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Expat Exchange - Pros & Cons of Living in Cabarete 2024
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Pros & Cons of Living in Cabarete

By Betsy Burlingame

InsideDR Concierge
InsideDR Concierge

Summary: If you're considering a move to Cabarete, this article discusses the pros and cons of living in Cabarete.

Thinking about moving to Cabarete? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Cabarete.

Located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabarete is a town that's known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and adventurous water sports. It's a place that attracts tourists from all over the world, but what is it like to actually live there? Like any place, living in Cabarete has its pros and cons. Let's delve into the details to give you a comprehensive view of life in this tropical paradise.

Pros of Living in Cabarete, Dominican Rep

One of the biggest advantages of living in Cabarete is undoubtedly its natural beauty. The town is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical forests. It's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy surfing, hiking, or simply lounging on the beach, there's always something to do.

Speaking of activities, Cabarete is known as the kiteboarding capital of the world. The consistent winds and warm waters make it an ideal location for this exciting sport. There are numerous kiteboarding schools in the area, such as Kite Club Cabarete and Laurel Eastman Kiteboarding, where you can learn and perfect your skills.

Another advantage of living in Cabarete is the cost of living. Compared to many other countries, the Dominican Republic is quite affordable. You can rent a comfortable apartment near the beach for a fraction of what you would pay in a city like New York or London. Eating out is also inexpensive, with a wide variety of local and international cuisine available at reasonable prices.

The local community in Cabarete is another big plus. The town has a diverse mix of locals and expats from all over the world. This creates a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere that's both welcoming and exciting. There are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends, whether it's at a local bar, a yoga class, or a community event.

Finally, the quality of life in Cabarete is generally high. The pace of life is relaxed, the weather is warm all year round, and there's a strong emphasis on enjoying life. Whether it's dancing to live music on the beach, enjoying a meal with friends, or watching the sunset over the ocean, there's a sense of joy and contentment that permeates the town.

Cons of Living in Cabarete, Dominican Rep

While there are many advantages to living in Cabarete, there are also some downsides. One of the main challenges is the language barrier. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic. If you don't speak Spanish, you may find it difficult to communicate in certain situations or to fully integrate into the local community.

Another potential downside is the lack of certain amenities and services. While Cabarete has many of the basics, such as supermarkets and medical clinics, it doesn't have the same level of infrastructure as a larger city. For example, there are no major hospitals or shopping malls in Cabarete. If you need specialized medical care or want to do some serious shopping, you'll need to travel to a larger city like Puerto Plata or Santiago.

The cost of electricity is another issue. While the cost of living in the Dominican Republic is generally low, electricity is surprisingly expensive. This is due to the country's reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation. As a result, you may find that your electricity bill is higher than you're used to.

While Cabarete is generally safe, crime can be a concern. Like any place, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists can be common, so it's important to be vigilant and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings.

Finally, while the relaxed pace of life in Cabarete can be a big plus, it can also be a downside if you're used to a more structured lifestyle. Things tend to move slowly in the Dominican Republic, and this can be frustrating if you're used to a fast-paced, efficient lifestyle. It's not uncommon for appointments to start late, for shops to close unexpectedly, or for things to take longer than expected.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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