Rock

I bought a one-way to St. Thomas. I would like to drop everything I have now a move there. Has anyone who visited the USVIs ever considered to do the same, while they were there? What happened?

Thanks
Rock

sharon

Bring plenty of money and expect to spend it because as a newcomer you're going to have a very hard time getting a job. Snowbirds come down every year and some find jobs in local bars and restaurants but the average business owner looking for a longterm employee isn't going to spend the time and money training someone who is probably going to leave after a few months. You can't live off coconuts and fish here - it's the same working experience as anywhere else. Usually people (maybe not you but I'm just generalizing) who want to just "drop everything and move" have problems they think they can leave behind. Wrong motivation and it doesn't work like that. And remember that when you're here you can't just get in a car or on a train and move a couple of hundred miles to the next state. My advice? Come for a holiday, enjoy what there is to offer here, be prepared with plenty of money and RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. Living here is a LOT different from living on the mainland.

Sal

Usually common sense prevailed....Funny, all the islands I have been to around the world are paradise to me for a week or two but the fact that most of the locals want to leave, should tell you something! The grass is always greener...

freewoman

If they even let you in with a one-way ticket. Most of the islands I have been to in the Caribbean require you have a ticket to get off the island before they let you in!!

sharon

St. Thomas is in the United States Virgin Islands, is under the American flag and therefore such entry restrictions don't apply to a U.S. Citizen coming from the U.S.

kate

There is a book which I bought when I was in St John about a older couple who packed up and moved to St John from The States. I can't remember the name but I think it was something like Discovering Paradise . You should defenitely read this if you are seriously considering moving to the Caribbean. It took this couple close to a year to finally do all the things you need to do like find a home, job etc.
It is not an easy process and you need to plan and prepare way in advance...

cj

The book is called "Desiring Paradise" by Karin Schlesinger. (You can find it on an Amazon.com search -- I have it and highly recommend it. The author and her hubby are still on St. John and still LOVING it! That is to say that it worked for them, but may not work for everyone. i agree that research would be very important. As for me, I figure I'd need to win the lottery in order to move there, but it doesn't stop me from dreaming about it!

cj

Oh, and by the way -- they are NOT an older couple -- I know that for a fact! Unless you consider anyone over 30 "older"!!! Depends on your perspective, of course!

jane

My daugher and husband moved there in
Oct, 2001. She's a traveling nurse(great opportunity as that) He got job
on 50 ft schooner. They are in early
30's. They are "living their dream."

joan

Also, Rock, read "Don't Stop the Carnival". Dated, but oh-so-true.

claire

Agree with the above--don't expect day-to-day life there to compare to a week's vacation there. My own story related to this is too long to tell right now.

But, strongly urge you to look at usvi-on-line.com/forums. There are literally hundreds of discussions there in response to questions just like yours. You might also look at www.dreamwater.org/doug. This is a friend's site with some good and sensible info about moving to the islands, in this case, St. Croix, but the info is applicable to any of the VI's.

I'd never tell someone not to go, but I do encourage an informed move. It ain't paradise, really. It's a hard life there--fine for some, but a real downer for others. Good luck.