Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. Do you live in St Thomas? Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers? Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. 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. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. Guide to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Leave The Map These include the British Virgin Islands. 2. Cost of Living in St Thomas - HelpToStudy.com As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. 2 bed. Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. Equal Housing Opportunity: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule for St. Croix cruise ships. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. Additionally, many of the residents are born and raised in St Croix. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? 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. 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. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. Many couples are opting to save the If the property is newer then that, then the maximum rent allowed for the property is the initial amount charged during the lease signing. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. 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. 1. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. News. Mortgages, inspections, insurance? There are three areas on the island where you can join a ferry. 2. Add data for St Thomas, Consider looking into aggregate data for Average in Us Virgin Islands, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Impoverished conditions significantly impact the education of children. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! 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. St. John . While this comes down to personal preference, many people choose St John because of its pristine and secluded beaches and hikes. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. 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. . Recalibrating. And trust me, you wont regret it. XO Bistro - you name it! 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. And, visitors still feel safe in hotel areas, beaches, and downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted. Others have more basic filtration systems. This St. Thomas hiking trail is pretty basic and can be summed up as a rugged road with hills that offer some lovely views of Hull Bay itself. Are the virgin Islands safe to visit during hurricane season? Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. Resort. Property taxes are favorable; there is no sales tax and, I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. The Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Second, travel insurance is always a good idea in case you need to cancel your trip due to a storm. As such, any US citizen can live in the USVI without having to go through any special immigration procedures. Saint Thomas ( Danish: Sankt Thomas) is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three largest of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United States. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. Getting Around in 2023Continue, Read More Is Punta Cana Worth Visiting in 2023?Continue, Read More What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten?Continue. #4 Frenchtown - Romantic Destination on St Thomas for Couples. 3. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. 6 Bedrooms. You are going to be sharing your home with some unwanted friends. 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. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. $2,268. There are centipedes that come crawling through as well. The Caribbean Break on Instagram: " Come visit the Village during WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. Home; Welcome. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained) Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. This territory may be synonymous with luxury real estate and seaplanes, but for the discerning budget buyer, there are always a handful of homes that could become a vacation . WTJX - Channel 12 (PBS. 7 years ago. local service. The Hull Bay trail is a 1.6-mile trail located near the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Population: 50,601. Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. 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 Once weve solved the real estate questions, what about daily life? Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Although employment can be tricky if youre not in the hospitality industry, there is still a lot of magic to find on this small island. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. She's on a mission to help you find the best islands in the Caribbean, making planning your trip as easy as lying on the beach. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. Truth about living in St Thomas - YouTube 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. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. 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. the Caribbean. But there are over 50 smaller cays and islands in this archipelago. Located on the Northern end of the island, this beach is the islands most popular with both locals and tourists alike. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. Do You Need A Passport To Go To St. Thomas? - Travel From The U.S. - Atlys What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten? Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. 3. There is also a 36-month resident distinction that is part of this process. , Barbara is a consummate professional! Senior Housing - Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. Everything To Know About Moving to the Virgin Islands Most tourists and locals do feel safe in St Thomas overall, but it is always best to take precautions. 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. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. 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. Atlantic Standard Time all year. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. , 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. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. Before I left for the island, I began corresponding with Barbara through a local St. Thomas referral, and am grateful that I did.