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. She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! 3. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. 3. You will get to experience plenty of sunshine, have friendly neighbors, and experience Caribbean life without a significant investment. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Examining single-parent households, single mothers are more at risk of falling into poverty, representing 76% of all families in poverty. Do you live in St Thomas? Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. A: "Yes, five species on St. Thomas: Puerto Rican Racer, the Garden Snake, the endangered Virgin Islands Boa, the Blind Snake, plus the non-native Corn Snake. $1,634. Anything that is heavy, bulky, or large is going to come with a significant shipping charge. 1. If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. . While St Croix may have its challenges, it is still a wonderful destination worth visiting. Is St Thomas safe? The pros of living in St Thomas are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and incredible beaches. 4. I have never met a realtor with her persona! It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). London ; Melbourne ; New York ; Hong Kong ; Malaga-Andalusia ; Lifestyles Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. 450. from $79 per adult. $323. Government. This NPR) WTJX-TV Channel 12 invites everybody, everywhere to join its live coverage of the St. Thomas Carnival parades. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands. Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. (Hold on to your hat - we even have a bowling alley. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. As long as youre smart and use common sense, its easy to feel safe around all three of the islands. Housing in a gated community with a private beach can be over $1 million when looking for a 4-bedroom home. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. 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. Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. If you live in one of the major cities, then you might find one for about half of that cost. The British islands and the USVI follow this law, even though most of the vehicles driven on the islands have the steering wheel placed on the left side of the car as well. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . The three main islands, St Croix, St John, and St Thomas are surrounded by a variety of Caribbean islands and cays like the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla. If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. Recalibrating. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. 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. Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. gives you all the answers. Each time I go, I find a welcoming and safe environment that encourages me to visit again and again! 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. All Rights Reserved. Upon their return, they can Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Sports. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Even if you only get a close shave by the outer edge of the cyclone, youll be dealing with significant storm surges that can cause plenty of flooding issues. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. 6. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. You would be foolish not to. The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. Required fields are marked *. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. There are hiring restrictions in place in the Virgin Islands. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. WTJX encourages everyone to support our young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if you can't make it, WTJX has you covered with our hosts Lillian 'Lilly' Moolenaar and Patrickson Thomas - What a . Ea." All the tax laws in effect in the US are mirrored to the US Virgin Islands, with VI residents paying income taxes to the islands instead of the US. In terms of difficulty, it's an easy enough trail that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. 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. Although they are part of the United States, the Virgin Islands have a unique culture and history. 15 & 15B&D Shoys (The) EA, St. Croix, VI 00820, 4 Rem Lovenlund GNS, St. Thomas, VI 00802, 15 B&D Shoys (The) EA, St. Croix, VI 00820, 15 & 18-1 Bellevue FB, St. Thomas, VI 00802, 1&1-F Morningstar QU, St. Croix, VI 00820, 15-51-D Frenchman Bay FB, St. Thomas, VI 00802. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. St Thomas is blessed with amazing beaches. Priced at just $16.95. the Caribbean. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. Find out how expensive cost of living is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Youll need to know how to prepare your property to manage the heavy winds and rain that will come if one passes over. St. Thomas above others? Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. There are stunning white-sand beaches that can help you to bake in the sun. We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. beaches and sun-drenched weather. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. 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. Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. 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. The U.S. Virgin Islands are best known for the three largest isles: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. You are still using U.S. currency for every purchase, and debit or credit cards still work there as they would at any other location. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. by Shevy Baskin. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. Contact Property. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. 2. 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. There can be some humidity since this is an island destination that youd be calling home, but it usually isnt too bad. 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. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern - a concrete tank underneath the home. Home Blogs Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. The Virgin Islands are known for their protected lands of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. Several international artists also call the island home, making their living outside of the islands economy. 2 bed. Baseball is the most popular game played on the island, but there are other sports teams organized by the schools that offer competitive play. Water Island is only 491 acres. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. 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. 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-17th century. 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. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. Some people are sensitive or prefer not to drink tap water anywhere. St Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. STT Board of Realtors. WTJX - Channel 12 (PBS. Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. Court approval is required for evictions. All Rights Reserved. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a tourism hotspot in the Caribbean comprised of four major islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. The United Nations reports that the USVI has the highest per capita murder rate in the Caribbean and the fourth-largest in the world today. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. Youll rarely experience a day that dips below 75F, even during the rainy season or the winter months. Commanding one of the most exhilarating down island views in St. Thomas, this rare, one acre waterfront offering has no equal. 7. 8. 7. Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. Relocation. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. St. Thomas Carnival is actually the second largest Caribbean Carnival celebration, as it runs as a month-long event.. . This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. The hotels available on the island are all in safe areas. Plus, with only a short flight to the U.S. mainland, it's easy to travel back and forth from the islands to the states if you are a property owner in both places. , Quite frankly, I dont know how we could have made this move without Barbara. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. 10 Sorgenfri Ss. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. 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. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. . Driving on the roads requires some extra caution because of the narrow windy roads and lack of infrastructure in some areas. Food Prices in St Thomas, Us Virgin Islands. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, It As a result, Living in St Thomas, St John, or St Croix is just like living in any other part of the United States except for the fact that its surrounded by beautiful beaches! Are the US Virgin Islands safe? (+ Best Time To Visit), Is There Uber in Aruba? Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Even when there is a right to repossess the property, the court system allows for a delay of up to six months to allow someone to find a new place to live. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. So why should you choose 5. Getting Around in 2023Continue, Read More Is Punta Cana Worth Visiting in 2023?Continue, Read More What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten?Continue. The Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is a hiker's paradise, with 20-plus trails ranging from flat and short to challenging all with views of blue bays and green islands. calls are treated as domestic calls, not overseas calls. The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. Ive been president of the St. Thomas Board of Realtors, and was voted Best Realtor on St. Thomas by readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News three consecutive years. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which There are spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities on all of the islands. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Overall, yes! Resort. Hello - with so many great perspectives in this forum, I hoping those with insight can weigh in: my husband and I are considering buying a vacation home in the Caribbean. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. Do not leave valuables in plain sight, dont carry too much cash and keep your credit cards in hand, lock your hotel and car doors, and stay in groups, especially at night. The service she gave us was truly exceptional. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. Finally, remember that hurricane season is also the rainy season in the Virgin Islands, so you may run into some showers during your visit. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. Ianthe Blyden (1899-1984), pioneer of nursing at Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital on St. Thomas; Myrah Keating Smith (1908-1994), the only health provider on St. John for two decades The U.S. . XO Bistro - you name it! If you like a slower pace of life and dont mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. Saint Thomas (Danish: Sankt Thomas) is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three largest of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United . Lets take a look at each individual island below. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. 9. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. Sailing. Many of the islands are free from light sources at night too, which means you can do some fantastic stargazing. St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather.St.