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. 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. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer Outdoor Adventures | US Virgin Islands Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. . Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. 6. Elections 2022. You will need to contend with hurricane season every year. 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. 8. That means youll need to get used to driving under different conditions when you first move here, which can be a challenge for some people. Live coverage of the 2023 St. Thomas Children's Carnival . Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. Homes for Sale in US Virgin Islands | Barbara Birt St Thomas is blessed with amazing beaches. Truth about living in St Thomas - YouTube 7. , Quite frankly, I dont know how we could have made this move without Barbara. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. Otherwise, you can join the millions of people like me that have fallen in love with the beauty of the US Virgin Islands! That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. Check out shipping costs they can be favorable depending on the make and model, but it means youll have to get the car to Florida the most optimal drop off spot. 2. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. Looking out your window can give you a sense of inner peace that is not possible in other locations. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! - St. Thomas Forum Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. 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. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, 5 Essential Negotiating Tips for Buying a Home, moving to the US Virgin Islands with pets. Privacy Policy. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) 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. For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. 1,077. from $167 per adult. 4. The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. #4 Frenchtown - Romantic Destination on St Thomas for Couples. There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. The pace of life here is pleasant. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. 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%. Poverty in the US Virgin Islands - The Borgen Project Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. Getting Around in 2023. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. These include the British Virgin Islands. Also U.S. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . All three islands have roads with significant hurricane damage that have not been fixed yet. Are the US Virgin Islands Safe in 2023? - Caribbean Uncovered Likely To Sell Out. Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. St. Thomas the second largest and most developed of the US Virgin Islands is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. 12 Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI (That'll Blow Your Mind!) and Cingular all operate here. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Caribbean - The Jews of the British and US Virgin Islands My husband was held up at gunpoint by a couple young kids near Coki Beach, actually on Point Pleasant. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . There are a few things to know before traveling to the US Virgin Islands to make sure your trip is as safe and easy as possible! 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. 8. If you are thinking about moving to St. Thomas or living in the US Virgin Islands or even Puerto Rico or any other Caribbean Island, then you need to watch t. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? 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). Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. Property taxes are favorable; there is no sales tax and, 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. Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour 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. This can be an issue because roads can be rough and cars on the island are exposed to salt air, which speeds up corrosion issues. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. I have never met a realtor with her persona! St. Thomas and its nearby . 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. With our sunny climate and unique culture, the US Virgin Islands is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers, retirees, and second homeowners seeking real estate. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. 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. This airport is one of the busiest in the Eastern Caribbean. , Virgin Islands (U.S.) For Sale | FT Property Listings There are some challenges to consider when living in the Virgin Islands, but those issues are more related to its location in the Caribbean and the logistical issues that come with that problem. $1,634. St. Thomas Source. Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the islands. 6 Bedrooms. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. means mainland US companies do business here including St Croix is the largest and best-known of the US Virgin Islands, loved for its rich history, abundant coastline, and authentic local cuisine. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. the Caribbean. The island life is not for everyone, so they want to make sure youre willing to stay before forming a relationship. 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. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western Commercial development is the priority along the beaches of St. Thomas. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. , 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! St. Thomas is a safe destination for your next Caribbean vacation. Senior Housing - Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. It The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . Court approval is required for evictions. 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. 6. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St Croix) are supplied by IKEA Puerto Rico. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Has it been sealed recently? Auto, plus McDonald's, Wendy's and Pizza Hut. 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. Tourism is the primary industry on St. Thomas, with over 2 million visitors stopping by the entire USVI chain annually Over 50% of those tourists come through the capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie, come to tour the towns and enjoy duty-free shopping.