Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. 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. Several airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and direct flights to the island. 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 . The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. You are going to be sharing your home with some unwanted friends. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. Privacy Policy. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Moving to the US Virgin Islands - Sea Glass Properties Upon their return, they can These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. Thats why most of the residents on St. Thomas tend to purchase used goods for their home upon their arrival. If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. local service. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. 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. 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. means mainland US companies do business here including Court approval is required for evictions. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. On August 20, 2003, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assumed. Youll need to relearn how to drive in the USVI. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. Impoverished conditions significantly impact the education of children. 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. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. Still, others purchase drinking water. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. 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. Most assessments are for about 60% of the fair market value of the real estate. 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. As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are If you live in one of the major cities, then you might find one for about half of that cost. 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. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). USVI Income Taxes. Many of the islands are free from light sources at night too, which means you can do some fantastic stargazing. Taking regular precautions and using common sense will help you make your vacation to the Virgin Islands one to remember. List of people from the United States Virgin Islands - Wikipedia It This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. Likely To Sell Out. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer When you move fully prepared for the changes that will take place, then the adverse issues with surprise problems becomes a minimal risk. 5. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery 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. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. "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. money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big no estate or inheritance tax. As a first time home buyer, Barbara took the time and extra effort to guide me through every aspect of the home buying process. Youll rarely experience a day that dips below 75F, even during the rainy season or the winter months. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. Does a Permanent Resident Need a Visa for the Virgin Islands? Parasailing. 1. Your voting status will change once you become a resident. 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. As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a But there are over 50 smaller cays and islands in this archipelago. Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. 2. I was trained at Columbia University in journalism, and I worked on St Thomas as a reporter for a few years, as well as for Antilles School as an administrator. 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 . $1,995. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. Cost of Living in St Thomas - HelpToStudy.com Living on St John USVI: Pros and Cons in 2023 $2,268. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. There are centipedes that come crawling through as well. 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. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. Before I left for the island, I began corresponding with Barbara through a local St. Thomas referral, and am grateful that I did. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. With all these advantages, The U.S. wanted to maintain control over the Caribbean region during World War I, and these islands held strategic value. The Best Things To Do On St. Thomas: Where To Stay, Eat, And Play International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. St Croix is considered a safe vacation destination, particularly for tourists. Barbara Birt brings you the best of island living, from US Virgin Islands real estate to stunning beaches. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. 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. Theres also no shortage of things to do on the island, from exploring its natural beauty to enjoying all the tours in St Thomas. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. 1,077. from $167 per adult. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. Virgin Islands Port Authority-April 28, 2023. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. There are three areas on the island where you can join a ferry. The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. The University of the Virgin Islands (established in 1962) has campuses on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. The water is safe to drink in USVI. US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. Are the US Virgin Islands safe? 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). There are also capital gains brackets that youll need to consider when moving here, depending on how you generate income. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. There are spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities on all of the islands. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. 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? Best Places To Eat On St. Thomas. Others have more basic filtration systems. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. 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. 509.2/km 2 (1318.8/sq mi) Map of U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. beaches and sun-drenched weather. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. Youll see stunning artwork displays, beautiful European and colonial architecture, and get to experience the folklore and traditions of the island where you choose to live. 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. 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! These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. As long as youre smart and use common sense, its easy to feel safe around all three of the islands. Many couples are opting to save the 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.". The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. St Thomas, VI Luxury Real Estate - Homes for Sale The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. 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. Getting Around in 2023. . 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. 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%. Even on your worst day, youre still living in the Caribbean. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. St. Thomas is dangerous. The three main islands that make up the Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John, and St Thomas. 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. Lets take a look at each individual island below. Looking out your window can give you a sense of inner peace that is not possible in other locations. This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. 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. St Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. 4. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands. We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The three main islands, St Croix, St John, and St Thomas are surrounded by a variety of Caribbean islands and cays like the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla. In terms of living in the Virgin Islands, it's always important to do your own research and know where is safe to live and where is not. 8 Bathrooms. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. Depending on where you choose to live in the Virgin Islands, the traffic can be terrible. Where to Stay in St Thomas (TOP 5 Areas in 2023) - The Broke Backpacker Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. The Virgin Islands tax program is one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. For those who qualify, this can result in up to a 90% reduction in income taxesand a 100% exemption on property taxes. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. XO Bistro - you name it! Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. The Nature Conservancy's Virgin Islands Program Receives Reef Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . 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. Any housing that existed before July of that year has a maximum rent ceiling of what the costs where at that point. BVI is better for couples and getaways when you want to hide on the beach and not be disturbed! Each time I go, I find a welcoming and safe environment that encourages me to visit again and again! , Barbara is a consummate professional! $3,600. 1. She was very patient as I tried to get all family members on board. , This person is a professional in every sense of the word! The proximity of the Thatch Cay . The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St Croix) are supplied by IKEA Puerto Rico. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. 1. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. List of the Cons of Living in St. Thomas. Finally, remember that hurricane season is also the rainy season in the Virgin Islands, so you may run into some showers during your visit. Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. St. John . . St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. 7. ST. THOMAS CARNIVAL 2023 | Parades, Events & More The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. If you dont know anyone in the USVI, choose to rent a home, and havent been there for at least six months, then self-employment might be your only option. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Are the US Virgin Islands Safe in 2023? - Caribbean Uncovered Whether youre looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. Thomas has everything you need. About St Thomas; . Overall, the US Virgin Islands are a safe place to visit. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. Many people retire on the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and blue coastal waters. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. 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. It can be expensive to live there because of the natural benefits, but life can also be very rewarding. The Surprising Jewish History of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. and Cingular all operate here. 7 years ago. 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. Companies such as DHL and FEDEX charges international rates when shipping to St Thomas. financial services such as Merrill Lynch and a variety Overall, yes! Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. 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. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. 2022 VisitStthomas.com Allphotos + content 1999-2021- all rights reserved. The Hull Bay trail is a 1.6-mile trail located near the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Water Island is only 491 acres. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. A cistern is basically a tank that stores water for all your household needs laundry, bathing, and drinking. Equal Housing Opportunity: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Outdoor Adventures | US Virgin Islands It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. The St. Thomas Carnival is an annual post-Easter Carnival, usually held around April/May. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most 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. 1. I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. 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. , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. 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. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. $1,634. U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Guide | U.S. News Travel The Schneider Regional Medical Center has locations on all three islands, so youll always access to medical services while in the Virgin Islands. Be captivated by peerless turquoise Great Bay and verdant mountain views, endless beaches, thrilling water sports . Drug activity is particularly prevalent on the islands, and the government is working to crack down on this problem. 5. Any leaks? Generally, the ships of Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean (except Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas) dock at Havensight. St. Thomas is a vibrant and picturesque island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. She was so patient, understanding and honest to deal with. St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. why on earth would you want to live anywhere else? , 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! Many of the experiences that you will have are the same as any other destination as an American citizen. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands - National Park Service 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. 2 bed. Top 5 Reasons to Invest in USVI Real Estate | Sea Glass Properties The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. Nonetheless, there is also a notable population of Spanish speakers, since the islands are so close to Puerto Rico. St. Thomas Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. On the other hand, living in St Thomas has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, the high cost of shipping to the island, power outages and traffic congestion. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. 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. by Shevy Baskin. This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. In other words - you supply your .
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