Dominican Republic would you still go?

I had the opportunity to have a barbershop discussion with a brother about traveling not to long ago. I can't recall how the conversation got started but the Dominican Republic came out of the gentleman's mouth. The brother made a statement  that you can be in a mansion step outside and be surrounded by poverty. For him that was not cool at all. The Dominican Republic economic struggles are well documented. I read a story about a six year boy who washes car windows with is mother during the day and she prostitutes herself at night for money. The president of the Dominican Republic Danilo Medina doesn't consider the DR to be a poor country. Last year 2017 he stated that the country is no longer poor because it doesn't qualify for economic  aid. 
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Tourism is a major industry in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is located on an island and it is loaded with beach resorts, luxury hotels and homes. The DR is a very affordable vacation hot spot. The cost of living is low which makes it one of 2018's best places to retire.
​Would poverty and others economic hardships discourage you from living it up?