gkwylie
6/17/2013 12:23 EST
We're considering purchasing a vacation condo in the Las Terrenas area, which will eventually become our retirement home in +- 5 years. How safe is Las Terrenas? We've heard some conflicting information. Thanks!
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lindsdefeliz
6/17/2013 13:00 EST
I do not live there, live elsewhere in the DR, but yes it has become less safe. There have been several murders of expats over the last couple of years in common with some other areas. I would not say it is the most dangerous place in the DR,but is suffering similar levels of crime to other tourist areas.
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gkwylie
6/18/2013 10:19 EST
Thanks for the reply. Anyone else familiar specifically with Las Terrenas?
We currently reside in a suburb of Chicago, and there are definitely areas of Chicago where crime (especially murder) is a very, very serious concern. However, where we live, it's actually very safe. Are there safer towns in the DR, if Las Terrenas is not?
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dodger2619
6/20/2013 09:58 EST
Las Terrenas, like any other town in DR have the same problems for Americans wanting to live here. I live in Jarabacoa, in the Provence of LaVega. It's in the mountains. I moved here to be away from the crime and excessive loud noise from disco music in Santo Domingo. There is less traffic here, however the music noise is ten times worst due to every other young person with a car has giant disco speakers in there SUV or car and BLAST the Speakers to the top of the volume level when driving. This is daily. On several midweek nights starting at 9pm. they blast the music until about 5am. My house sits 100 yards from the road, and the music shakes my house. I'm retired, and at one time managed a disco in the 70's. Even for an old rocker like me, who love music this is outradgeous. I'm now working on my third real estate agent in 8 months, trying to find a safe quiet house. We move in ten days from now to our third house. I suggest that you rent first. Before you rent your condo, hire an attorney who speaks fluent English. I repeat, fluid English. You will need the attorney to negotiate the terms of your lease and get the agreement/contract in both English and Spanish. That's the Law here, however the landlords and real estate agents do not want to follow this law, because the tennents have really strong landlord tennent rights. Be sure to have your attorney include in the agreement that your deposit which should not exceed two months rent, be applied to cover your last two months of rent. If you do not do this, you will never see your deposit again. Also, make sure the attorney demand that your deposit be deposited into an escrow bank account by the landlord to be applied only to your last 2 months rent. Only sign a six month lease because chances are, you will find a better place to live after being here for six months. To be on the safe side, purchase a puppy or two for your protection. In April, we purchased a German Shepard and Belgain Malinois puppy. They make great guard dogs and love to spend time both in and out of the house. They are both house broken and obedient and have warned us every time someone comes onto our property. People will stay clear of you for sure. That's a good thing here in DR. As a gringo, you will be a target for every Dominican to take advantage of, one way or the other. Some will befriend you and then set you up to be robbed. They cover themselves by even being with you when you are robbed to make it appear they are vistims too. As a gringo, you will never get the true price of your condo. the same condo/apartment will cost a Dominican 50% less. Best of luck with your move.
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lasterrenashomes
7/11/2013 16:10 EST
Hi! We are fairly recent expats to LT from Canada. Honestly, violent crime against gringos is still fairly rare, I don't think it's any more dangerous than any North American city. Property crime can be a concern in some areas. When purchasing a property, choose the condo complex with adequate security. It's nice to have peace, quiet and isolation, but these factors also make your place more attractive to break-ins. We did buy a two bedroom condo on the beach, and absolutely love it. So far no problems. Mind you, I might be a bit biased as we started a rental/real estate company here. Another thing to be wary of is that unfortunately, the less you deal with locals the better.
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harrysohal
2/6/2016 14:10 EST
Hi,
I am from Canada too and am looking to buy a condo in Dominican Republic. Can you please guide me. I am given to understand that you have a real estate company there.
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Raven0013
2/6/2016 17:51 EST
I would also check with Remax, they are big on the North Coast, I live in Cabrera and it is a nice quiet town with great bargins to be had. Take care and God Bless.
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aali4
2/6/2016 20:36 EST
Hi I am in Canada and looking to buy property in DR. Can you please suggest a few safe areas as well as process for buying?
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Kiskeyanos
2/12/2016 21:41 EST
I am not going to argue about safety and the fact that "gringos" have a target on their backs, but to say the less you deal with locals, the better? Damn, this is their country, you are the guests. Have some respect
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