While St Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime. Cisterns and roofs? According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. | 0 comments Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained)What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines You may also likeLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. 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. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. 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. Plus, with only a short flight to the U.S. mainland, it's easy to travel back and forth from the islands to the states if you are a property owner in both places. BVI is better for couples and getaways when you want to hide on the beach and not be disturbed! I am happy to share my enthusiasm . Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). 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 sits in the warm Atlantic waters that mingle with the Caribbean to create tropical storms and large storms that can create numerous issues. wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a Also U.S. You might be having a terrible day, but the place you call home is still incredibly beautiful. The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. O: 340.774.5277 There is less availability for goods and services. There is an overall lack of goods availability. Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. Beginning in the early 1670's, The Danish West India company established a slave Market in the port of Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas. 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. 8. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. 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. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. 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. 5. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. In other words you supply your own water. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. There is less availability for goods and services. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. Drug activity is particularly prevalent on the islands, and the government is working to crack down on this problem. personal and commercial convenience, the US Post office Even on your worst day, youre still living in the Caribbean. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. While this comes down to personal preference, many people choose St John because of its pristine and secluded beaches and hikes. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. There are centipedes that come crawling through as well. Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. The beach area has several amenities which make it perfect for entertainment including tables, bathrooms and lifeguards. 2. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. $1,634. There are numerous natural attractions for you to enjoy. 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. Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. The Caribbean is one of those sights that is similar to the first time you see a professional baseball or football game or climb a mountain to view a sunset. St. Thomas is the most built-up infrastructure-wise, while St. John is the least developed. Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. 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. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? St. Thomas Carnival is actually the second largest Caribbean Carnival celebration, as it runs as a month-long event.. Government. Your use of this service is subject to our The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . Check out our blog for more ideas on how to experience St. Thomas to the fullest. A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. Those who opt to stay and explore this once Dutch- and . Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. 3. Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. In broad day light. If youre planning on visiting the US Virgin Islands, you may be wondering if its safe to drive. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. 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. $2,268. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. . is important in both business and personal matters. 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. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. 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. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. 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 . Many of the homes that you will find in the Virgin Islands sell for more than $1 million. The Peterborg peninsula separates world famous Magens Bay from the Atlantic Ocean and is home to four gated communities: Peterborg East, Dove Way, Sydneys Fancy and Red Rock. Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. You are going to be sharing your home with some unwanted friends. Elections 2022. If you live in one of the major cities, then you might find one for about half of that cost. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. Most of the territories in the Caribbean require their residents to navigate along unpaved roads to reach their destination. . Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. 7. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. F: 340.777.9472, 2023 Sea Glass Properties, All Rights Reserved. This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. There are relatively few jobs available on St. Thomas. Terms and Conditions Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. 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. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. Additionally, many of the residents are born and raised in St Croix. Then there is the island time to consider. US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. If you decide to become a resident and live there full-time, then you can register to vote in the local elections. Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. New Listing. $3,600. Lets take a look at each individual island below. "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. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. For Rent - Condo. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. 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. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. 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. In the United States Virgin Islands, English is the dominant language. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, 5 Essential Negotiating Tips for Buying a Home, moving to the US Virgin Islands with pets. When you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, then you are under the status of a U.S. protected territory unless you are moving to the British or Spanish Virgin Islands, that is. It was colonialism that was the purpose of this transaction. In fact, almost all crime is among the local population. The government of the Virgin Islands provides a tax break to companies that locate to the territory to do business. Still, others purchase drinking water. 2. 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. 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. For nature lovers, St John is the place to look for your ideal home or getaway. 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. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety And trust me, you wont regret it. After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, My husband was held up at gunpoint by a couple young kids near Coki Beach, actually on Point Pleasant. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. St Thomas is blessed with amazing beaches. Before you pack your bags and board the first plane to the USVI, here are some of the most important things you need to know about moving here. There are three areas on the island where you can join a ferry. 2 bed. St. Thomas above others? includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big 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. 1. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, 1,077. from $167 per adult. Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. Youre only going to see your loved ones once or twice each year at most, so it can get pretty lonely at times. 5. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE 3. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. But, the cheapest time to visit during the rainy season. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? Food Prices in St Thomas, Us Virgin Islands. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. The food of the U.S. Virgin Islands is a result of history and, as such . , Barbara is a consummate professional! 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. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. Ea." 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.