If you are relocating to Santo Domingo, here is some advice on how to go about finding housing. Whether you choose to live in the Dominican Republic full-time or part-time, this lovely nation has it all: Santo Domingo, the Caribbean's largest city, unspoiled beaches in Barahona, yachting enclaves on both the north and south coastlines, and the bustling resort town of Punta Cana.
When moving to Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital city, finding accommodation will definitely be one of your priorities. Unlike in the rest of the country, finding accommodation in Santo Domingo should not be difficult if you know where to start. Note, however, that rent prices in Santo Domingo can be pretty high as it is essentially a tourist city. You should also be quick enough to seize an opportunity as the local rental market's trends are constantly changing.
If you're considering relocating to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, but aren't sure where to start, our beginner's guide to all the do's and don'ts of living in this bustling city! For anybody wishing to spend a few months or years in Santo Domingo, there are many diverse neighborhoods and activities to do. Santo Domingo is also the center of numerous cultural events, conventions, seminars, and other activities where you may meet people and engage yourself in the Dominican way of life. You won't be lonely as a foreigner in Santo Domingo since many expats and digital nomads are living here, in addition to all the visitors.
The amount of time you want to spend in Santo Domingo might affect the cost of your lodging. Many landlords, for example, prefer someone who rents their apartment on a 6- to 12-month lease. Alternatively, you have the option of remaining here for less than that. If you talk to the owner and explain your circumstances, you don't always have to sign a lease at all. Also, if you agree to pay in cash a specific number of months in advance, you may be eligible for a discounted price! Here are some of the most excellent websites to look for your new dream home:
- Airbnb – This is an excellent place to begin. You may spend a week or two exploring several communities to determine which one is the best match for you. This is also an excellent approach to begin interacting with locals! If you genuinely enjoy the location, you might propose to the landlord an off-AirbnB deal at a lower fee;
- Mercado Libre – Users avoid the 12% commission/fees that Airbnb takes, and there are plenty of better long-term possibilities;
- Corotos – This is an excellent site to locate furnished or unfurnished flats. However, the majority of the time, the owners here require a 6-month minimum lease. If you don't want to commit to one location for an extended period of time, you can always work things out. This is also a fantastic site for sellers and buyers of products;
- Facebook groups – There's a whole variety of groups on Facebook where you may try to discover roommates or people renting their homes. Numerous people make use of Tu Casa RD;
- Take a stroll around town – As you go about the region where you wish to reside, you'll notice "For Rent" signs in front of houses. Because you're speaking directly to the owner rather than a hurried broker, this is a terrific method to negotiate a cheaper deal.
Neighborhoods in Santo Domingo
In Santo Domingo, there are numerous neighborhoods to select from. People tend to have a hard time choosing either La Zona Colonial or the Bella Vista Area. La Zona Colonial is a good choice for you if you enjoy walking around a lot and enjoy events, parties, and other activities. However, Bella Vista, which counts as "downtown" in Santo Domingo, offers all the necessities for daily life, such as gyms, physicians, shopping, and supermarkets. The following are the most popular neighborhoods:
Paraiso, Esperilla, Piantini, Naco, Evaristo Morales, Bella Vista, and Anacaona are Santo Domingo's most famous neighborhoods amongst expats. They host not only a range of accommodation options but also modern infrastructure and many facilities. However, rent prices can be quite high. In fact, rent prices in Santo Domingo vary according to the type of accommodation, neighborhood, and size, as well as the furniture and services provided. Hence, a modern apartment in a residential complex in the city center will definitely be expensive.
On the other hand, Arroyo Hondo, Cuesta Hermosa, Chefferies, Alameda, Los Rios, and Gazcue are quieter and more residential neighborhoods. Thanks to their pleasant climate and dynamic environment, these are ideal for expatriate families. Finally, Herrera, Haina, San Isidro, and Manoguayabo are more industrial areas.
Top districts in Santo Domingo
The Zona Colonial — Fantastic, but if you like to work out in a gym or enjoy shopping malls and such things, you will have to commute to the western side of Santo Domingo frequently. Furthermore, the rates for something more contemporary appear to be considerably higher here unless you select something more fundamental. You may be facing around $1000 monthly for rent.
Bella Vista — An expats' favorite district of Santo Domingo because it comes with many amenities like gyms, supermarkets, etc.
Gazcue – This rural yet easily accessible district is not far from the Colonial Zone and is perfect for vegetarians or vegans, as they will find plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Los Cacicazgos – A peaceful area adjacent to the magnificent Mirador del Sur Park.
Naco/Piantini is one of Santo Domingo's most "deluxe" districts and one of the most congested. It's noisy and crowded, but it's near to everything, so if you want all the options just a whisk away from your doorstep, this might be precisely the place for you!
How to move around Santo Domingo
This is perhaps the most frequent question expats ask when trying to gather information about life in Santo Domingo. Unless you're in the Zona Colonial or the Mirador del Sur Park, walking is just not common here due to the city's size. As a result, transportation is virtually always by automobile or motorcycle. Here are some alternatives:
- Uber – This is likely the safest (especially if you're a woman) and most cost-effective method of moving around Santo Domingo. The starting price is 90 Dominican pesos; alternatively, 30 pesos if you take the moto, which might also be your fastest choice. Watch out for discounts offered by many websites. Just look up Uber Discount and search through the list;
- Cabify – This app is indeed popular here. However, it's a touch more pricey than Uber. Others, though, maintain that it is occasionally cheaper. You really have to see for yourself and check all options before booking a ride;
- Metro – The metro in this city is newly designed (just under ten years) and quite reliable. Still, even though it exclusively travels through/to specific neighborhoods, it may be a convenient method to move around the city. Depending on whether you have a metro card, the fee ranges from 20 to 35 pesos;
- Teleferico – The teleferico in Santo Domingo is not only a lovely way to observe Santo Domingo from above; it is also how residents move from the capital's outskirts into the center. The best thing about it is that it doesn't cost a thing and is part of the subway system;
- Carritos (shared taxis) and Guaguas (buses) – These are shared transportation or taxis for people who go on the same trip as others. They may be found traveling up and down main roadways. Depending on the kind of car and route, the fee ranges between $35 pesos in 2024.
Lease in the Dominican Republic
It is recommended that you look for accommodation in Santo Domingo through a real estate agency. In fact, these professionals will make your search more accessible, especially if you do not have a good command of Spanish. Otherwise, you can still browse housing offers on general and specialized websites.
Once you have found accommodation according to your criteria, the following details have to be considered:
- you are required to find a guarantor or a creditworthy cosigner who will agree to settle the rent for you in case you are no longer able to do so;
- you must fill out the rental application, providing your bank account number and your identity documents as well as that of your guarantor or co-signer;
- the lease document will resume the owner's or property's manager and the tenant's details as well as further information on the property, the lease term, the purpose of the lease, the owner's and the tenant's responsibilities, the payment of public and private fees, non-compliance penalties, etc.
Important:
You are required to pay a deposit, which is usually equal to 2 months' rent, as well as a month's rent in advance.
Good to know:
According to the Dominican Act of 1948, a landlord cannot evict a tenant or rent increase unexpectedly. Where it applies, the owner must seek the tenant's written consent.
Amenities in the Dominican Republic
In neighborhoods such as Bella Vista, El Malecón, or Gazcue, which are very popular with tourists and expatriates, you are more likely to find housing units that are already connected to electricity, telephone, internet, and cable networks. Otherwise, fees applied for the installation and connection will be your responsibility.
Shopping malls
If you enjoy living in a big city, you probably also love its perks, such as colossal shopping malls!
These seem to be the most popular ones amongst international residents:
- Blue Mall – Expensive, high-class shopping;
- Agora Mall – Very crowded, although there are many different stores in just one area;
- Acropolis Mall Downtown Center Mall – Comes with an excellent VIP theatre upstairs as well.
Tip:
Whatever you cannot find in Santo Domingo, you can easily order online through the supermarkets.
Grocery stores
Depending on your lifestyle and diet, sometimes you will not be able to get all the groceries you need from the little stores that you can find around any corner. Even though we definitely recommend getting your vegetables and fruits from little street markets and vendors, if you are in need of some additional products, you can try some of these supermarkets: Jumbo, Bravo, El Nacional, Organica, La Sirena, and Almacenes Unidos are just some chains worth mentioning.
Santo Domingo coworking spaces
If you are working online, sometimes it gets pretty boring and lonely, most of the time, when you are working from home. The good thing about Santo Domingo is that you not only have the option to go to a coffee shop but also a pretty decent choice of coworking spaces.
Are you looking for more information about job opportunities in Santo Domingo? Head over to our article Work in Santo Domingo.
Top things to do in your free time in and around Santo Domingo
Visit the micro-theatre
The Microteatro Santo Domingo is a one-of-a-kind theater idea that features 15-minute plays written and performed by Dominican actors/writers about the local Dominican lifestyle, society, romance, and relationships. It occurs in a small, intimate, and occasionally active setting, frequently with only you and a dozen other viewers, plus the performers. The plays range from amusing to thought-provoking, with a wide range of styles and performances.
You can find them on Instagram via @microteatrosd.
Take a tour of Tres Ojos Park
Tres Ojos Park, translated in English as Three Eyes National Park, in the Dominican Republic is an environmental reserve with an open-air limestone cave system with a number of extremely clear lakes referred to as the "eyes". The park is situated in Santo Domingo, approximately a 10-minute drive from the historic Colonial Zone, and it offers a welcome relief from the rush of the city. These spectacular open-water caverns provide an additional understanding of the Dominican Republic's pre-colonial and ancient roots with a guided tour. Tres Ojos excursions cost roughly $50 per person but are definitely worth it.
Start your Sunday at the Chinese Market
Discover a unique combination of Chinese and Dominican culture in the Chinatown district of Santo Domingo. Each Sunday, a major outdoor market is held where Chinese and Dominican farmers and street sellers offer superb cuisine, drinks, and locally grown products. Chinese fruits and vegetables are cultivated in the Dominican Republic and are commonly unfamiliar to many Dominicans. It's an enthralling collision of two vastly different cultures. Furthermore, if you're still hungry or want to buy some particular Asian items, you must stop by one of the many stores and cafés.
Useful links:
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