bávaro — Punta Cana’s Young, Energetic Neighbor

Technically part of the Punta Cana region, Bávaro has its own personality — less touristy, more local, but still full of amenities.

Why Bávaro works well for settling down:

• Beautiful beaches that feel less crowded
  
• Tons of condos at reasonable prices
  
• Great restaurants and nightlife
  
• Easy access to schools, clinics, and shopping
  

It’s perfect for young professionals, remote workers, and families who want Punta Cana convenience without the resort-heavy vibe.

10. Puerto Plata — Affordable Coastal Living with Mountain Backdrops

Puerto Plata is a bigger city with a beach-town personality. It’s one of the most budget-friendly coastal areas in the DR, making it ideal for long-term living.

Expect:

• Beautiful beaches + lush mountains
  
• A major airport close by
  
• Low cost of living
  
• A growing expat community
  
• Colorful Victorian buildings and strong local culture
  

If you want real Dominican energy combined with ocean life, Puerto Plata is hard to beat.

11. Samaná — A Wild, Tropical Peninsula Straight Out of a Movie

Samaná is one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the Caribbean. It’s dramatic, green, and raw — perfect for those who want nature above everything else.

Why it’s perfect for settling down:

• Secluded beaches
  
• Lush forests and waterfalls
  
• Whale-watching seasons
  
• A slower, quieter lifestyle
  
• Affordable land and houses
  

This is the Dominican Republic at its most magical — perfect for retirees, couples, and nature lovers seeking tranquility.

12. La Romana — Luxury, Golf, and Glorious Coastlines

La Romana is home to Casa de Campo, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious gated communities, along with miles of stunning beaches and calm waters.

You’ll love La Romana if you want:

• High-end villas
  
• World-class golf
  
• A quiet, upscale environment
  
• Marinas, private beaches, and refined dining
  

From retirees to high-income expats, La Romana delivers luxury without the chaos of a major city.

Final Thoughts: So Where Should You Settle in the Dominican Republic?

It depends on the lifestyle you’re chasing:

Want easy beach living?

Punta Cana, Bávaro, Sosúa

Prefer a more international, stylish vibe?

Las Terrenas, Cabarete

Craving city life?

Santo Domingo, Santiago

Love mountains and cool weather?

Jarabacoa, Constanza

Want affordable coastal charm with strong local culture?

Puerto Plata, Samaná

Chasing upscale comfort and luxury?

La RomanaThe Dominican Republic is one of those rare places where you can actually choose your quality of life — ocean, mountains, city, or a quiet village — and still enjoy the same warm culture, incredible natural beauty, and cost-friendly lifestyle.