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While I very much appreciate this topic, I will not share my experiences.  I have been here 21 1/2 years and much has changed!  Let's hear about more recent experiences!

@Cheryl

came to the DR over 30 years ago,not to stay but worked for an American company that used a contractor in the Puerto Plata Free Zone. Long story short as they say wound up working for contractor. DR very different place back then then what it is today. people friendly,more carefree than now. Of course it helped that I was bilingual. Stayed 10 years , and left . But knew I would retire here. Traveled back and forth.have been living as retiree for the past 5 years.As anyone else who has been here for some time the DR can be frustrating,but overall the people take things in stride. The caveat unless you have genuine family and friends never let your guard down. Bottom line you will always be a stranger in a strange land

@Cheryl

I've lived here since December 2019. I couldn't be happier. The pandemic was hmmm, much easier to deal with being here. I'm not saying that every province or city had the same experience however, here in Juan Dolio I never wore a mask, gloves or had a vaccine. I took my trusted friend ivermectin and I was never sick even after my 3 heart attacks while in Canada.

If you are coming here and expect to have qualified or quality workmanship for things like home repairs or renovations, bring your crew. Educated and skilled professional trades people, I find don't exist here.

All that negative stuff aside,  I'm extremely happy and safe here. I'm fluent in in French and Spanish so that helps a lot I can walk freely and unafraid in the barrios or wherever I go. The cost of living for Canadians is more than satisfactory and affordable. While many would say similar things about their home country there are so many wonderful and beautiful places to see and enjoy here.

I thought I might experience some challenges after retiring from the Canadian Air Force but I never struggled quite frankly.

Hospitals here like every hospital in Canada has concerns with lengthy waiting lines however, all the medical staff are well educated with good bed side manners.

All in all, I never looked back mostly because I promised myself to never see snow again. I have numerous Dominican friends scattered all over the island. I've been to more places here then many Dominicans.. Punta Cana is too busy for me and too many tourists. You can get away from all that hustle and bustle in Dominicus or Bayahibe for example, a short drive from Punta Cana. My favorite area is still Puerta Plata, Playa Dorada and las Terrenas although I decided to live here in Juan Dolio. Geographically I'm only 20 minutes from Las Americas, 15 minutes from San Pedro de Macorís where I do most of my shopping and 30-40 minutes from La Romana..