6. 2/3s of the island is protected under the Virgin Islands National Park, so the majority of the island is untouched by development and tourism. Before you pack your bags and board the first plane to the USVI, here are some of the most important things you need to know about moving here. On August 20, 2003, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assumed. 5. It features chapters on each of the three Virgin Islands, including island culture, history, relocation, housing, and local services such as: real estate, government offices, physicians, civic groups to join. These terminals are Crown Bay Marina, Red Hook Terminal an Edward Blyden Terminal. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. Sailing. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Despite a high crime rate, St. Thomas has plenty of beaches, safe tourist areas, hotels, and resorts where visitors are rarely affected by violent crime. This Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. If moving to the island, consider renting a place with a generator especially if you are digital nomad and dependent on power for your work. U.S. Virgin Islands. You cannot use the national form to register to vote if you decide to move to the Virgin Islands. And whether there are millions or singles in your pocket, we all wind up shopping at K-Mart, and we tend to drive cars that inevitably sport some dings. All Rights Reserved. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. Resort. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. London ; Melbourne ; New York ; Hong Kong ; Malaga-Andalusia ; Lifestyles Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. Additionally, many people feel safe and secure visiting a US territory. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. Court approval is required for evictions. You will have a drug issue and some poverty issues to balance. $1,995. There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area. One of the reasons why this part of the infrastructure is lacking is due to the cost of transporting goods to the island in the first place. Snorkel, sunbathe, surf, and more. She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. Also, you can hop between islands without your passport. 1. . 7. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. Your use of this service is subject to our, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, 1 min. and Cingular all operate here. Jews from Denmark first arrived on the white beaches of what is now St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islandsa tiny speck off the coast of Puerto Ricoin the mid-17 th century. The incentives are meant to bolster the economy, where over 30% of the residents live below the poverty line and the per capita income is $13,000. In terms of vacationing in USVI, Id definitely suggest planning a trip ASAP! Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. Its home to the islands capital, Charlotte Amalie; any bustling city comes with its downsides. Thats why youll find those who arent involved in the hospitality arena tend to operate a side hustle as a way to make money. You'll still find malls on St. Thomas or St. Croix, but there are relatively few places to go shopping compared to what you will find on the Continental 48. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. 3. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. 2 bed. There is Cowpet Bay East, Cowpet Bay West, Cowpet Beach Resort, also known as the Elysian, and finally there are the Anchorage Condominiums, all of which sit on Cowpet Bay. . Ive lived in several parts of St Thomas, so Im a good one to consult about being an East-Ender or a Northsider, the West End or the Southside. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. by Shevy Baskin. There are spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities on all of the islands. For Americans in particular, the beautiful US Virgin Islands is a coveted destination for a beach home. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 1. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. Thats a definite advantage compared to St. John, where almost 70% of the island is a national park and most of the housing is in the structure of weekly villa rentals. Taking regular precautions and using common sense will help you make your vacation to the Virgin Islands one to remember. 19 Pros and Cons of Privatization of Education, 17 Pros and Cons of Living in the Florida Keys, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. As a first time home buyer, Barbara took the time and extra effort to guide me through every aspect of the home buying process. 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. All three islands have roads with significant hurricane damage that have not been fixed yet. She was so patient, understanding and honest to deal with. New Listing. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. The storms coming in from the ocean are an incredible sight to see as well, and then you get to experience some of the best sunrises and sunsets that our planet can offer. Thats why most of the residents on St. Thomas tend to purchase used goods for their home upon their arrival. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 1,077. from $167 per adult. The last major hurricanes to affect St Thomas were hurricane Maria and Irma both in 2017 which hit the island as category 5 storms. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. Additionally, many of the residents are born and raised in St Croix. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. local service. St. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. We're considering St. Martin, St. Lucia or St. Thomas. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. , Barbara is a consummate professional! Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. These were descendants . The service she gave us was truly exceptional. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. St Croix is considered a safe vacation destination, particularly for tourists. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. In terms of difficulty, it's an easy enough trail that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. I can be of assistance. That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. The US Virgin Islands is a beautiful Caribbean destination that is popular with tourists from all over the world. , It is our pleasure to recommend Barbara Birt as a real estate agent for any individual or family searching for the ideal home or desiring to sell their home. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. I am happy to share my enthusiasm . The mountains of the island provide opportunities to have a few of the water from your place if you want, with numerous condominium complexes offering an opportunity to purchase or rent. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. St. Thomas Source. Elections 2022. St. Thomas is located in the About Us. Every day feels like summer when you start living in the USVI. Planning Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. Artwork needs to be well framed as the humidity and the salt can take a toll. If you dont know anyone in the USVI, choose to rent a home, and havent been there for at least six months, then self-employment might be your only option. You might need to take a ferry ride to a different island so that you can get the groceries that you need for the week. 4. Generally, St Thomas is a safe island. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! operates here and both land line and cellular phone wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. Mortgages, inspections, insurance? Basically, it's the same as boarding a flight in Florida and traveling to New York. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. There are relatively few jobs available on St. Thomas. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. 1. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. For an ex-pat from Australia, the hardship premium for the US Virgin Islands is 10%, i.e., host location (the US Virgin Islands) premium of 20% minus home location (Australia) premium of 10%. The pace of life here is pleasant. 2. Any leaks? The average rate of taxation for a company on the island is just 3.37% and that was before the Republican congress passed sweeping corporate tax cuts with the blessing of the Trump Administration. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. Check out shipping costs they can be favorable depending on the make and model, but it means youll have to get the car to Florida the most optimal drop off spot. Then there is the island time to consider. Atlantic Standard Time all year. Thats about 20% cheaper than what you will find on St. John. Hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands runs from June 1st to November 30th. XO Bistro - you name it! These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. On the other hand, the cons of living in St Thomas are frequent power outages, the threat of natural disasters, limited access to the specialized products and traffic congestion. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big Once you establish a residency on one of the islands, you will find that life feels pretty normal here if you can get used to the weather. Nonetheless, there is also a notable population of Spanish speakers, since the islands are so close to Puerto Rico. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. Recommended Minimum Amount of Money for food (2400 calories, Western food types) Milk (regular), (0.25 liter) 0.38 $ Loaf of Fresh White Bread (125.00 g) 1.38 $ Rice (white), (0.10 kg) 9. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. O: 340.774.5277 On St. ThomasMore Info, So many wonderful events and things to do in St. Thomas. Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Cheap Cost Of Living In Bora Bora, French Polynesia (Best Budget Tips), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines. Your email address will not be published. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. 7 years ago. Save. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! 7. Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. A cistern is basically a tank that stores water for all your household needs laundry, bathing, and drinking. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. Be captivated by peerless turquoise Great Bay and verdant mountain views, endless beaches, thrilling water sports . Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. Add data for St Thomas! Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. 1. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. (Hold on to your hat - we even have a bowling alley. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. Youll pay double that cost for something closer to what you might be used to having where you currently live. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. And trust me, you wont regret it. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Still, others purchase drinking water. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. While St Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. Most of the people who start living in St. Thomas say that they would never return to their previous life because of the peace and simplicity that the island offers. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. Impoverished conditions significantly impact the education of children. Others have more basic filtration systems. $355. The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. If you love the idea of having access to warm, tropical temperatures throughout the year, then the Virgin Islands is the perfect place to call home. Another big pro of living in St John USVI is nearly two-thirds of the island is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring.. You can explore many of St John's hiking trails, snorkel in pristine reefs, and soak up the sun to your heart's content. Although employment can be tricky if youre not in the hospitality industry, there is still a lot of magic to find on this small island. Are the virgin Islands safe to visit during hurricane season? Travelers going between the U.S. and its dependent territories aren't required to show either passports or green cards for entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border . What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? Come join us in our exploration of 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. 3. While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. Check out our blog for more ideas on how to experience St. Thomas to the fullest. If youre booking a vacation rental in St Croix, make sure its in a secure neighborhood, particularly away from the affordable housing area where the local crime tends to increase. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. USVI is best for families and vacationers looking for activities and excursions as well as beautiful beaches. Both are very beautiful, and the cost to get to the islands in the first place means that only the people who want to be present tend to hang around. The U.S. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. When you start living in the Virgin Islands, you will quickly discover that the lanes are designed for left-handed driving instead of being on the right as they are stateside and in Puerto Rico. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. St. Thomas is a safe destination for your next Caribbean vacation. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. There are multiple pharmacies on island, including . About St Thomas; . Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. #3 Magens Bay - Best Area on St Thomas for Families. Local news. Baseball is the most popular game played on the island, but there are other sports teams organized by the schools that offer competitive play. Hurricane season in the Virgin Islands begins in June and ends in November every year. St. Thomas is a vibrant and picturesque island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Relocation. St Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. 8. Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike in the mainland US where water usually comes from rivers, lakes, and streams that feed a public water system, rainwater is the resource on St. Thomas. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. You are going to be sharing your home with some unwanted friends. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. a trip to the St. Thomas is exciting, fun and so easy.. However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. 6. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western Her knowledge of the island was a great help. 6. 1. St. St. John does not have the Virgin Islands Boa, Corn Snake, or the Racer (but there may be the odd sighting of the latter), and St. Croix only has the Blind Snake and another non . I have never met a realtor with her persona! Home Blogs Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. And there are widely popular bay-like beaches with amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms, chair rentals and complete water sports centers offering a variety of rental equipment . It can also be a lot of fun to decorate your palm trees for Christmas! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aroundthecaribbean_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',701,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aroundthecaribbean_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Your email address will not be published. It was colonialism that was the purpose of this transaction. Most places will accept credit cards. You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are (Travel Guide), What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. The Virgin Islands are one of the most unique groupings of territories in the world today.
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