become a major promotional tool. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. But, the cheapest time to visit during the rainy season. calls are treated as domestic calls, not overseas calls. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. In other words you supply your own water. Ship Schedule for May 2023. The pace of life here is pleasant. If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. Carnival in the US Virgin Islands occurs at different times throughout the year. 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. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. 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. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. Ea." 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. News. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. Driving on the roads requires some extra caution because of the narrow windy roads and lack of infrastructure in some areas. London ; Melbourne ; New York ; Hong Kong ; Malaga-Andalusia ; Lifestyles St. 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. Food Prices in St Thomas, Us Virgin Islands. means mainland US companies do business here including 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. Those who opt to stay and explore this once Dutch- and . 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. The U.S. wanted to maintain control over the Caribbean region during World War I, and these islands held strategic value. 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. Tuesday, May 16 . You might want a birth certificate or a valid drivers license too. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. If you are moving from a coastal community in the United States to the Virgin Islands, then you will notice immediately that there is a difference in water clarity at the beach. 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. Find out how expensive cost of living is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. no estate or inheritance tax. This airport is one of the busiest in the Eastern Caribbean. 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. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. 7. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands These include the British Virgin Islands. $3,200,000. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern - a concrete tank underneath the home. Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville. Additionally, many of the residents are born and raised in St Croix. 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 . Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. Getting Around in 2023Continue, Read More Is Punta Cana Worth Visiting in 2023?Continue, Read More What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten?Continue. Drug activity is particularly prevalent on the islands, and the government is working to crack down on this problem. There is an overall lack of goods availability. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. My needs included both short term and long term accommodation. St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. Off-Road Driving. The storms coming in from the ocean are an incredible sight to see as well, and then you get to experience some of the best sunrises and sunsets that our planet can offer. 4. The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. You know that it is safe to drive now, but is it worth renting a car in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John? On the other hand, the cons of living in St Thomas are frequent power outages, the threat of natural disasters, limited access to the specialized products and traffic congestion. For those who qualify, this can result in up to a 90% reduction in income taxesand a 100% exemption on property taxes. After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. All Rights Reserved. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. There are relatively few adjustments that youll need to make with your lifestyle when you decide to start living in St. Thomas. 7. Best beach day ever. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 p.m. WTJX encourages everyone to support the young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if anyone cannot make it, WTJX has it covered with its hosts Lillian "Lilly" Moolenaar . 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. On the other hand, the cons of living in St Thomas are frequent power outages, the threat of natural disasters, limited access to the specialized products and traffic congestion. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. 4. However, before you get too excited, you must meet some travel requirements. 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. Vandalism, theft, and robbery are also common, so its important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave valuables unattended. St Thomas is blessed with amazing beaches. beaches and sun-drenched weather. Government. St. Thomas and its nearby . That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. 1,077. from $167 per adult. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. Thats about 20% cheaper than what you will find on St. John. $3,600. $2,268. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. 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. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? 450. from $79 per adult. 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-17 th century. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. 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. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. personal and commercial convenience, the US Post office As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! Elections 2022. The USVI primary uses paved streets that meet the current standards that you would find in all of the states. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) Home; Welcome. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Others have more basic filtration systems. There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. The beach area has several amenities which make it perfect for entertainment including tables, bathrooms and lifeguards. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. The capital is Charlotte Amalie which is located on the island of St Thomas. Yes. All Rights Reserved. There is no Daylight Saving Time in USVI! Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. 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. Be captivated by peerless turquoise Great Bay and verdant mountain views, endless beaches, thrilling water sports . The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 pm. The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 6. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. WTJX-TV Channel 12 invites everybody, everywhere to join its live coverage of the St. Thomas Carnival parades. . We're considering St. Martin, St. Lucia or St. Thomas. And trust me, you wont regret it. 8. There are also capital gains brackets that youll need to consider when moving here, depending on how you generate income. While St Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. 7 years ago. , Barbara is a consummate professional! There are currently no travel notices for visiting the US Virgin Islands as of the end of 2022. ln addition to America, most countries, like Canada and New Zealand, consider USVI a safe place for tourists. combination wedding/honeymoon. I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. A USVI Buyer's Guide: What to Expect & How to Prepare. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. 5. This Has it been sealed recently? 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. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . The Virgin Islands are known for their protected lands of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation. The US Virgin Islands is generally a safe destination for visitors and locals. The United Nations reports that the USVI has the highest per capita murder rate in the Caribbean and the fourth-largest in the world today. Your email address will not be published. , 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! While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. 5. These were descendants of a Jewish population that had fled Spain for other parts of Europe during the Inquisition. The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. In fact, almost all crime is among the local population. 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. The territory can elect a delegate who participates in the debates that happen in Congress, but that elected representative does not have any voting rights. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And, visitors still feel safe in hotel areas, beaches, and downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. Many of the experiences that you will have are the same as any other destination as an American citizen. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. These islands are St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island. Youll need to relearn how to drive in the USVI. 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. In addition to it's long and rich Do you live in St Thomas? St Thomas, 00802 United States Virgin Islands. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in St Thomas, Us Virgin IslandsJan 2023. 9. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. TVs and computers tend to have a shortened life span here, especially in waterfront homes, courtesy of the salt air. There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. 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. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. 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. Upon their return, they can 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. 10 Sorgenfri Ss. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE St Croix is considered a safe vacation destination, particularly for tourists. 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. is important in both business and personal matters. 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. Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! The pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands are vital to consider if this is where you want to call home one day. 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 official 2023 St. Thomas Carnival dates have not been released but . Youll need to know how to prepare your property to manage the heavy winds and rain that will come if one passes over. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. 2. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. XO Bistro - you name it! That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which Best Places To Eat On St. Thomas. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. 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. Second, travel insurance is always a good idea in case you need to cancel your trip due to a storm. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. The Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. There are stunning white-sand beaches that can help you to bake in the sun. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. So why should you choose Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . a trip to the St. Thomas is exciting, fun and so easy.. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Most places will accept credit cards. Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. Youre only going to see your loved ones once or twice each year at most, so it can get pretty lonely at times. It can also be a lot of fun to decorate your palm trees for Christmas! , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. Some maps also list Culebra and Vieques as being the Spanish Virgin Islands, but they are part of the territory of Puerto Rico. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. St. Thomas is a safe destination for your next Caribbean vacation. informal reception. You would be foolish not to. You will get to experience plenty of sunshine, have friendly neighbors, and experience Caribbean life without a significant investment. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. 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. Court approval is required for evictions. 2022 VisitStthomas.com Allphotos + content 1999-2021- all rights reserved. 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. 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? 4. 6. Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers? According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. 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. #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. A 3-bedroom house in a good neighborhood on the island will go for about $250,000, and that usually includes a view of the water. You might need to take a ferry ride to a different island so that you can get the groceries that you need for the week. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Also, consider that spare car parts for fancier makes and models might be hard to come by on St. Thomas. Come join us in our exploration of the unique underwater world. Petty theft and vandalism are the most common crimes against visitors, so it is important to use common sense. . Good restaurants, cinemas, social spots? We've narrowed the search to islands with direct flights from NY. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. 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. Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. and its sandy floor. 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. The Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) serves a population of 4000 plus low-income residents, who live both in public housing and Section 8 units. I can be of assistance. 1. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. Nonetheless, there is also a notable population of Spanish speakers, since the islands are so close to Puerto Rico. Several international artists also call the island home, making their living outside of the islands economy. 9. In terms of vacationing in USVI, Id definitely suggest planning a trip ASAP! 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 . 3. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider.
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