We Built a Home in the Dominican Republic – Series 2, Part 5 🇩🇴🏡
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February – 2026 Update + “Expectations vs Reality” on the North Coast 🌴🌊
In We Built a Home in the Dominican Republic – Series 2, Part #5, we’re back on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic with Calvin & Jana for their first villa progress update since mid-December 2025. And this time they didn’t come alone… they brought their four-legged family 🐾 to see how their dream home is shaping up.
The video that accompanies this blog opens with sweeping footage of this coastline—turquoise water, lush hills, palm-lined beaches, and that unmistakable “I’m really here” feeling. This is exactly the vibe that helped Calvin & Jana decide that buying real estate in the Dominican Republic wasn’t just a dream… it was a plan.
And now? That plan is becoming a home.
Paradise Is Progressing… Even Through Holidays & Rain 🌧️🎆
Construction in the Caribbean has its own rhythm. Between Christmas, New Year, and several weeks of inclement weather, you’d be forgiven for expecting things to slow down.
But the progress is steady—and genuinely exciting.
🏗️ Construction Highlights in Part 5
Here’s what’s now happening on site:
✅ Paved circular driveway completed (and it looks fantastic)
✅ Ceramic installations underway — flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, and more
✅ Beach-entry pool coming along beautifully 🌊
✅ Pool benches being installed (that “future morning coffee spot” is real!)
✅ Workers on site on a Sunday 💪🇩🇴 (yes—Caribbean hustle is alive and well)
There’s something special about seeing a build reach the stage where the finishes start going in. The structure becomes a home. You can suddenly picture furniture, lighting, morning routines… and those first friends coming over for a pool day & cookout.
Why Calvin & Jana Chose the Dominican Republic for Real Estate 🌎🏡
Before making the leap, Calvin & Jana did what smart buyers do: they researched everything.
They weren’t just choosing a country—they were choosing a lifestyle, a long-term investment, and a place that made sense for retirement.
Their Key Considerations
When weighing up Dominican Republic real estate, they focused on:
- Cost of living (everyday life that can be as affordable—or as luxury—as you choose)
- Quality of life & healthcare
- Property prices & overall value
- Residency requirements
- Property taxes & ownership structure
- Flight access & proximity to the U.S. ✈️
- Culture, safety, and the local economy
They also followed the modern relocation roadmap: YouTube channels, podcasts, expat forums, and real people sharing real experiences. Again and again, the same conclusion kept popping up…
👉 The North Coast is a standout for lifestyle and value.
Location Matters: Why the North Coast Wins for Many Buyers 📍🌴
The Dominican Republic is wonderfully diverse—cities like Santo Domingo, major tourist destinations like Punta Cana, and the rich green interior like the Cibao Valley.
But for many expats, retirees, and second-home buyers, the North Coast of the Dominican Republic offers a rare balance:
🌊 Beaches you’ll actually use
⛰️ Mountains that keep the climate fresh and green
🏡 Established gated communities
🍽️ International dining and local gems
🤝 A strong expat community
✈️ Great access through nearby airports
From Puerto Plata through Sosúa, Cabarete, and out toward Cabrera, it’s a stretch of coastline that just works for everyday living—not just vacationing.
A Hidden Advantage: Natural Hurricane Protection 🛡️⛰️
One of the more “practical” reasons Calvin & Jana felt confident building here is something many people don’t realize at first:
The mountain ranges just south of the North Coast—including the Cordillera Septentrional, with the Cordillera Central beyond—help weaken or disrupt many weather systems before they reach the coastline.
For homeowners, that can translate into:
✅ More peace of mind
✅ Less storm disruption
✅ Greater long-term confidence when investing
It wasn’t just romantic for Calvin & Jana. It was future-focused.
Expectations vs Reality: What Life Is Actually Like Here ☀️🚗🍽️
This might be the most relatable part of the episode—because it’s what every future expat wonders.
🚗 Driving
They thought driving might be intimidating.
Reality? Calvin loves driving here now and gets on just fine. Like anything, it becomes normal—especially once you learn the local flow.
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
They’re blown away by how good the food scene is. And the best part? You can eat:
- Budget-friendly (local spots, bakeries, small cafés)
- Or full-on fine dining (wine, steaks, seafood, international menus)
The choice is yours—which brings us to the biggest lesson…
😅 The “Vacation Lifestyle” Trap
Their only real drawback so far?
Remembering they’re not here on a permanent vacation.
Beach days are incredible. Restaurant nights are tempting. And yes, it’s easy to get carried away. They’ve quickly learned that there’s always a cheaper option available—and balance is the key to making the lifestyle sustainable long-term.
🗣️ Spanish
Spanish isn’t mandatory, but it’s definitely useful. They’re enjoying learning as they go—and like most people, they’ve found that even a little Spanish opens doors socially and practically.
Their verdict?
💙 They’re loving life more every day—and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Thinking About Buying Real Estate in the Dominican Republic? 🔑🇩🇴
If you’re researching:
- Buying real estate in the Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic real estate on the North Coast
- Buying property in the Dominican Republic as a foreigner
- Building a custom villa in a gated community
- Retiring in Sosúa, Cabarete, or the Puerto Plata area
- Investment property with lifestyle upside
…then this series is valuable because it’s not theory. It’s real people, real decisions, real progress—step by step.
And in Part 5, you can really feel the momentum.
Why Work With DR Property Guys? 🌴🤝
At DR Property Guys, we’re not just here to open doors—we’re here to help you make smart decisions, avoid mistakes, and enjoy the process.
With 50+ years of combined, on-the-ground experience living and working right here on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, we specialize in:
🏡 Dominican Republic Real Estate (North Coast focus)
📍 Sosúa, Cabarete, Encuentro & surrounding areas
🏗️ New construction & custom builds
📑 Guidance, due diligence & smooth purchasing support
🛂 Relocation help (boots-on-the-ground, not armchair advice)
🤝 Concierge-level service from first call to final handshake
We don’t just sell property — we help you build a life.
📲 Tay: +1-809-756-7611
📲 Phil: +1-809-707-3598
Watch Part 5 + Follow the Journey 🎥✨
If you enjoyed this update (or you’re actively planning your move):
👍 Like the video
💬 Drop your questions in the comments
🔔 Subscribe here to the DR Property Guys YouTube channel
📩 Reach out anytime if you’d like guidance on areas, communities, builds, or available listings
Because this isn’t just about building a house…
It’s about building a new life in paradise. 🇩🇴🌴💙
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