All Rights Reserved. St Croix in the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit. The Virgin Islands tax program is one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. 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. Additionally, many people feel safe and secure visiting a US territory. In broad day light. 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. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in St Thomas, Us Virgin IslandsJan 2023. , Barbara is a consummate professional! IKEA products are transported from the distribution center in Puerto Rico to these islands, therefore non cross border sales are taking place. 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. It is not unusual for a two-mile drive to take you over an hour at times. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. Snorkel, sunbathe, surf, and more. 7. 5. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. Senior Housing - Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands My needs included both short term and long term accommodation. As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. St Croix is the largest and best-known of the US Virgin Islands, loved for its rich history, abundant coastline, and authentic local cuisine. 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. 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! 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. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. They are located along the easternmost edge of the Greater Antilles, sitting to the east of Puerto Rico. If you decide to become a resident and live there full-time, then you can register to vote in the local elections. Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands St. Thomas is a vibrant and picturesque island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a tourism hotspot in the Caribbean comprised of four major islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. 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 has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Atlantic Standard Time all year. The Surprising Jewish History of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands A: "Yes, five species on St. Thomas: Puerto Rican Racer, the Garden Snake, the endangered Virgin Islands Boa, the Blind Snake, plus the non-native Corn Snake. If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. 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. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. Cost of Living in St Thomas - HelpToStudy.com You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. It All Rights Reserved. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. Lastly, customs and licensing can take some time, especially if your vehicle was assembled in Canada. The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. 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. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. You can also take the three-mile ferry ride over to St. John that will take you 20 minutes to complete when a day trip is in order. 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. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. 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 first time home buyer, Barbara took the time and extra effort to guide me through every aspect of the home buying process. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. Yes. 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. Off-Road Driving. Brokered by Real Solutions Real Estate And Management Service. If youre planning on visiting the US Virgin Islands, you may be wondering if its safe to drive. Be captivated by peerless turquoise Great Bay and verdant mountain views, endless beaches, thrilling water sports . If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . Beachfront properties are minimal when you start looking for a home. Planning Caribbean - The Jews of the British and US Virgin Islands The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. The USVI primary uses paved streets that meet the current standards that you would find in all of the states. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. personal and commercial convenience, the US Post office Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. 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. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. 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. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. St Thomas is blessed with amazing beaches. and Cingular all operate here. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Are the US Virgin Islands Safe in 2023? - Caribbean Uncovered become a major promotional tool. The Virgin Islands also have a number of historical sites, including fortifications, churches, and plantations. I am happy to share my enthusiasm . , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an The airfare cost to get there can be as high as $2,000 per person round trip. Located on the Northern end of the island, this beach is the islands most popular with both locals and tourists alike. For nature lovers, St John is the place to look for your ideal home or getaway. If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. Saint Thomas, VI Rentals - Apartments and Houses for Rent Saint Thomas, VI Apartments for Rent - Realtor.com Gun violence, drugs, theft, and various other crimes are serious problems that the government is working to solve. Although employment can be tricky if youre not in the hospitality industry, there is still a lot of magic to find on this small island. 7. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. Elections 2022. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Each time I go, I find a welcoming and safe environment that encourages me to visit again and again! WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. 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. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. Add data for St Thomas! You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. Artwork needs to be well framed as the humidity and the salt can take a toll. Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in the Virgin Islands Required fields are marked *. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 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. Others have more basic filtration systems. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. If the property is newer then that, then the maximum rent allowed for the property is the initial amount charged during the lease signing. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. Senior Stand Guidelines Released for St. Thomas Carnival 2023 VI That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. 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. 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. 4. . Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. 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 . $3,200,000. Trip Report St. Thomas is dangerous - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. 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. The mountains of the island provide opportunities to have a few of the water from your place if you want, with numerous condominium complexes offering an opportunity to purchase or rent. Ship Schedule for May 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. Poverty in the US Virgin Islands - The Borgen Project The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. Commercial development is the priority along the beaches of St. Thomas. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand. Looking out your window can give you a sense of inner peace that is not possible in other locations. why on earth would you want to live anywhere else? Youll find that some businesses prefer to hire only transplants, while others want to employ only natives. Likely To Sell Out. This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. Some people are sensitive or prefer not to drink tap water anywhere. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! - St. Thomas Forum Thats why most of the residents on St. Thomas tend to purchase used goods for their home upon their arrival. These were descendants . Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule for St. Croix cruise ships. This assumes a $72,000 annual salary and a 2 Bedroom Apt. As long as youre smart and use common sense, its easy to feel safe around all three of the islands. 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. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! The Schneider Regional Medical Center has locations on all three islands, so youll always access to medical services while in the Virgin Islands. Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. 1,077. from $167 per adult. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. 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. 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 . #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. Also U.S. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. On August 20, 2003, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assumed. For Rent - Condo. 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 . website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands Daily Weather You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. St. Thomas the second largest and most developed of the US Virgin Islands is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. In fact, almost all crime is among the local population. 1. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay.