Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. 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. America's "Caribbean Paradise", the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas, St John and St Croix, offer some of the best retirement options in the Caribbean. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. In order to keep residents and visitors safe, it is important to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Youll need to relearn how to drive in the USVI. 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. 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? . Well I quickly figured out the answer, and Ive never looked back. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. These were descendants . In other words you supply your own water. 2. Rule Two: Dont presume things will be logical (see rule one). Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. Planning Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. With all these advantages, I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. 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. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. is important in both business and personal matters. (+ Best Time To Visit), Is There Uber in Aruba? 6. As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. A cistern is basically a tank that stores water for all your household needs laundry, bathing, and drinking. It takes a lot of proactive planning to navigate this issue, and even then, you can find that essentials like toilet paper might be out of stock or in short supply. While this comes down to personal preference, many people choose St John because of its pristine and secluded beaches and hikes. along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery Youll pay double that cost for something closer to what you might be used to having where you currently live. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 4. Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. Most assessments are for about 60% of the fair market value of the real estate. 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. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. 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. Not only is she a highly knowledgeable realtor, she also has a wealth of information to share regarding our islands. Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. . There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. In addition, residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. The Virgin Islands tax program is one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. And whether there are millions or singles in your pocket, we all wind up shopping at K-Mart, and we tend to drive cars that inevitably sport some dings. Youll need to know how to prepare your property to manage the heavy winds and rain that will come if one passes over. 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. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers? Better yet, talk to me at (340) 690-9995 or email me at barbara@seaglassproperties.com to start exploring houses for sale in St Thomas Virgin Islands. Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. Likely To Sell Out. 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 2. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. ), Barbara Birt stands out as one of the most trustworthy, efficient, and conscientious real estate professionals I knowanywhere. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Cheap Cost Of Living In Bora Bora, French Polynesia (Best Budget Tips), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines. There are relatively few adjustments that youll need to make with your lifestyle when you decide to start living in St. Thomas. Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; You might want a birth certificate or a valid drivers license too. Cisterns and roofs? Brokered by Real Solutions Real Estate And Management Service. Yes. St. Thomas is located in the Hurricane season in the Virgin Islands begins in June and ends in November every year. Here are a few personal safety tips to keep in mind: Lock your room doors Do not keep valuables in your car Stay together; do not venture alone at night Stay away from unfamiliar and unknown areas Be prepared to evacuate if youre going during a hurricane warning. by Shevy Baskin. 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. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. 5. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Even when there is a right to repossess the property, the court system allows for a delay of up to six months to allow someone to find a new place to live. The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. Visitors to Coral World Ocean Park can observe the rich sea life from a 20-foot-high . Come join us in our exploration of My husband was held up at gunpoint by a couple young kids near Coki Beach, actually on Point Pleasant. St. Thomas $1,995. 6. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. 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. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. Many of the local residents felt that the Dutch were poorly managing the island, so they persuaded a sale of St. Thomas (along with St. John and St. Croix) to the United States. Looking out your window can give you a sense of inner peace that is not possible in other locations. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. The U.S. Virgin Islands are best known for the three largest isles: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. The incentives are meant to bolster the economy, where over 30% of the residents live below the poverty line and the per capita income is $13,000. The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Do you live in St Thomas? The official 2023 St. Thomas Carnival dates have not been released but . Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! When you start living in the Virgin Islands, you will quickly discover that the lanes are designed for left-handed driving instead of being on the right as they are stateside and in Puerto Rico. Getting Around in 2023. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. 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. 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. According to the CDC, the US Virgin Islands are safe to visit. Life moves at a much slower pace in the Virgin Islands, for better and for worse. When you move fully prepared for the changes that will take place, then the adverse issues with surprise problems becomes a minimal risk. The average rate of taxation for a company on the island is just 3.37% and that was before the Republican congress passed sweeping corporate tax cuts with the blessing of the Trump Administration. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Also, consider that spare car parts for fancier makes and models might be hard to come by on St. Thomas. Add data for St Thomas, Consider looking into aggregate data for Average in Us Virgin Islands, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. "The Settler's Handbook" is highly recommended as an informative source for those considering moving to, or investing in, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas or St. John. Buy the The Settlers Handbook Guide to As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. Equal Housing Opportunity: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? a trip to the St. Thomas is exciting, fun and so easy.. Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. There are relatively few jobs available on St. Thomas. However, this list of top 10 facts about living conditions in the Virgin Islands goes beyond the images of tropical paradise to get a closer look at life on . There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. Many of the islands are free from light sources at night too, which means you can do some fantastic stargazing. Has it been sealed recently? 8. 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. New vehicles here are more expensive than on the mainland, but if you dont purchase the car from a local dealership, they wont honor the new-car warranty from the Stateside dealer. Thats about 20% cheaper than what you will find on St. John. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. Privacy Policy Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. 3. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. St. But there are over 50 smaller cays and islands in this archipelago. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Parasailing. If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. . Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. The mountains of the island provide opportunities to have a few of the water from your place if you want, with numerous condominium complexes offering an opportunity to purchase or rent. Terms and Conditions Also U.S. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. 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 . It Those who opt to stay and explore this once Dutch- and . We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. St John is the least populated and has the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. If you need more information contact to the Puerto Rico Contact center. on island including Chiropractors, Optometrists, Dentists, Psychologists, etc. Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 p.m. WTJX encourages everyone to support the young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if anyone cannot make it, WTJX has it covered with its hosts Lillian "Lilly" Moolenaar . Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. Do not leave valuables in plain sight, dont carry too much cash and keep your credit cards in hand, lock your hotel and car doors, and stay in groups, especially at night. Everything feels familiar in the Virgin Islands. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. Every day feels like summer when you start living in the USVI. Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas is very easy. Most of the territories in the Caribbean require their residents to navigate along unpaved roads to reach their destination. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. Although they are part of the United States, the Virgin Islands have a unique culture and history. For Americans in particular, the beautiful US Virgin Islands is a coveted destination for a beach home. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. #4 Frenchtown - Romantic Destination on St Thomas for Couples. The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. informal reception. 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. The US Virgin Islands is a beautiful Caribbean destination that is popular with tourists from all over the world. There are multiple pharmacies on island, including . Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . Even on your worst day, youre still living in the Caribbean. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. Resort. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. Check out our blog for more ideas on how to experience St. Thomas to the fullest. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. 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. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Elections 2022. On August 20, 2003, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assumed. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans), Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. Your email address will not be published. Despite being a group of islands in the Caribbean, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are actually a part of the United States. It features chapters on each of the three Virgin Islands, including island culture, history, relocation, housing, and local services such as: real estate, government offices, physicians, civic groups to join. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. One of the reasons why this part of the infrastructure is lacking is due to the cost of transporting goods to the island in the first place. All the tax laws in effect in the US are mirrored to the US Virgin Islands, with VI residents paying income taxes to the islands instead of the US. Lindquist Beach - Best beaches in St. Thomas. While St Croix may have its challenges, it is still a wonderful destination worth visiting. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. For Rent - Condo. The water is usually very calm which makes it perfect for small children. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have Privacy Policy. 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. Lets take a look at each individual island below. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. Plan your trip with the best resorts on the beach in St Thomas, View the best Places and Areas to Stay in St John. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands.
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