Hurricane season in the Virgin Islands begins in June and ends in November every year. The Peterborg peninsula separates world famous Magens Bay from the Atlantic Ocean and is home to four gated communities: Peterborg East, Dove Way, Sydneys Fancy and Red Rock. There are numerous natural attractions for you to enjoy. Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. 6. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. In addition to it's long and rich means mainland US companies do business here including This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. If you are thinking about moving to St. Thomas or living in the US Virgin Islands or even Puerto Rico or any other Caribbean Island, then you need to watch t. Health services are more extensive in the U.S. than in the British islands. Home Blogs Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. The roads are narrow and some of the mountains and hills around the island can be steep, but the islands also lack some basic infrastructure that can make the roads bumpy or have a lot of potholes. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. However, this list of top 10 facts about living conditions in the Virgin Islands goes beyond the images of tropical paradise to get a closer look at life on . According to The St Thomas Source, in an article published February 17th, 2021, there was a marked increase in crime on the island during the pandemic. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. There are three areas on the island where you can join a ferry. The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. St. Thomas the second largest and most developed of the US Virgin Islands is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. The University of the Virgin Islands (established in 1962) has campuses on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! I was trained at Columbia University in journalism, and I worked on St Thomas as a reporter for a few years, as well as for Antilles School as an administrator. #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. 450. from $79 per adult. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. Property taxes can be high for some individuals on St. Thomas. The USVI primary uses paved streets that meet the current standards that you would find in all of the states. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . Auto, plus McDonald's, Wendy's and Pizza Hut. About the Virgin Islands. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) serves a population of 4000 plus low-income residents, who live both in public housing and Section 8 units. 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. In other words - you supply your . Save. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. 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. (Hold on to your hat - we even have a bowling alley. All Rights Reserved. . . She was so patient, understanding and honest to deal with. There are hiring restrictions in place in the Virgin Islands. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. $2,268. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. Better yet, talk to me at (340) 690-9995 or email me at barbara@seaglassproperties.com to start exploring houses for sale in St Thomas Virgin Islands. Generally, the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean (except Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) dock at Havensight. 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. Artwork needs to be well framed as the humidity and the salt can take a toll. Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. In terms of difficulty, it's an easy enough trail that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. 34 likes, 4 comments - The Caribbean Break (@thecaribbeanbreak) on Instagram: " Come visit the Village during Carnival in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands! While St Croix may have its challenges, it is still a wonderful destination worth visiting. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. Then there is the island time to consider. | 0 comments Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained)What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines You may also likeLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. 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. It The US Virgin Islands is a beautiful Caribbean destination that is popular with tourists from all over the world. As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. Not only is she a highly knowledgeable realtor, she also has a wealth of information to share regarding our islands. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. 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. St. Thomas Carnival is actually the second largest Caribbean Carnival celebration, as it runs as a month-long event.. "The Settler's Handbook" is highly recommended as an informative source for those considering moving to, or investing in, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas or St. John. The Virgin Islands also have a number of historical sites, including fortifications, churches, and plantations. 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. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. WTJX - Channel 12 (PBS. Everything feels familiar in the Virgin Islands. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. As per the Police Commissioner, Trevor Velinor in 2020 there was double the amount of robberies, a 14% increase in homicides, 24% increase in domestic violence calls and an increasing in shooting assaults when compared to 2019. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. Required fields are marked *. The U.S. Virgin Islands enjoy warm sunny weather year-round. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. Even if the USVI doesnt take the full impact of a hurricane, it is not unusual to deal with downed power lines, flooded roads, toppled trees, and infrastructure damage that can limit your movement for several days if not weeks. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an 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. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. Government. (+ Best Time To Visit)Continue, Read More Should I Rent a Car in Aruba?Continue, Read More Is There Uber in Aruba? In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. Downed powerlines, felled trees, and general havoc occur whenever one blows through. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. While this comes down to personal preference, many people choose St John because of its pristine and secluded beaches and hikes. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. Youll find that some businesses prefer to hire only transplants, while others want to employ only natives. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. St. Thomas above others? Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. Cisterns and roofs? You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. There are a few things to know before traveling to the US Virgin Islands to make sure your trip is as safe and easy as possible! 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. And, when it comes to purchasing a home on St. Thomas, youll want to find out how big the cistern is on the home, and inquire about its condition. 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. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. On the other hand, living in St Thomas has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, the high cost of shipping to the island, power outages and traffic congestion. 9. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. 4. If you like a slower pace of life and dont mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. First, youll want to keep an eye on the weather and be aware of any potential storms or hurricanes that could be headed for the area. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. 1 bath. 3. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Based on our St. Thomas cost of living calculator, St. Thomas is 35% more expensive than the national average and 4% more expensive to live in than the average city in Virgin Islands. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers, St Lucia Vs St Thomas: Which Island Is Better For A Vacation. Concrete vs. a wood framed home? There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. 4. For Rent - Condo. You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Its been said that there are over a million things that you can do when living in St. Thomas even though the island is only 32 square miles in size. 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. Has it been sealed recently? This can change depending on the number of ships in port. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. 1. 6. 5. Youll pay double that cost for something closer to what you might be used to having where you currently live. Examining single-parent households, single mothers are more at risk of falling into poverty, representing 76% of all families in poverty. 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. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. 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. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and Vandalism, theft, and robbery are also common, so its important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave valuables unattended. Many couples are opting to save the You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. and Cingular all operate here. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. These include the British Virgin Islands. Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region.