St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. 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. Easy access building site, will offer close to a 270 degree view, assuring cooling tradewinds year round. The beach area has several amenities which make it perfect for entertainment including tables, bathrooms and lifeguards. Once weve solved the real estate questions, what about daily life? And whether there are millions or singles in your pocket, we all wind up shopping at K-Mart, and we tend to drive cars that inevitably sport some dings. 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. There is an overall lack of goods availability. 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. I have never met a realtor with her persona! Moving to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands | Barbara Birt, Realtor 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. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. 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Your email address will not be published. The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. 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. If youre not the biggest fan of spiders, then you need to know that tarantulas will want to share your living space as well. Thats a definite advantage compared to St. John, where almost 70% of the island is a national park and most of the housing is in the structure of weekly villa rentals. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. IKEA Virgin Islands - St. Croix - St. Thomas - A contemporary open-air However, it also has the highest crime rate in USVI. About Us. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. As for drinking the water, many of us have ultraviolet filtration systems on our water supply to make the water potable. 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. There are day camps for the kids, spiritual groups that offer activities, golf tournaments, and lots of fishing. 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 . Not only is she a highly knowledgeable realtor, she also has a wealth of information to share regarding our islands. 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. Homes for Sale in US Virgin Islands | Barbara Birt The U.S. Nonetheless, there is also a notable population of Spanish speakers, since the islands are so close to Puerto Rico. There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. St. You are still using U.S. currency for every purchase, and debit or credit cards still work there as they would at any other location. 10 Sorgenfri Ss. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) If you love the idea of having access to warm, tropical temperatures throughout the year, then the Virgin Islands is the perfect place to call home. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Several international artists also call the island home, making their living outside of the islands economy. Cost of Living in St Thomas - HelpToStudy.com WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. According to the CDC, the US Virgin Islands are safe to visit. Plus, there is a $5 entry fee per visitor as a warranty that you will keep the territory clean and a $2 parking fee (the parking is a 5-minute walk from the beach). If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. 4. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. 6. The modern history of St. Thomas began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus spotted it during his second voyage to the New World. 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. List of people from the United States Virgin Islands - Wikipedia Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. There are hiring restrictions in place in the Virgin Islands. Likely To Sell Out. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. 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. 2 bed. 2. Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. a trip to the St. Thomas is exciting, fun and so easy.. 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. 7 years ago. Significant on-island employers are few. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery Off-Road Driving. For example, precious wooden furniture might get damaged by termites which are a frequent pest here. 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. WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival As a result, Living in St Thomas, St John, or St Croix is just like living in any other part of the United States except for the fact that its surrounded by beautiful beaches! Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. That change in status also means that you can no longer vote in stateside elections. 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.