Privacy Policy Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. You will need to contend with hurricane season every year. Several international artists also call the island home, making their living outside of the islands economy. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. 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. A 3-bedroom house in a good neighborhood on the island will go for about $250,000, and that usually includes a view of the water. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. Local news. Terms and Conditions In broad day light. Home; Welcome. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. With our sunny climate and unique culture, the US Virgin Islands is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers, retirees, and second homeowners seeking real estate. When you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, then you are under the status of a U.S. protected territory unless you are moving to the British or Spanish Virgin Islands, that is. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. All Rights Reserved. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. Save. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. Sports. So why should you choose The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 p.m. WTJX encourages everyone to support the young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if anyone cannot make it, WTJX has it covered with its hosts Lillian "Lilly" Moolenaar . The Nature Conservancy's Virgin Islands project will restore 90 acres of coral reef within the St. Croix East End Marine Park and will help recover marine species and contribute to a healthy reef ecosystem that supports tourism and fisheries, benefiting the community of St. Croix. For Americans in particular, the beautiful US Virgin Islands is a coveted destination for a beach home. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. In terms of living in the Virgin Islands, it's always important to do your own research and know where is safe to live and where is not. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is Atlantic Standard Time all year. Most places will accept credit cards. In addition, residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. 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 . 4. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour Elections 2022. Parasailing. Ea." You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. 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. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. You will have a drug issue and some poverty issues to balance. Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. Planning There are numerous natural attractions for you to enjoy. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. $323. You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which There is also a 36-month resident distinction that is part of this process. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Relocation. 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! There is less availability for goods and services. You have a 1 in 2,000 chance of having someone try to kill you with a rate of 52.64 murders per 100,000 people. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. Upon their return, they can 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. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. 2. Every day feels like summer when you start living in the USVI. However, before you get too excited, you must meet some travel requirements. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. | 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. 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 But, the cheapest time to visit during the rainy season. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. 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. The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. St. Thomas above others? The hotels available on the island are all in safe areas. 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. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . Some maps also list Culebra and Vieques as being the Spanish Virgin Islands, but they are part of the territory of Puerto Rico. by Shevy Baskin. 6. 7 years ago. This 397-acre enclave at the secluded West End of St. Thomas boasts a perfect and pristine worlda spectacular collection of beachside residences on some of the largest estate home sites in the Caribbean.". 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. and its sandy floor. Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. Also, you can hop between islands without your passport. Has it been sealed recently? 2 bed. wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. is important in both business and personal matters. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. The Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. gives you all the answers. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The information on this website is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. Theres always a risk of natural disasters like tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season. 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! (Travel Guide), What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? . Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. Beachfront properties are minimal when you start looking for a home. 5. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. There is less stress here unless you actively seek out problematic situations. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. 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. London ; Melbourne ; New York ; Hong Kong ; Malaga-Andalusia ; Lifestyles a number of reasons to consider relocating to St Thomas. 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 Hull Bay trail is a 1.6-mile trail located near the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Basically, it's the same as boarding a flight in Florida and traveling to New York. Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. Well I quickly figured out the answer, and Ive never looked back. TVs and computers tend to have a shortened life span here, especially in waterfront homes, courtesy of the salt air. Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. 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. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. 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. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. $1,995. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. Come join us in our exploration of Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. USVI is best for families and vacationers looking for activities and excursions as well as beautiful beaches. Sailing. Government. 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. St. Thomas. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. Vandalism, theft, and robbery are also common, so its important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave valuables unattended. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. 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. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and its easy to see why. Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? 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. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. 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. Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. Rock City, musical duo also known as R. City and Planet VI; formed 2003 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Theron Thomas, member of musical duo Rock City; Nurses. This city had 22 entries in the past 12 months by 6 different contributors. Cisterns and roofs? Youre still living in the United States. Since it requires an actual ship, freight, or airplane movement to bring the items, you may find that it is easier to sell your items before moving. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. List of the Cons of Living in St. Thomas. Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. However, if you take care and follow some common sense safety guidelines, you will find that the US Virgin Islands are safe and you can easily have an enjoyable trip here! 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 . If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. In terms of difficulty, it's an easy enough trail that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. 3. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. Also, consider that spare car parts for fancier makes and models might be hard to come by on St. Thomas. It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. A direct impact by one can be enough to wipe entire neighborhoods off of the island. It can be expensive to live there because of the natural benefits, but life can also be very rewarding. beaches and sun-drenched weather. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, share the event by showing the video and photographs at an 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. Overall, yes! If you need more information contact to the Puerto Rico Contact center. Additionally, many of the residents are born and raised in St Croix. The Schneider Regional Medical Center has locations on all three islands, so youll always access to medical services while in the Virgin Islands. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. The three main islands that make up the Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John, and St Thomas. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Youll 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. and Cingular all operate here. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. The Virgin Islands are one of the most unique groupings of territories in the world today. 7. Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay. 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. For Rent - Condo. 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. The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, Overall, the US Virgin Islands are a safe place to visit. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. If you like a slower pace of life and dont mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. 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. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. 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. However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. For Rent - Condo. St. John . The U.S. wanted to maintain control over the Caribbean region during World War I, and these islands held strategic value. Your email address will not be published. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? 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. Once weve solved the real estate questions, what about daily life? If you are ready to start living in St. Thomas, then the prices are not going to be as high as you think to get a decent place. For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. Driving on the roads requires some extra caution because of the narrow windy roads and lack of infrastructure in some areas. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. Politics can be particularly challenging at the local level. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. August and September tend to be the two worst months for these storms to blow through. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. No Pressure. What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten? The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. 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) St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. Hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands runs from June 1st to November 30th. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. 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. 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. If you stay outside of the resort areas in the islands, then there is an excellent chance that youll have plenty of space to yourself. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. St Thomas Neighbourhood Guide. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. , 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. You cannot use the national form to register to vote if you decide to move to the Virgin Islands. St. US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. There are three areas on the island where you can join a ferry. Proximity to Virgin Islands National Park. The government of the Virgin Islands provides a tax break to companies that locate to the territory to do business. These include the British Virgin Islands. Court approval is required for evictions. 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. 1. It was colonialism that was the purpose of this transaction. 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. 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. You will want to take steps to secure employment and verify the security assets of your property before your arrival to minimize risks and complications. Getting Around in 2023. It takes a lot of proactive planning to navigate this issue, and even then, you can find that essentials like toilet paper might be out of stock or in short supply. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. As long as youre prepared for some bad weather, visiting during hurricane season is safe and can be a great way to save money on your trip.