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My opinion, and it is only an opinion, is this:  If you are thinking of exploring the North Coast, it makes sense to be based there.  Santiago is nice, and likely less expensive than Puerto Plata, but much busier and crowded.  You'd still have to find a way to POP and then use the same local or inter-city transportation you would as if you lived in Puerto Plata or surrounding area.  If it was me, I would prefer to stumble about and discover things in my home city, so if I happened to miss a connection or the last guagua or bus didn't arrive, I wouldn't have to worry about a cab all the way back to Santiago or finding a place to spend the night last-minute.  "Island Time" is very real, and not everything runs according to schedule and you may want to build a lot of flexibility into your schedule so you can spend time enjoying your explorations rather than worrying about the last bus to Santiago.

I absolutely agree. Stay in Puerto Plata or on the north coast.  Santiago is inland and about an hour plus each way to get to the north coast.

Only the large transportation companies have websites and schedules.  Smaller intercity transportation is readily available.  Depending where you want to go you just ask around and you will find help with where to catch a bus or a carrot publico!

Depending how much of the north coast your want to explore, you can find a home base that's appropriate.

Thank you both! That makes good sense (and was secretly my preferred answer).

As was said definitely Puerto Plata as a home base. Remember you have the freedom to pack up and move on to a location that appeals to you or meets your requirements. Sounds like a great plan have fun.

Puerto Plata is nice but you should seriously consider Sosua and Cabarete. A short drive to either location from Puerto Plata, these communities provides nicer beaches, all the services you need, and a better vibe for daily living.....

I live in puerto plata and I would start with puerto plata, there’s buses going East and west, and once you’re done sightseeing here you could take abus hugging the north coast…. Safe travels

I live in Santiago and it's a pain in the backside driving to Puerto Plata/Sosua/Cabarete.  And I wouldn't say Santiago is cheaper, at least for real estate houses here seem to be a lot more than an equivalent house in Puerto Plata. 

Greetings taccj9903 and to all..

$750 a month in Santiago more than works for me. What neighborhood or Barrio is this housing in?

@rawromantic1

I DM'd you.

@rawromantic1

Cerros de Gurabo area.  Near Plaza Hache

Ok..Thank you I'll check it out soon

Puerto Plata, Sosua or Cabarete.. Not Santiago.

When I’m in the Dominican Republic, I stay in Puerto Plata. If I need to go to Santiago, it’s about a one-hour and fifteen-minute trip, depending on traffic. In Puerto Plata, there are mini-buses and vans that run along the north coast highways, taking you to destinations like Cabarete and even the longer journey to Las Terrenas. To get to Monte Cristi (MC), I usually take an express bus early in the morning back to Santiago and then transfer to suitable transportation to MC.

To me, Puerto Plata is a quieter city with less traffic compared to Santiago. Santiago offers more nightlife options, but Puerto Plata holds its own in that regard. Apartment rates in Puerto Plata are reasonable and usually quoted in pesos. Naturally, prices increase the closer you get to the waterfront. I can walk to the shore in about fifteen minutes from my place and reach the Caribe Express bus station in ten.

Although I have stayed in Santiago, I prefer Puerto Plata as my base. Of course, it depends on what you’re looking for, but if I were to explore the North Coast, Puerto Plata is where I would choose to stay.