living in st thomas virgin islands
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! Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. 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. Getting outside the box. 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 . Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. There is Cowpet Bay East, Cowpet Bay West, Cowpet Beach Resort, also known as the Elysian, and finally there are the Anchorage Condominiums, all of which sit on Cowpet Bay. 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. O: 340.774.5277 I can be of assistance. And trust me, you wont regret it. Many seven-figure, as well as more moderately priced homes, are sprinkled across Frenchmans Bay, where you can either perch yourself in the hills above the harbor or find yourself nestled closer to the water. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. The United Nations reports that the USVI has the highest per capita murder rate in the Caribbean and the fourth-largest in the world today. 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. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. Property taxes can be high for some individuals on St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. This Both are very beautiful, and the cost to get to the islands in the first place means that only the people who want to be present tend to hang around. 1. 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. As such, any US citizen can live in the USVI without having to go through any special immigration procedures. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. If you need more information contact to the Puerto Rico Contact center. These include the British Virgin Islands. 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. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) on island including Chiropractors, Optometrists, Dentists, Psychologists, etc. , Barbara is a consummate professional! The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. , 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! Court approval is required for evictions. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. 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. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. $3,600. You would be foolish not to. International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. All Rights Reserved. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. 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. This 397-acre enclave at the secluded West End of St. Thomas boasts a perfect and pristine worlda spectacular collection of beachside residences on some of the largest estate home sites in the Caribbean.". You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. St John is the least populated and has the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. 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. Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. 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. The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. Contact Property. Significant on-island employers are few. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. Most places will accept credit cards. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas is very easy. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. You are going to be sharing your home with some unwanted friends. $3,200,000. Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. 1. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? It can be expensive to live there because of the natural benefits, but life can also be very rewarding. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is There are relatively few adjustments that youll need to make with your lifestyle when you decide to start living in St. Thomas. There are hiring restrictions in place in the Virgin Islands. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. The Virgin Islands are known for their protected lands of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation. Add data for St Thomas! The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. You can visit either St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix, or better yet, spend a little time on all three islands. 7. 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. What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten? , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. 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. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These terminals are Crown Bay Marina, Red Hook Terminal an Edward Blyden Terminal. Lindquist Beach - Best beaches in St. Thomas. The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. If youre booking a vacation rental in St Croix, make sure its in a secure neighborhood, particularly away from the affordable housing area where the local crime tends to increase. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. Health services are more extensive in the U.S. than in the British islands. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which You will want to take steps to secure employment and verify the security assets of your property before your arrival to minimize risks and complications. This city had 22 entries in the past 12 months by 6 different contributors. As long as youre smart and use common sense, its easy to feel safe around all three of the islands. Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. Nonetheless, there is also a notable population of Spanish speakers, since the islands are so close to Puerto Rico. Impoverished conditions significantly impact the education of children. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. There are some challenges to consider when living in the Virgin Islands, but those issues are more related to its location in the Caribbean and the logistical issues that come with that problem. 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. 1. 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. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. and Cingular all operate here. The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. For Rent - Condo. Any leaks? 2. 5. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. 9. 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. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. 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. local service. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. Youre only going to see your loved ones once or twice each year at most, so it can get pretty lonely at times. The apartment market is quite active in the USVI, but expect to pay at least $1,000 per month for rent to grab a studio without a view. Recalibrating. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule for St. Croix cruise ships. Otherwise, you can join the millions of people like me that have fallen in love with the beauty of the US Virgin Islands! blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. . You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Thats a definite advantage compared to St. John, where almost 70% of the island is a national park and most of the housing is in the structure of weekly villa rentals. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. Learn more about where to Stay in St Croix before making your decision. Likely To Sell Out. You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the Equal Housing Opportunity: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. There is less stress here unless you actively seek out problematic situations. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. Second, travel insurance is always a good idea in case you need to cancel your trip due to a storm. You can also take the three-mile ferry ride over to St. John that will take you 20 minutes to complete when a day trip is in order. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! Lets take a look at each individual island below. In other words you supply your own water. 3. Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. Known as the fourth Virgin, Water Island is a charming residential community where residents buzz about on golf carts, dodging their fellow inhabitants the many large turtles that amble the islands terrain. St Thomas Neighbourhood Guide. Many of the islands are free from light sources at night too, which means you can do some fantastic stargazing. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. The U.S. Virgin Islands are best known for the three largest isles: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. As per the Police Commissioner, Trevor Velinor in 2020 there was double the amount of robberies, a 14% increase in homicides, 24% increase in domestic violence calls and an increasing in shooting assaults when compared to 2019. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. St. Thomas Carnival is actually the second largest Caribbean Carnival celebration, as it runs as a month-long event.. Barbara Birt brings you the best of island living, from US Virgin Islands real estate to stunning beaches. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US 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. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. 5. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. About Us. Ive lived in several parts of St Thomas, so Im a good one to consult about being an East-Ender or a Northsider, the West End or the Southside. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. informal reception. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. 4. 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. There are centipedes that come crawling through as well. 1. 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 Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. First, youll want to keep an eye on the weather and be aware of any potential storms or hurricanes that could be headed for the area. Do you live in St Thomas? On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. Several international artists also call the island home, making their living outside of the islands economy.