Bavaro / Punta Cana - anyone live there?

InsanelyOne · #1 03-23-2009, 01:33 PM

I'm a frequent reader (and rather infrequent poster). I don't seem to see much activity in the fora from people in Bavaro / Punta Cana. Is the ex-pat community significantly smaller in the East Coast?

It's probably wishful thinking on my part (since I'm moving to Bavaro in May) but is the crime not as bad in the East as it is in SD and on the North Coast? I'm guessing it's more the fact that the tourists and ex-pats are cordoned off in the All-Inclusives and Condo communities and never interact with the locals.

Insight anyone?

Chirimoya · #2 03-23-2009, 01:40 PM

There is a handful of us here, yes. There is a sizeable expat population (I hesitate to use the term 'community') on the east coast but not that many are active DR1 posters.

You'll be pleased to hear that the crime rate in the area is lower, for the time being anyway. Where we live - Punta Cana Village - we are cordoned off to an extent. We are protected by a private security company but do not live behind gates and bars. The community is mainly Dominican so we definitely interact with locals. Foreigners are in the minority.

InsanelyOne · #3 03-23-2009, 05:11 PM

Thanks Chirimoya. I does seem the expat "community" on the east coast is less vocal.

Irina1 · #4 03-23-2009, 06:30 PM

I heard that there is a number of Russian people living there.

RD-Info · #5 03-23-2009, 08:45 PM

I lived there almost 2 years. it is expensive for normal living, but salaries are better, too, so it's the same. Criminal is less then in other parts, a lot of politur is there because a lot of tourists, and private security companies ,so less corruption, I guess. And a lot of locals work in hotels, normal salaries and food in hotels, so ... don't worry.

Chirimoya · #6 03-23-2009, 08:53 PM

It is more expensive, to the point that when we go to the capital or any other part of the country and eat in a restaurant we're pleasantly surprised when the bill arrives and it's 30-50% lower than we expect it to be.

laurajane · #7 03-23-2009, 10:02 PM

Hi

I live in the east of the island and work in Bavaro/Punta Cana, but i live in Higuey which is not a tourist area. Crime is much higher here than living in Bavaro, but whether it is higher or lower than similar area on the north or south coast i couldnt comment.

As Chirimoya said, expats are the minority so we do mix with locals, even more so here in Higuey. I only know a handful of expats here.

You will find living in Bavaro/Punta Cana is not typically Domnican, but it is not like staying on a resort either. I personally think its a great place for people to enjoy the laid back lifestyle, beaches, weather and so on without having to completley loose all sense of civilisation (and your mind!

).

laurajane · #8 03-23-2009, 10:05 PM

ALso....

As your a new member maybe you didnt realize there is actually an "East Coast" section. You will have more luck posting for info there and meet expats in the area.

Good luck with the move.

InsanelyOne · #9 03-24-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurajane

ALso....

As your a new member maybe you didnt realize there is actually an "East Coast" section. You will have more luck posting for info there and meet expats in the area.

Good luck with the move.

Thanks laurajane. Since the "East Coast" forum is under the Travel section I presumed it was intended for those traveling to the East Coast. Not for those living there (or getting ready to live there).

Chirimoya · #10 03-24-2009, 07:59 AM

The line between the two forums isn't that well-defined, but for the reasons you state your thread is fine for the Living Forum. I tend to move threads to the Travel/regional forums that are to do with information of interest for tourists to the area, even if it is a discussion between residents, like restaurants, etc.