4. You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. 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. 2 bed. 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. Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. 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. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and its easy to see why. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. 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. . Add data for St Thomas, Consider looking into aggregate data for Average in Us Virgin Islands, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. 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. But there are over 50 smaller cays and islands in this archipelago. 8. Save. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. Many of the homes that you will find in the Virgin Islands sell for more than $1 million. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. 1. However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). 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. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. 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. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. We need more contributors for St Thomas to increase our data quality. Unlike in the mainland US where water usually comes from rivers, lakes, and streams that feed a public water system, rainwater is the resource on St. Thomas. Rule One: You must have a sense of humor. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. Visitors to Coral World Ocean Park can observe the rich sea life from a 20-foot-high . Still, others purchase drinking water. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. Housing in a gated community with a private beach can be over $1 million when looking for a 4-bedroom home. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. The modern history of St. Thomas began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus spotted it during his second voyage to the New World. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. 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. 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. Snorkel, sunbathe, surf, and more. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand. Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. "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. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. With all these advantages, If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. . 8. The three main islands that make up the Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John, and 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. Denmark entered into an agreement in the early 20th century which provided for the sale of the Danish Virgin Islands to the U.S. for $25 million in gold. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. Since it requires an actual ship, freight, or airplane movement to bring the items, you may find that it is easier to sell your items before moving. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. Best Places To Eat On St. Thomas. Property taxes are favorable; there is no sales tax and, Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. You cannot use the national form to register to vote if you decide to move to the Virgin Islands. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. No Pressure. 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. My needs included both short term and long term accommodation. When you start living in the Virgin Islands, you will quickly discover that the lanes are designed for left-handed driving instead of being on the right as they are stateside and in Puerto Rico. There are multiple pharmacies on island, including . Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. 19 Pros and Cons of Privatization of Education, 17 Pros and Cons of Living in the Florida Keys, 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. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? The pace of life here is pleasant. List of the Cons of Living in St. Thomas. It was colonialism that was the purpose of this transaction. In other words you supply your own water. Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers, St Lucia Vs St Thomas: Which Island Is Better For A Vacation. Despite a high crime rate, St. Thomas has plenty of beaches, safe tourist areas, hotels, and resorts where visitors are rarely affected by violent crime. It I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. 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. 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. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. Its been said that there are over a million things that you can do when living in St. Thomas even though the island is only 32 square miles in size. St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. 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. 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. The St. Thomas Carnival is an annual post-Easter Carnival, usually held around April/May. 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. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. Lets take a look at each individual island below. Rock City, musical duo also known as R. City and Planet VI; formed 2003 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Theron Thomas, member of musical duo Rock City; Nurses. 7. 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. STT Board of Realtors. Cisterns and roofs? If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. This St. Thomas hiking trail is pretty basic and can be summed up as a rugged road with hills that offer some lovely views of Hull Bay itself. On August 20, 2003, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assumed. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. St. 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. St Thomas: St. Thomas has a wonderful community atmosphere, with great shopping, nightlife, golfing for those who like a little more activity . The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. The government of the Virgin Islands provides a tax break to companies that locate to the territory to do business. Companies such as DHL and FEDEX charges international rates when shipping to St Thomas. Its home to the islands capital, Charlotte Amalie; any bustling city comes with its downsides. International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. $2,268. Proximity to Virgin Islands National Park. U.S. Virgin Islands. Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. And to top it off, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. These include the British Virgin Islands. There are stunning white-sand beaches that can help you to bake in the sun. Jews from Denmark first arrived on the white beaches of what is now St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islandsa tiny speck off the coast of Puerto Ricoin the mid-17th century. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Many couples are opting to save the A direct impact by one can be enough to wipe entire neighborhoods off of the island. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. , It is our pleasure to recommend Barbara Birt as a real estate agent for any individual or family searching for the ideal home or desiring to sell their home. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Downed powerlines, felled trees, and general havoc occur whenever one blows through. 1,077. from $167 per adult. 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) O: 340.774.5277 Many people retire on the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and blue coastal waters. Good restaurants, cinemas, social spots? Your use of this service is subject to our Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. The proximity of the Thatch Cay . of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans), Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL), Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child, International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child, 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ), Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre, Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre, Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate. 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. This You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) 7. Resort. A USVI Buyer's Guide: What to Expect & How to Prepare. 5. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, Required fields are marked *. Both are very beautiful, and the cost to get to the islands in the first place means that only the people who want to be present tend to hang around. 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). #3 Magens Bay - Best Area on St Thomas for Families. Likely To Sell Out. 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. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 8. Atlantic Standard Time all year. 7. 1. . Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. Examining single-parent households, single mothers are more at risk of falling into poverty, representing 76% of all families in poverty. The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. Find out how expensive cost of living is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. NPR) WTJX-TV Channel 12 invites everybody, everywhere to join its live coverage of the St. Thomas Carnival parades. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. I have never met a realtor with her persona! This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . Learn more about where to Stay in St Croix before making your decision. 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. If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. Baseball is the most popular game played on the island, but there are other sports teams organized by the schools that offer competitive play. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. 450. from $79 per adult. . US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St Croix) are supplied by IKEA Puerto Rico. 1. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. Life moves at a much slower pace in the Virgin Islands, for better and for worse. the unique underwater world. 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 . Powered by Neutrino, Inc. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. We've narrowed the search to islands with direct flights from NY. Unlike in the mainland US where water usually comes from rivers, lakes, and streams that feed a public water system, rainwater is the resource on St. Thomas. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aroundthecaribbean_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',701,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aroundthecaribbean_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Your email address will not be published. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. Has it been sealed recently? 7 years ago. In the United States Virgin Islands, English is the dominant language. If you decide to become a resident and live there full-time, then you can register to vote in the local elections. Additionally, many people feel safe and secure visiting a US territory. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. Hello - with so many great perspectives in this forum, I hoping those with insight can weigh in: my husband and I are considering buying a vacation home in the Caribbean. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. 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. Mortgages, inspections, insurance? Youll rarely experience a day that dips below 75F, even during the rainy season or the winter months. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. 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. the Caribbean. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern - a concrete tank underneath the home. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. 6 Bedrooms. 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. You might want a birth certificate or a valid drivers license too. Youll need to know how to prepare your property to manage the heavy winds and rain that will come if one passes over. If the business wants to get their expected tax break, then they must hire a specific percentage of workers that have been residents for a minimum of 12 months. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory. Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the U.S Virgin Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Tuesday, May 16 . The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. You can find the occasional mall on St. Thomas or make your way to St. Croix for some retail therapy, but the buildings are not as large as you might expect. Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. and was voted Best Realtor on St. Thomas by readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News three consecutive years. It can cost a bit more to arrive than a new home in the mainland, but it doesnt take long to adjust to the slower pace of island live in the USVI.

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