Punta Cana Isn't What You Think

Описание: If you’ve thought about moving to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic but you’re worried it’s “just a tourist bubble,” “only expats,” or “no real Dominican culture”… this video is for you.

In this episode, I break down what’s actually happening in Verón–Punta Cana (La Altagracia), why Dominicans are relocating from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana, and how tourism has turned into economic fuel for a real city being built in real time — with schools, supermarkets, jobs, and neighborhoods that are overwhelmingly Dominican.

I also reference Dominican creator Ellie de la Cruz (Santo Domingo) and her video on internal migration — go watch it and subscribe to her channel.

✅ JOIN THE DR INNER CIRCLE (deeper data + real conversations)

Want to go beyond YouTube and get access to live Q&A, exclusive content, office hours with my attorney, and a community of people living in DR + diaspora planning a move?
👉 https://www.jamiegruber.com

🏡 VETTED REFERRALS (real estate / legal / insurance)

If you’re moving, investing, or just trying to do this the right way:
👉 https://www.jamiegruber.com/referrals

📨 NEWSLETTER (weekly DR updates + analysis)

Get my best breakdowns in writing:
👉 https://www.jamiegruber.com/newsletter

RESOURCES MENTIONED

🎥 Ellie de la Cruz (YouTube channel):    / @ellie_delacruz  
🎬 Ellie’s video “Why Everyone Is Leaving Santo Domingo”:    • Why everyone is Leaving Santo Domingo  

DISCLAIMER

This video is for general information and entertainment only. I’m sharing a mix of publicly discussed data, personal observations, and conversations with locals. Nothing here is legal, tax, or financial advice. Do your own due diligence and consult professionals before making decisions related to residency, employment, or real estate in the Dominican Republic.

WHAT THIS VIDEO COVERS

In this video, I break down:

The myth that Punta Cana is only a tourist destination

The myth that Punta Cana is “all expats”

Why Dominicans are moving from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

What daily life actually looks like for families (schools, kids activities, community)

The “Punta Cana isn’t the real DR” narrative — and why it doesn’t make sense

Jobs + income reality (and why remote USD income often wins)

Why Punta Cana has become a land of opportunity for Dominicans and expats alike

CHAPTERS

0:00 Punta Cana “tourist bubble” myth
0:14 Shoutout: Ellie de la Cruz + internal migration
0:46 Where are people leaving Santo Domingo going?
1:27 Punta Cana population growth (2010–2022)
1:52 Punta Cana is becoming a real city
2:19 7 supermarkets (and we need more)
2:49 6+ bilingual K–12 schools in Punta Cana
3:13 What families/kids life looks like as a local
3:59 “It’s all expats” — neighborhood reality
4:46 Who’s buying in Punta Cana Village vs Resort
5:59 Dominican voices confirming the migration trend
6:25 Jobs reality (and the salary expectations)
7:13 “Punta Cana isn’t the real DR” narrative
9:55 The “bubble” argument (and why it’s silly)
10:55 Punta Cana as opportunity + my studio partnership
11:32 Logistics hub / DP World + prosperity narrative
12:03 Middle class in DR exists — but looks different
12:34 Addressing safety + “gringo-priced” fears
13:24 Wrap-up: what you think Punta Cana is… probably isn’t
13:34 CTA: DR Inner Circle (community + attorney office hours)
14:06 End screen: neighborhood tour video