Living in the USVI
 

i am planning on moving to the usvi and need help in selecting the best island. i will be working in the tourist industry, but would like a combination of work and play. also, the airline sold me a one way ticket and informed me i would have no problem upon arrival. but, now i am finding web-sites that state a return trip is required. is this true? please help.

You didn't say where you will be working and how far you are willing to be from your place of work.

dear decent tropical: <BR> <BR>thanks for your response. i will be unemployed upone arrival, but do have a friend on st.croix(fredricksted) with a couple of job prospects for me there. i am not obligated to stay there. also, i would hopefully like to work fairly close to where i reside. i do not have specific place yet; but, would like info about st. croix and st.john concerning living conditions (crime, housing, jobs, and night life.)

St. John is supposed to be the nicest island and have the lowest crime rate. <BR> <BR>Hopefully some people with experience and more knowledge will reply to you soon.

Amanda, I don't live in the USVI (but I'd like to -- I respect your determination by buying a one way ticket!). I have been to the islands several times over the years, and perhaps can provide some insight. <BR> <BR>St. Thomas and St. Croix have about the same population (55,000 each, I think). Most tourists visit either St. Thomas or St. John for some reason -- perhaps the beaches are not as nice on St. Croix. There have been numerous debates regarding crime on St. Thomas -- suffice it to say that there is more on St. Thomas than either of the other USVI's, but if you're cautious, you should be fine. <BR> <BR>If I were in your shoes, I know exactly what I'd do. I'd get to St. John, plan to spend a week or two in an inexpensive apartment, and look for work. As you've probably found out, you don't get a job until you move to the islands. Meet the locals and see what jobs are available. Many work two or more part time jobs (waiting tables and working a souvenier shop, for example). Its not cheap to live there, but it can be done. <BR> <BR>The reason I'd pick St. John is for several reasons: 1. Population is about 3,500 full time residents. 2. 50% of the land is dedicated as a US National Park, so those areas cannot be developed. 3. It is hard to get there (no airport - must arrive by ferry), making it less crowded. 4. The beaches are the best in the world (my opinion -- I haven't been to them all!). 5. If you're a local, everyone knows you.... we rent private villas from Kathy DeMar. When we tell locals that we're renting from Kathy, they know who we're talking about. <BR> <BR>Good luck in your job search, Amanda. <BR> <BR>- Jim

Hi there! <BR> <BR>I did the same thing about 18 months ago! I bought a one way ticket, sold everything I had in Michigan (including house, boat, cars, etc.), and was here in St. Thomas 2 weeks later. Never have regretted a minute of it! I got a job on my 2nd day on the island without even trying. (I work for Bluebeard's Castle Hotel) Most of the info that you've been given is close, not exact, but close enough for you to make a decision. St T. and St. J are only about a mile apart (if that), and the ferry is $3 each way. So for living, it really won't matter where you work, as you can always commute. St. T is the most "happening" of the 3 islands, but yet it's still not like living in Michigan. There will be some culture shock, but don't worry, it's very easy to get used to. St. J is where most of us "locals" go to "get away". It's much quieter than St. T, but that's part of the draw. St. Croix is about 80 square miles compared to 32 for St. T and about 20 for St. J It's population is approximately the same as St.T More crime there for some reason. As far as crime goes, I wouldn't worry about it one bit. Been here this long, and have had no problems whatsoever. Tortola (next island over in the BVI) is still talking about a crime that happened something like 4 years ago, it's *that* rare there. But, there is no place on the planet that hasn't got it's share of crime, though. So, as you would back home, just use your head and avoid areas that don't look "safe" at nite. As for the web posting that you need a round trip ticket, that's for other islands (like the Cayman Islands, for example) that are not territories of the U.S., since this is, it's as easy as going into Ohio. Stay as long as you like. <BR> <BR>There is a VI Message Board, I'll find it and e-mail it to you personally. In the mean time, if you have any other questions, feel free to mail me any time. <BR> <BR>Good luck! <BR> <BR>Marty

Marty: <BR> <BR>I'm in the process of doing the same thing you did. Getting rid of everything and leaving West Virginia for st. croix to hopefully reside in paradise. I would appreciate your advise on where to stay upon arrival (bed and breakfast maybe - to get to know the natives and the layout) so that I might begin my new adventure. <BR>Thanks!! <BR>Roxann

Marty -- thanks for the great info. <BR> <BR>Curious -- how exactly DO you sell everything you own in 2 weeks time? I'm struggling with that -- have a house, car, etc. and just not sure what to do with everything. I care little for most of it (and care less all the time ;-), but of course, need some money for the move, so can't just junk it all... <BR> <BR>Also--what is the "VI Message Board" you refer to? <BR>thanks. <BR>Peg

Just to let you know, Amanda, that St. John is only *3* square miles, and it sure seems like a lot more because of the hills. I love it for that reason, and you could live in Cruz Bay and then vacation on the East End, that's how long it would probably take, and that's the difference you would feel. Just thought I'd let you know how closely-knit the locals are beacuse of the island's smallness.

For the record--St. John is about 20 Sq. Miles. It's about 3miles x 7miles.

We too are condisering moving to St. Thomas or St. John. However, our situation is a little more complicated. We have two small children (2 1/2 and 4 yrs), so this will have to be a pretty well organized move. Any information or advice about moving to and living on either island would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

<BR>Moving with little ones, my first concerns would be educational & medical facilities. Research that before anything else. <BR> <BR>I'd also consider sending "Dad" down to look for work in advance. Making a good & consistent salary in the islands may not as easy for one person as for another, depending on skills, competition, etc. Island living is very expensive for just a very basic existence so you could easily find your funds depleted with no home to return to & no reserves. <BR> <BR>It would be easier for a single person or a couple without children. Also, if you are a very particular person (wanting everything just perfect all the time) island living may not be for you. Goods are not always accessible when you want them, the level of municipal services will probably be well below what you are accustomed to, etc. <BR> <BR>Island living is for the very hardy & self reliant OR the wealthy. Of the dozen or so people I know who've actually taken the plunge over the years & moved to the Caribbean, only 2 have been what I would consider successful & truly happy. Both are self employed. Neither is wealthy. Most people return after a year or two. <BR> <BR>Can't hurt to try, just don't go down expecting to find Nirvana. <BR> <BR>