Many people retire on the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and blue coastal waters. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . Rule One: You must have a sense of humor. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. You can take a snorkeling trip at a moments notice especially with the large discounts the companies offer to local residents. BVI is better for couples and getaways when you want to hide on the beach and not be disturbed! If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. , Quite frankly, I dont know how we could have made this move without Barbara. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. Sailing. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. St. Thomas is the most built-up infrastructure-wise, while St. John is the least developed. Additionally, Cyril E King airport is also an important connecting gateway for the British Virgin Islands where no direct international flights serve this island grouping. 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. There are many additional cays and islands surrounding the area that is also the property of USVI. I can be of assistance. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. , 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! You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western 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. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. Government. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. Saint Thomas ( Danish: Sankt Thomas) is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three largest of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United States. Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. $3,600. From June to November, hurricanes are common in the Virgin Islands. Most tourists and locals do feel safe in St Thomas overall, but it is always best to take precautions. St Croix is considered a safe vacation destination, particularly for tourists. 1,077. from $167 per adult. by Shevy Baskin. They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. 2. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. Terms and Conditions of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. It can be expensive to live there because of the natural benefits, but life can also be very rewarding. This can change depending on the number of ships in port. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. It wouldnt be until 1657 when the Dutch West India Company would establish a post on the island. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. The U.S. Getting Around in 2023. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. And, when it comes to purchasing a home on St. Thomas, youll want to find out how big the cistern is on the home, and inquire about its condition. 2 bed. 8. Once weve solved the real estate questions, what about daily life? Competitive Tax Benefits for Residents. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. The islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Plus, there is a $5 entry fee per visitor as a warranty that you will keep the territory clean and a $2 parking fee (the parking is a 5-minute walk from the beach). Health services are more extensive in the U.S. than in the British islands. 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. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. 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. On St. ThomasMore Info, So many wonderful events and things to do in St. Thomas. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. Most assessments are for about 60% of the fair market value of the real estate. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. You know that it is safe to drive now, but is it worth renting a car in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John? The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. 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. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. 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. That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. This city had 22 entries in the past 12 months by 6 different contributors. 5. Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. 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. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. the unique underwater world. Learn more about where to Stay in St Croix before making your decision. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an 2. $2,268. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten? Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, I'm sharing all the secrets. 7. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE $323. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . and its sandy floor. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. You might be having a terrible day, but the place you call home is still incredibly beautiful. Before I left for the island, I began corresponding with Barbara through a local St. Thomas referral, and am grateful that I did.