living in st thomas virgin islands

If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If the property is newer then that, then the maximum rent allowed for the property is the initial amount charged during the lease signing. The USVI primary uses paved streets that meet the current standards that you would find in all of the states. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Unless you secure a job before making your move here, you may need to dip into your savings quite a bit to make ends meet at first. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. In fact, almost all crime is among the local population. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. 1. 9. If moving to the island, consider renting a place with a generator especially if you are digital nomad and dependent on power for your work. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. Most places will accept credit cards. If you like a slower pace of life and dont mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. 2. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. calls are treated as domestic calls, not overseas calls. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. Thats why most of the residents on St. Thomas tend to purchase used goods for their home upon their arrival. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. why on earth would you want to live anywhere else? Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. Petty theft and vandalism are the most common crimes against visitors, so it is important to use common sense. Upon their return, they can This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. O: 340.774.5277 Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. Still, others purchase drinking water. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. St Thomas, 00802 United States Virgin Islands. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. $3,200,000. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. , 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. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. 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. 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. Resort. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is 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). Looking out your window can give you a sense of inner peace that is not possible in other locations. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have According to The St Thomas Source, in an article published February 17th, 2021, there was a marked increase in crime on the island during the pandemic. These include the British Virgin Islands. Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. It is a family-friendly environment. St. 1. The U.S. Virgin Islands enjoy warm sunny weather year-round. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. About Us. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in St Thomas, Us Virgin IslandsJan 2023. beaches and sun-drenched weather. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. Live coverage of the 2023 St. Thomas Children's Carnival . As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. The St. Thomas Carnival is an annual post-Easter Carnival, usually held around April/May. . St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area. Many couples are opting to save the 5. St. John . All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Patience & Courtesy, St Thomas Expertise - Hundreds of Transactions, Promising You Island Knowledgeand a Sense of Humor, Director and Past Pres. 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 . For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. 8. Gun violence, drugs, theft, and various other crimes are serious problems that the government is working to solve. There is an overall lack of goods availability. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. While this comes down to personal preference, many people choose St John because of its pristine and secluded beaches and hikes. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Property taxes are favorable; there is no sales tax and, You will get to experience plenty of sunshine, have friendly neighbors, and experience Caribbean life without a significant investment. 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. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. (Travel Guide), What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. And there are widely popular bay-like beaches with amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms, chair rentals and complete water sports centers offering a variety of rental equipment . Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. Downed powerlines, felled trees, and general havoc occur whenever one blows through. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. 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. Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. 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. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. Powered by Neutrino, Inc. 7 years ago. We've narrowed the search to islands with direct flights from NY. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. In terms of vacationing in USVI, Id definitely suggest planning a trip ASAP! , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. 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 . My husband was held up at gunpoint by a couple young kids near Coki Beach, actually on Point Pleasant. In addition, residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. 7. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? Has it been sealed recently? And trust me, you wont regret it. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. We're considering St. Martin, St. Lucia or St. Thomas. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. If you are thinking about moving to St. Thomas or living in the US Virgin Islands or even Puerto Rico or any other Caribbean Island, then you need to watch t. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. WTJX - Channel 12 (PBS. All Rights Reserved. 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. Before buying a home, it's a good idea to consult our buyer's guide to for information on the cost of living in the US Virgin Islands, tips for negotiating, local info & more. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . Every day feels like summer when you start living in the USVI. 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. 3. The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The U.S. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. means mainland US companies do business here including She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. 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. In other words - you supply your . On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. 2. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. 7. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. Local news. Brokered by Real Solutions Real Estate And Management Service. While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. Government. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer Add data for St Thomas, Consider looking into aggregate data for Average in Us Virgin Islands, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? 8. Outside of the tourism industry, the government, and the handful of retail outlets that have made their way to the island, there isnt much for work. For Rent - Condo. Water Island is only 491 acres. Tuesday, May 16 . But, the cheapest time to visit during the rainy season. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. 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. They are located along the easternmost edge of the Greater Antilles, sitting to the east of Puerto Rico. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. 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. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! Do you live in St Thomas? Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. On St. ThomasMore Info, So many wonderful events and things to do in St. Thomas. Despite being a group of islands in the Caribbean, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are actually a part of the United States. #4 Frenchtown - Romantic Destination on St Thomas for Couples. 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. A direct impact by one can be enough to wipe entire neighborhoods off of the island. . Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. the Caribbean. Competitive Tax Benefits for Residents. There is also a 36-month resident distinction that is part of this process. Whether youre looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. Thomas has everything you need. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory. There can be some humidity since this is an island destination that youd be calling home, but it usually isnt too bad. Not to mention you will need it if you decide to travel to the neighboring British Virgin Islands while living here. 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. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. Those who opt to stay and explore this once Dutch- and . Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. Come join us in our exploration of A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. 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. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? Also U.S. Driving on the roads requires some extra caution because of the narrow windy roads and lack of infrastructure in some areas. For nature lovers, St John is the place to look for your ideal home or getaway. The hotels available on the island are all in safe areas. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. Are the virgin Islands safe to visit during hurricane season? This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. 9. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in 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. 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. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. And, visitors still feel safe in hotel areas, beaches, and downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted. 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. There are many additional cays and islands surrounding the area that is also the property of USVI. Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. Youll rarely experience a day that dips below 75F, even during the rainy season or the winter months. 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. 4. 3. 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. operates here and both land line and cellular phone Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. 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-17th century. This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. Depending on the type of property you own on the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will be required to pay a percentage of the propertys assessed value in taxes. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. Ive been president of the St. Thomas Board of Realtors, and was voted Best Realtor on St. Thomas by readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News three consecutive years. #1 Downtown Charlotte Amalie - Best Place to Stay on St Thomas for your First Time. 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. There are spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities on all of the islands. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. 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! Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. 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. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. by Shevy Baskin. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. With all these advantages, You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. 2 bed. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. gives you all the answers. London ; Melbourne ; New York ; Hong Kong ; Malaga-Andalusia ; Lifestyles Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. 2022 VisitStthomas.com Allphotos + content 1999-2021- all rights reserved. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. Her word is her bond. For your off-island New Listing. Significant on-island employers are few. Next thing to consideris your car fit to survive the driving conditions on the island, where most roads are steep and winding, and a lot of low riding cars bottom out? They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? 2/3s of the island is protected under the Virgin Islands National Park, so the majority of the island is untouched by development and tourism. This We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. I'm here to help you find the best islands in the Caribbean and make planning your trip as easy as laying on the beach. Youre only going to see your loved ones once or twice each year at most, so it can get pretty lonely at times. 5. Theres always a risk of natural disasters like tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. It can cost a bit more to arrive than a new home in the mainland, but it doesnt take long to adjust to the slower pace of island live in the USVI. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. TVs and computers tend to have a shortened life span here, especially in waterfront homes, courtesy of the salt air. There are relatively few jobs available on 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! Several airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and direct flights to the island. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.

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