[SallythePearl]

After coming across this wonderful site I read completely, every post, the thread about tips to avoid danger/crime in the DR. Practically every hope and dream I had established of finding my long sought after retirement, surf paradise was shattered. I even had nightmares of a shootout last night.
I am well travelled in 3rd world locales such a Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Mexico etc but none of them were as bad as is described here about DR. In Costa Rica I was pickpocketed in Jaco but.... at the time I was allowing prostitutes to approach me after midnight...THAT I understand. Definitely understand that if I hang out where I shouldnt be and do what I should not be doing the risks are high...but everyday life?

Not being able to drive my car to the beach to surf in a remote area without fear of robbery or machete attack? WOW! To be assaulted while "reading a map on the street", "stopped at a red light" or have to have razor wire, attack dogs, bars, walls, gates, guns, pepper spray, baseball bats, killer hedges, anti dog poison medicine...well that is ridiculous sounding. To have to fear of assault, robbery, pickpocket, scams, roadblocks and other unscruplicity would ruin my "dream life" To get right to the point:

1.Can I expect this type of "stuff" everywhere in the DR. Is it more concentrated in the big cities and pure tourist towns?
2. Would areas such as Las Terrenas, Cabrera, Gallera, The Samana Peninsula area have a more peaceful and safe setting?
3. What areas along Northern coast are not yet over run with development and bad guys? Be specific.
4. What areas can I still get a near or on beach home at somewhat of a better price than other more developed region. I want to be able to surf almost daily so near the beach and surfbreaks is a prerequisite.
I am coming in October for my exploratory trip and would love some friends to get acquainted with prior to arrival.