The Dominican Republic may not immediately come to mind as a best place to live. But why shouldn't it. Its uncrowded beaches and warm waters are as nice as they come, and it so close to the U.S., travel there is easy.

Amenities and conveniences? In Santo Domingo, you’ll find Tony Roma’s, Outback Steakhouse, the Gap, Radio Shack, Price Smart, supermarkets, brand new English-language movie theaters, Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses, and modern medical facilities. Pretty much anything you might need is here.

Real estate prices? The Dominican Republic offers some of the most affordable real estate in the entire Caribbean, far below those of the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Aruba. Prices for a home close to the beach or a brand new luxury apartment can still be found in the $100,000 range, compared to $300,000 and more elsewhere.

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic are found along the southern coast between Santo Domingo and La Romana. Here, you’ll find Boca Chica, where you can wade 100 yards from shore in crystal-clear waters and still be only waist deep with nothing but soft clean sand underfoot – a perfect place for families with children. But the nightlife is what Boca Chica is known for, it's a swinging singles destination.

Further east along the southern coast is the immense Casa de Campo – the grand-daddy of all Caribbean resort/residential communities – with its famous Teeth of the Dog Pete Dye-designed golf course, considered THE class course of the Caribbean and ranked #23 in the world by Golf Magazine. READ MORE...

Sosua!