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My Spanish is broken. Her English is zero. But with a little patience (and a lot of Google Translate), we built a life most people only dream of. The Number One Fear When I tell people I live in Santo Domingo, most assume dating in the Dominican Republic  requires perfect Spanish. But my wife is Dominican, and the first question is always... "Man, your Spanish must be perfect." The brutal truth? It’s not. Actually, Sheila doesn't speak English. I speak broken "street" Spani

What living in the Dominican Republic really teaches you — beyond the beaches. These are the 5 things we wish someone had told us before making the move in 2025. Living in the DR in 2025 As 2025 comes to a close, Sheila and I have been sitting on our terrace, looking back at our year in Santo Domingo. It’s been a wild, beautiful, and sometimes exhausting ride. We love this island, but if we could send a letter back to ourselves in January 2025, there are five things we would

Discover the safest neighborhoods in Santo Domingo for expats, where to live comfortably, and which areas to avoid before renting or buying. Santo Domingo, the vibrant heart of the Dominican Republic, pulses with history, culture, and opportunity. It's a city that captivates many expats and long-term travelers with its lively atmosphere and affordability. But as with any major metropolitan area, navigating its diverse neighborhoods to find your perfect, safe haven is key to a

Two vacations. One destination. Two completely different realities. Punta Cana is what you  choose it to be. Resort vs Airbnb in Punta Cana The first time I watched a couple step out of a Punta Cana resort, they looked like people emerging from a different planet. Behind them sat the perfect world: palm trees aligned like they were placed by hand, drinks that appeared before you even asked, food that somehow tasted better when it’s “all-inclusive.” You know the scene — the ki

By Jerry — The Straight Shooter Expat Who Actually Lives Here Cost of living in Santo Domingo 2025 – city skyline and housing overview The Real Cost of Living in Santo Domingo 2025 for Expats If you’re researching the real cost of living in Santo Domingo 2025, here’s the honest breakdown from someone who actually lives here full-time. Stop Listening to YouTubers Selling Paradise Let’s cut through the fantasy. Most people talking about “cheap life in the DR” either: Don’t live

A real look at dating with honesty, stability, and self-awareness. A Reality Check for Men Dating in the DR A lot of men come to the Dominican Republic confused about where they stand. They see other expats flashing money, showing off apartments, posting beach pictures—and suddenly they feel disqualified. But here’s what nobody tells you: You don’t fail in the DR because you don’t have money. You fail because you don’t have structure. And Dominican women—especially the genuin

By Jerry & Sheila Island Living A real moment that reflects the moving to the Dominican Republic truth many expats learn too late. The Real Moving to the Dominican Republic Truth Introduction Most people never hear the real moving to the Dominican Republic truth until it’s too late, which is why so many expats struggle in their first year. Thinking about moving to the Dominican Republic?Good. But before you jump into paradise with palm-tree expectations, you need the truth no

A real look at daily life and monthly expenses in Santo Domingo — from housing and utilities to food, transportation, and lifestyle costs. Moving to the Dominican Republic — or even staying long-term — can feel like a dream. Sunshine, culture, good food, good people, and a slower pace of life. But let’s talk facts: Santo Domingo is NOT the cheapest city in the Caribbean. If you’re thinking about relocating, retiring, or staying for a few months, here’s a realistic breakdown  

By Jerry & Sheila Island Living Starting an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic comes with requirements, challenges, and opportunities most new hosts don’t expect. The Dominican Republic has become one of the hottest destinations for travelers—and one of the most attractive places for Airbnb investors. With millions of visitors every year, sunshine year-round, and a growing expat community, it’s easy to understand the hype. But here’s the truth most people don’t hear until it’s

By Jerry & Sheila Island Living The Real Reasons US Veterans Are Moving to the Dominican Republic A Quiet Shift You Might’ve Noticed… More and more US veterans are moving to the Dominican Republic for lower stress, affordable living, and a lifestyle shift that supports mental and financial health. After years of structure, noise, and high stress, life in the States can start to feel like it’s moving too fast. The DR gives them a chance to slow down, breathe, and rebuild life

When Jerry retired from the U.S. Army, he never expected his next mission would lead him to Santo Domingo 🇩🇴. Together with his wife Sheila, they built a life and brand from scratch — inspiring others to live with peace, purpose, and patience through Island Reset Mode.

English Version When you move or travel to the Dominican Republic, relationships quickly become one of the biggest parts of your experience. For many expats, the question isn’t just about finding love. .. It ’s about building something real and lasting across cultures. Living here with my wife has taught me that Dominican culture places a strong emphasis on family, respect, and community. But let’s be honest. .. dating in the DR can be very different from what you might be u

Think you need thousands of dollars to start investing? Think again. We’ve all seen the flashy stock market videos or real estate success stories, but let’s get real: Most people are trying to invest with whatever they can scrape together after bills, gas, and groceries. If that’s you, good news… You can  start investing with limited funds, and it might be easier than you think. Here’s how to begin, even if you’re working with $20–$100 per month. You don’t need thousands to g

So, you're thinking about finding love in the Dominican Republic? You're not alone. Thousands of men visit or move to the DR hoping to find a woman who is loyal, loving, and ready to build a future together. But finding the right  woman here takes more than charm and sunshine. It takes wisdom, patience, and cultural understanding. We’ve lived it, and in this blog post, we’re breaking it down for you, no filters, just real talk. 👉📽️ Bonus:  Don’t miss our video on this exact

Intro: So, you're dreaming of warm weather, beautiful beaches, and affordable island living? We get it — that's exactly why we made the move to the Dominican Republic. But trust us, there's a right way to do it... and then there are a few common mistakes that can turn your dream into a disaster. Here's what you don't  want to do when making the leap, plus how to get it right from the start. 📍 Mistake #1: Moving Without Visiting First It might sound obvious, but many people

Thinking about starting an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic? You're not alone. With year-round tourism, low property taxes, and no citizenship required to own real estate, the DR is becoming one of the hottest destinations for expat Airbnb hosts. But before you dive in, there are a few things you need to know to make it work — and make it profitable. 🏝️ The Realities of Owning an Airbnb in the Dominican Republic From guest drama to real profits — here’s what it really takes

From U.S. Army life to Caribbean island living — our first year in the Dominican Republic was anything but ordinary. Leaving behind 21 years of military life in the United States wasn’t easy. But after retiring from the Army, I felt something pulling me toward a new chapter—one filled with peace, purpose, and palm trees. What started as a solo journey quickly turned into a full-blown life reset in the Dominican Republic. 🛫 Why the Dominican Republic? I didn’t come for the re

Breaking down our weekly expenses in the Dominican Republic — from rent to mangos and everything in between. Moving to the Dominican Republic sounds like a dream, but what's the real cost of day-to-day life? As a married expat couple living in Santo Domingo Este, we decided to break it all down for anyone thinking of making the move or simply curious about island budgeting. Here's what we spend in a typical week living, loving, and hosting Airbnb guests in the DR. 1. Housing

“Two identities, one journey — exploring what it means to be Black vs. African American in today’s world.” As a Black person, the terms "Black" and "African American" resonate in different ways, reflecting the complexity of identity, culture, and history. It’s essential to unpack these terms to appreciate the experiences they represent. **Black: A Global Identity** The term "Black" has a broad and encompassing nature. It’s a racial descriptor that can apply to anyone of Afric

Long-distance relationships can be challenging, but they can also be rewarding. With the right approach, you are navigating a...