'Rocky M' and 'planner' highlighted in another thread, that apparently a large number of expats who relocate to the Dominican Republic don't stay beyond two years and return to their home country.
I've heard this too through English social media here.
It is not a subject discussed much but I wonder how true this is for all nationalities?
Here are a few of my thoughts on this subject:
1. I personally don't think this applies to all nationalities but I may be wrong. During my time travelling the country including living in Las Terrenas, I do sense that European nationals are more settled in their surroundings and have adapted to the localities and not introduced too much change and commercialism. Perhaps this is because in Europe many resort destinations tend to be small village communities by the sea and places like Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, Bayahibe and south of Barahona fit that mould and expectations.
2. North Americans and particularly American citizens have tended to congregate in a limited few resorts where a more commercialized and busy environment has grown. They tend to live in gated communities and in close contact. There is an attempt to recreate certain of the conditions they enjoy in their home country whilst enjoying the tropical climate. But it is not easy to get everything you expect.
3. In the English social media platforms found in DR there is a great deal of negativity being debated about living in DR. Everything seems to be a problem in life. It must rub off on newcomers. The sincere long term expats are drowned out with reasoned thinking. This is after all a developing nation with it's problems.
4. Are people relocating simply for the dream beach life without proper research and have opted for DR because of it's low cost and relatively easy residency access? Have they not considered the alternatives thoroughly because if DR fails then there won't be many options left?
It would be good to hear thoughts on this subject from our Italian, French and other foreign national members as well as Anglophiles.