Once we decided to move to the Dominican Republic, the next question was where to build our everyday life. We considered Santo Domingo, a beach town, La Vega, and Jarabacoa. Each appealed to us for different reasons. Santiago kept coming back to the top of the list.
I wanted a city with room to build a business, education options for our family, and access to the places where I feel most at peace: the mountains.
Santo Domingo felt like more city than we wanted
Santo Domingo was worth considering. As the capital, it appealed to me for its size and potential business opportunities. But when I pictured the life we’re trying to build, it felt like more city than I wanted.
We’re hoping to slow down while still having things to do and opportunities to work. Based on our research so far, Santiago feels closer to that balance.
I haven’t visited the Dominican Republic yet, so these are the reasons behind our decision—not a review of life there. We’ll find out how our expectations hold up once we arrive.
Why we didn’t choose a beach town
Living near the beach was tempting. I want to spend time on the coast, especially for kite surfing and other beach activities. But the mountains matter just as much to me, and I wanted a larger city as our home base.
A smaller coastal town might offer a lifestyle we’d enjoy, but I also want access to a substantial local population as we explore business ideas. Santiago seemed to give us more room for that, while keeping trips to the coast part of the plan.
We still need to check the actual drive from whichever neighborhood we choose. Travel time depends on the destination, route, and traffic; I don’t want to build our daily plans around the most optimistic estimate.
La Vega and Jarabacoa were part of the conversation
We considered La Vega, too. It felt like a smaller-city option, while I was leaning toward a bigger population and a broader range of opportunities.
Jarabacoa had an obvious pull for me. The mountains, rivers, and outdoor activities are a big part of why the Dominican Republic appeals to me in the first place.
But choosing a home also means thinking about education and the commute that comes with it. We hadn’t identified the right education arrangement for our needs in Jarabacoa, and I didn’t want a long daily drive to become part of the life we’re trying to simplify.
Santiago looked like a more practical starting point. For me, that means finding a university and confirming whether my chosen program can be supported by my VA education benefits. For the kids, we want local bilingual schools where they can learn the language, build friendships, and become part of the culture. Those education needs—and keeping the daily commute manageable—are important parts of choosing where we live.
A city with the mountains within reach
Santiago is the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city and sits in the Cibao region, surrounded by mountains and valleys. That setting is a major part of the appeal for me.
Jarabacoa is one of the places I’m most excited to explore. The Dominican Republic’s official tourism guide lists it as approximately an hour from Santiago, with rivers, waterfalls, and activities such as rafting. Our actual trip will depend on where we live and where we’re going.
I want to explore beyond Jarabacoa, too. There are other mountain areas to discover, and that possibility means a lot to me.
The mountains are where I feel most connected to God. They’re my peaceful place. Having opportunities to spend time there is part of how I want to live, alongside work and family responsibilities.
What we need from our neighborhood
The city is only the first decision. The neighborhood will shape our everyday experience.
We want a place that feels comfortable for our family, with manageable access to education and the things we use regularly. I want to look carefully at safety, the surrounding streets, and what the commute actually feels like.
We’ll need to evaluate those details in person. A neighborhood can look appealing online and still be a poor fit for our routines.
Santiago’s restaurants, cultural life, and city amenities are also part of what interests us. We want room to explore and try things while establishing a routine that works for our family.
Why Santiago won—for now
Santiago brings together the things I kept coming back to: a larger city, potential business opportunities, education options to investigate, and a location that lets us plan time in both the mountains and on the coast.
We’re still in the planning stage. We haven’t chosen our home, confirmed every education detail, or lived a normal week there yet. Those are the next steps.
For now, Santiago feels like the strongest starting point for the life we want to build. I’m looking forward to finding out what that looks like beyond the research and the planning.
Read the beginning of our story: Why We’re Moving to the Dominican Republic.
Planning references: Santiago and Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism.
Be wild at last.
—Michael
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