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. If you are building your house in St. Thomas, an estimated 10 percent of the building cost may go toward a cistern the bigger the better. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. Relocation. 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. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. Popular Cities. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 pm. In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. The Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. , 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. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. operates here and both land line and cellular phone If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. . . parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE 8. 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. Resort. But, the cheapest time to visit during the rainy season. If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you are going to have a governor that oversees the administrative tasks of being a territory. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. Atlantic Standard Time all year. The U.S. 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. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in 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. Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. and Cingular all operate here. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. 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. The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Otherwise, you can join the millions of people like me that have fallen in love with the beauty of the US Virgin Islands! 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? You will have a drug issue and some poverty issues to balance. Elections 2022. Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. Artwork needs to be well framed as the humidity and the salt can take a toll. 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. 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. You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. 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. 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. Several airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and direct flights to the island. 7. 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. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which St Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. There are currently no travel notices for visiting the US Virgin Islands as of the end of 2022. ln addition to America, most countries, like Canada and New Zealand, consider USVI a safe place for tourists. 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. 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. Find out how expensive cost of living is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Rule One: You must have a sense of humor. Others have more basic filtration systems. In addition, residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. About Us. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. These flights serve persons visiting other US Virgin Island territories. "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. They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. St. John Source. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. 3. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. No Pressure. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. Born in Buffalo, I will never forget being introduced to the island by a real estate agent who took us up a very steep driveway, prompting the all-intelligent question from me How do they do this in the snow?!. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. 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. If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. 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. If you are used to living along the southern shores of the Continental 48, then a move to the Virgin Islands is going to feel very similar to that experience. With all these advantages, It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Basically, it's the same as boarding a flight in Florida and traveling to New York. Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. The beach area has several amenities which make it perfect for entertainment including tables, bathrooms and lifeguards. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? And trust me, you wont regret it. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. Then there is the island time to consider. XO Bistro - you name it! This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 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. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule for St. Croix cruise ships. You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. The government of the Virgin Islands provides a tax break to companies that locate to the territory to do business. 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. Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . I am happy to share my enthusiasm . Also, consider that spare car parts for fancier makes and models might be hard to come by on St. Thomas. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. All Rights Reserved. Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. The water is usually very calm which makes it perfect for small children. The University of the Virgin Islands (established in 1962) has campuses on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. Although they are part of the United States, the Virgin Islands have a unique culture and history. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? The USVI primary uses paved streets that meet the current standards that you would find in all of the states. Getting outside the box. Drug activity is particularly prevalent on the islands, and the government is working to crack down on this problem. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. The territory can elect a delegate who participates in the debates that happen in Congress, but that elected representative does not have any voting rights. Tourism is the primary industry on St. Thomas, with over 2 million visitors stopping by the entire USVI chain annually Over 50% of those tourists come through the capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie, come to tour the towns and enjoy duty-free shopping. You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. St Thomas Neighbourhood Guide. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. Your resort or hotel will warn you ahead of time if there is a problem with the tap water. 4. Denmark entered into an agreement in the early 20th century which provided for the sale of the Danish Virgin Islands to the U.S. for $25 million in gold. Many people retire on the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and blue coastal waters. 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. All three islands have roads with significant hurricane damage that have not been fixed yet. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. Some maps also list Culebra and Vieques as being the Spanish Virgin Islands, but they are part of the territory of Puerto Rico. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. 7. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you are going to have a governor that oversees the administrative tasks of being a territory. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, 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. It is a family-friendly environment. 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. Vandalism, theft, and robbery are also common, so its important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave valuables unattended. 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 Downtown Charlotte Amalie - Best Place to Stay on St Thomas for your First Time. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St Croix) are supplied by IKEA Puerto Rico. The pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands are vital to consider if this is where you want to call home one day. , From being the Realtor of the year to president of her board of Realtors, and associating herself with a real estate company with the best mobile site (Sea Glass Properties), I didn't need much more than that to decide to work with her for my St Thomas home buying needs, Barbara is simply the best! gives you all the answers. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. Contact Property. These were descendants . I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. Youll see stunning artwork displays, beautiful European and colonial architecture, and get to experience the folklore and traditions of the island where you choose to live. 1 bath. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. In terms of living in the Virgin Islands, its always important to do your own research and know where is safe to live and where is not. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. Plus, there is a $5 entry fee per visitor as a warranty that you will keep the territory clean and a $2 parking fee (the parking is a 5-minute walk from the beach). Buy the The Settlers Handbook Guide to As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. 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