San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic

Capital City

With a population of 188,118, San Francisco de Macorís is no small town. The cocoa-producing hub is the sixth most populous city in the Dominican Republic, but don't expect a cosmopolitan paradise. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the city's pollution problem from factories and waste disposal is an environmental hazard. That said, the climate is largely mild and isolated from extreme weather, making it a potential refuge for those seeking an escape from the tropics' more volatile elements. Overall, San Francisco de Macorís may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more affordable life in the Dominican Republic, but it's no picturesque tropical oasis.