½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

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.