living in st thomas virgin islands living in st thomas virgin islands
Virgin Islands Port Authority-April 28, 2023. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety Despite being a group of islands in the Caribbean, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are actually a part of the United States. Live coverage of the 2023 St. Thomas Children's Carnival . O: 340.774.5277 Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. This city had 22 entries in the past 12 months by 6 different contributors. 34 likes, 4 comments - The Caribbean Break (@thecaribbeanbreak) on Instagram: " Come visit the Village during Carnival in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands! Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. 3. The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have Be captivated by peerless turquoise Great Bay and verdant mountain views, endless beaches, thrilling water sports . 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. St. Thomas is dangerous. WTJX-TV Channel 12 invites everybody, everywhere to join its live coverage of the St. Thomas Carnival parades. Add data for St Thomas! Rule Two: Dont presume things will be logical (see rule one). . When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? St. Thomas Source. (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. 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. The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. As a result, Living in St Thomas, St John, or St Croix is just like living in any other part of the United States except for the fact that its surrounded by beautiful beaches! From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. (Hold on to your hat - we even have a bowling alley. 1. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. Contact Property. 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 . 1. Mobile units reach the outlying islands . Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. operates here and both land line and cellular phone The pros of living in St Thomas are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and incredible beaches. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. Otherwise, you can join the millions of people like me that have fallen in love with the beauty of the US Virgin Islands! We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The airfare cost to get there can be as high as $2,000 per person round trip. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. , This person is a professional in every sense of the word! Hurricane season in the US Virgin Islands runs from June 1st to November 30th. St. Thomas is located in the My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. the unique underwater world. Most of the people who start living in St. Thomas say that they would never return to their previous life because of the peace and simplicity that the island offers. 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. This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. You can also find family-friendly stuff at the best local events, like the annual chili cook off and the Carnival celebration. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. The pleasant tropical breeze tends to take the brunt of the heat away, allowing you to relax on a patio and enjoy the views that you have. St. John Source. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Feel free to browse our website for more content on the St Thomas and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. No Pressure. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. You can take a snorkeling trip at a moments notice especially with the large discounts the companies offer to local residents. In addition, residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. Whether youre looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. Thomas has everything you need. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. There is also a 36-month resident distinction that is part of this process. . 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. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. St. Thomas. 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. As long as youre prepared for some bad weather, visiting during hurricane season is safe and can be a great way to save money on your trip. Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. 2 bed. While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. Beachfront properties are minimal when you start looking for a home. Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville. 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.St. For Americans in particular, the beautiful US Virgin Islands is a coveted destination for a beach home. Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. Also, consider that spare car parts for fancier makes and models might be hard to come by on St. Thomas. 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 . gives you all the answers. Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. For an ex-pat from Australia, the hardship premium for the US Virgin Islands is 10%, i.e., host location (the US Virgin Islands) premium of 20% minus home location (Australia) premium of 10%. 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. Total size of USVI: 133 square milesSize of St John: 19 square miles (smallest island)Size of St Thomas: 32 square milesSize of St Croix: 84 square miles (largest island). 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. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. St. John . Some maps also list Culebra and Vieques as being the Spanish Virgin Islands, but they are part of the territory of Puerto Rico. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. the Caribbean. Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. 2 bath. 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. USVI is best for families and vacationers looking for activities and excursions as well as beautiful beaches. Youll find that some businesses prefer to hire only transplants, while others want to employ only natives. The Schneider Regional Medical Center has locations on all three islands, so youll always access to medical services while in the Virgin Islands. Recommended Minimum Amount of Money for food (2400 calories, Western food types) Milk (regular), (0.25 liter) 0.38 $ Loaf of Fresh White Bread (125.00 g) 1.38 $ Rice (white), (0.10 kg) You may find some communities or neighborhoods are more willing to embrace you than others when you move here. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. 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. I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. These flights serve persons visiting other US Virgin Island territories. Theres also no shortage of things to do on the island, from exploring its natural beauty to enjoying all the tours in St Thomas. According to the CDC, the US Virgin Islands are safe to visit. Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. 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 . This airport is one of the busiest in the Eastern Caribbean. There can be some humidity since this is an island destination that youd be calling home, but it usually isnt too bad. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. Getting Around in 2023. Petty theft and vandalism are the most common crimes against visitors, so it is important to use common sense. There are spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities on all of the islands. Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Based on our St. Thomas cost of living calculator, St. Thomas is 35% more expensive than the national average and 4% more expensive to live in than the average city in Virgin Islands. 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. Concrete vs. a wood framed home? St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. It was purchased in 1917 for $25 million in gold from Denmark, and the capital is called Charlotte Amalie in honor of the wife of King Christian V of Denmark. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE XO Bistro - you name it! Significant on-island employers are few. WTJX encourages everyone to support our young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if you can't make it, WTJX has you covered with our hosts Lillian 'Lilly' Moolenaar and Patrickson Thomas - What a . 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. Additionally, many people feel safe and secure visiting a US territory. Atlantic Standard Time all year. It 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 . Those who opt to stay and explore this once Dutch- and . Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Cisterns and roofs? 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! The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. 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. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. The island life is not for everyone, so they want to make sure youre willing to stay before forming a relationship. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. So why should you choose The hotels available on the island are all in safe areas. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included. 7. 6. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, I'm sharing all the secrets. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. This The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. There are day camps for the kids, spiritual groups that offer activities, golf tournaments, and lots of fishing. 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. Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern - a concrete tank underneath the home. There is less availability for goods and services. My needs included both short term and long term accommodation. money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. The proximity of the Thatch Cay . 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. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. 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. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. (+ Best Time To Visit), Is There Uber in Aruba? This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. Any housing that existed before July of that year has a maximum rent ceiling of what the costs where at that point. Your use of this service is subject to our, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course, McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal), Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat), Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car), Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car), Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment, 1 min. 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. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. If youre planning on visiting the US Virgin Islands, you may be wondering if its safe to drive. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. "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. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. The modern history of St. Thomas began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus spotted it during his second voyage to the New World. 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. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. Population: 50,601. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. The service she gave us was truly exceptional. 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. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. 8. For those who qualify, this can result in up to a 90% reduction in income taxesand a 100% exemption on property taxes. 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. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. 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. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. Any leaks? 7. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. 7 years ago. There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. 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. It can also be a lot of fun to decorate your palm trees for Christmas! St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. If you decide to start living in the USVI, then it will not take long for you to realize that youre joining a very different culture than what you might have experienced before when living stateside. Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. . Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Buy the The Settlers Handbook Guide to Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. August and September tend to be the two worst months for these storms to blow through. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. Then there is the island time to consider. The Virgin Islands tax program is one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. 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? There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. Planning 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. Best beach day ever. You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. This means it is a hotspot for U.S. citizens because they enjoy passport-free travel. The pace of life here is pleasant. 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. Property taxes can be high for some individuals on St. Thomas. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. In other words you supply your own water. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. For Rent - Condo. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas and the USVI are often described as a made-in-America tax haven for individuals and families. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. Good restaurants, cinemas, social spots? 4. 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. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. Even if you only get a close shave by the outer edge of the cyclone, youll be dealing with significant storm surges that can cause plenty of flooding issues. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. The Virgin Islands National Park on St. John is a hiker's paradise, with 20-plus trails ranging from flat and short to challenging all with views of blue bays and green islands. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. Required fields are marked *. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. For your off-island 1,077. from $167 per adult. 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. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. Her word is her bond. As a first time home buyer, Barbara took the time and extra effort to guide me through every aspect of the home buying process. The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Elections 2022. $3,200,000. Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! St. St. John does not have the Virgin Islands Boa, Corn Snake, or the Racer (but there may be the odd sighting of the latter), and St. Croix only has the Blind Snake and another non .
Duluth, Ga Shooting,
Best High School Marching Bands In Texas 2021,
Articles L