This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. 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. 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. This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. Significant on-island employers are few. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. (Travel Guide), What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? IKEA products are transported from the distribution center in Puerto Rico to these islands, therefore non cross border sales are taking place. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and it's easy to see why. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. 6. Come join us in our exploration of 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. St. Thomas 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. The US Virgin Islands is a beautiful Caribbean destination that is popular with tourists from all over the world. 2022 VisitStthomas.com Allphotos + content 1999-2021- all rights reserved. St. John Source. Summers are overwhelmingly hot here either, usually staying below 90F. Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Housing in a gated community with a private beach can be over $1 million when looking for a 4-bedroom home. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. 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. Atlantic Standard Time all year. The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. For Rent - Condo. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! In terms of vacationing in USVI, Id definitely suggest planning a trip ASAP! . Relocation. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. $2,268. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory. Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. About the Virgin Islands. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. 1. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. personal and commercial convenience, the US Post office Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Starting in the early 1600's, European slave ships transported millions of African people from their homes in Africa to a life of bondage in the Caribbean. Food Prices in St Thomas, Us Virgin Islands. 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. For nature lovers, St John is the place to look for your ideal home or getaway. Read More Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? 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. The three main islands that make up the Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John, and St Thomas. You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. Live coverage of the 2023 St. Thomas Children's Carnival . Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. Plan your trip with the best resorts on the beach in St Thomas, View the best Places and Areas to Stay in St John. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. Youll need to relearn how to drive in the USVI. As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. Second, travel insurance is always a good idea in case you need to cancel your trip due to a storm. 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 St Thomas safe? When you move fully prepared for the changes that will take place, then the adverse issues with surprise problems becomes a minimal risk. 1 bath. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. "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. wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. Terms of Use and The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. The currency in the Virgin Islands is the US dollar. There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. Politics can be particularly challenging at the local level. Life moves at a much slower pace in the Virgin Islands, for better and for worse. That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather. Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. Not to mention you will need it if you decide to travel to the neighboring British Virgin Islands while living here. As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. You know that it is safe to drive now, but is it worth renting a car in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John? The island has a laid-back atmosphere and is a safe place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. 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. 10 Sorgenfri Ss. My three daughters grew up on St. Thomas, got a great education and went off to wonderful colleges. $1,634. Beginning in the early 1670's, The Danish West India company established a slave Market in the port of Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas. St. Thomas and the USVI are often described as a made-in-America tax haven for individuals and families. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. As for drinking the water, many of us have ultraviolet filtration systems on our water supply to make the water potable. This leaves most vacationers asking, is St Croix safe? Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. The Nature Conservancy's Virgin Islands project will restore 90 acres of coral reef within the St. Croix East End Marine Park and will help recover marine species and contribute to a healthy reef ecosystem that supports tourism and fisheries, benefiting the community of St. Croix. 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. Population: 50,601. 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. 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. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. With all these advantages, Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. Additionally, Cyril E King airport is also an important connecting gateway for the British Virgin Islands where no direct international flights serve this island grouping. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. I am happy to share my enthusiasm . Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. Required fields are marked *. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. 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. #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. I have never met a realtor with her persona! Local news. 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. Located on the Northern end of the island, this beach is the islands most popular with both locals and tourists alike. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Try to avoid deserted areas and alleyways, especially at night. 1,077. from $167 per adult. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in St Thomas, Us Virgin IslandsJan 2023. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 pm. 5. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are 4. Learn more about where to Stay in St Croix before making your decision. The modern history of St. Thomas began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus spotted it during his second voyage to the New World. Do you live in St Thomas? Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. 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 . Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. 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. 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. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. 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. 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. Rule Two: Dont presume things will be logical (see rule one). The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Theres always a risk of natural disasters like tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season. 1. This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. 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. Cisterns and roofs? 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. They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. 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. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? And trust me, you wont regret it. Some people are sensitive or prefer not to drink tap water anywhere. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. According to The St Thomas Source, in an article published February 17th, 2021, there was a marked increase in crime on the island during the pandemic. In addition to it's long and rich Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. Add data for St Thomas! 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. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) 9. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, I can be of assistance. If you take basic precautions, youll likely have a safe and enjoyable trip to the Virgin Islands. 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. St. Thomas the second largest and most developed of the US Virgin Islands is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western U.S. Virgin Islands. Government. Concrete vs. a wood framed home? If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. why on earth would you want to live anywhere else? This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. 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 . Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. You might be having a terrible day, but the place you call home is still incredibly beautiful. 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. A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand. 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) Brokered by Real Solutions Real Estate And Management Service. money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big Competitive Tax Benefits for Residents. 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 is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. U.S. cellular phone companies including AT&T, Sprint, You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long.