When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. WTJX - Channel 12 (PBS. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Baseball is the most popular game played on the island, but there are other sports teams organized by the schools that offer competitive play. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Privacy Policy There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. 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. The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. The pace of life here is pleasant. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? Before I left for the island, I began corresponding with Barbara through a local St. Thomas referral, and am grateful that I did. Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. combination wedding/honeymoon. 450. from $79 per adult. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. In other words you supply your own water. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. For nature lovers, St John is the place to look for your ideal home or getaway. 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. . 1. 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. The last major hurricanes to affect St Thomas were hurricane Maria and Irma both in 2017 which hit the island as category 5 storms. This means it is a hotspot for U.S. citizens because they enjoy passport-free travel. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. St Croix is the largest and best-known of the US Virgin Islands, loved for its rich history, abundant coastline, and authentic local cuisine. Contact Property. St. John Source. WTJX encourages everyone to support our young people in person by attending the Children's Parade, but if you can't make it, WTJX has you covered with our hosts Lillian 'Lilly' Moolenaar and Patrickson Thomas - What a . beaches and sun-drenched weather. Youll need to relearn how to drive in the USVI. 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. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! (+ Best Time To Visit)Continue, Read More Should I Rent a Car in Aruba?Continue, Read More Is There Uber in Aruba? 1. 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. 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. She was so patient, understanding and honest to deal with. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. 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. St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. 7 years ago. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. 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. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. A USVI Buyer's Guide: What to Expect & How to Prepare. International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The Virgin Islands tax program is one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Living in St. Thomas - Welcome Input! In terms of living in the Virgin Islands, its always important to do your own research and know where is safe to live and where is not. You can visit either St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix, or better yet, spend a little time on all three islands. Second, travel insurance is always a good idea in case you need to cancel your trip due to a storm. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. Then there is the island time to consider. 6. I am happy to share my enthusiasm for the island with those just dipping their toes into our gorgeous Caribbean waters. Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. 7. Elections 2022. 4. 4. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. The average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). 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 . If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . Many of them brought slaves over from Africa to establish their agricultural economy. 7. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Concrete vs. a wood framed home? Your email address will not be published. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. 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. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. The Virgin Islands also have a number of historical sites, including fortifications, churches, and plantations. Your use of this service is subject to our The official 2023 St. Thomas Carnival dates have not been released but . 8 Bathrooms. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. Any housing that existed before July of that year has a maximum rent ceiling of what the costs where at that point. 15 & 15B&D Shoys (The) EA, St. Croix, VI 00820, 4 Rem Lovenlund GNS, St. Thomas, VI 00802, 15 B&D Shoys (The) EA, St. Croix, VI 00820, 15 & 18-1 Bellevue FB, St. Thomas, VI 00802, 1&1-F Morningstar QU, St. Croix, VI 00820, 15-51-D Frenchman Bay FB, St. Thomas, VI 00802. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Any leaks? Youll pay double that cost for something closer to what you might be used to having where you currently live. Ship Schedule for May 2023. Virgin Islands Port Authority-April 28, 2023. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. 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. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? 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. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. In the United States Virgin Islands, English is the dominant language. Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour About the Virgin Islands. Upon their return, they can I have never met a realtor with her persona! There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. 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. Tuesday, May 16 . The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. She is more interested in the right home for your family than the commission, which speaks volumes about her professionalism and dedication. Youll 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. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. There are day camps for the kids, spiritual groups that offer activities, golf tournaments, and lots of fishing.