After visiting all of the Virgin Islands, I can say that I, personally, feel safe in the Virgin Islands. 2. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, 5 Essential Negotiating Tips for Buying a Home, moving to the US Virgin Islands with pets. 4. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. USVI is best for families and vacationers looking for activities and excursions as well as beautiful beaches. Youll see stunning artwork displays, beautiful European and colonial architecture, and get to experience the folklore and traditions of the island where you choose to live. 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. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . You may find some communities or neighborhoods are more willing to embrace you than others when you move here. The highest amount of rainfall usually falls between August and December, making prices drop significantly. 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. 8. (+ Best Time To Visit), Is There Uber in Aruba? 5. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. The unemployment rate typically hovers around 10% in any given year. You cannot use the national form to register to vote if you decide to move to the Virgin Islands. 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 . 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. If you decide to start living in the USVI, then it will not take long for you to realize that youre joining a very different culture than what you might have experienced before when living stateside. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. 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. All the tax laws in effect in the US are mirrored to the US Virgin Islands, with VI residents paying income taxes to the islands instead of the US. Best beach day ever. 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 way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . The climate is hot and humid, and temperatures are between 31C in the summer and 22C in the winter. , It is our pleasure to recommend Barbara Birt as a real estate agent for any individual or family searching for the ideal home or desiring to sell their home. 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. Ea." St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . 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. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area. St. Thomas and the USVI are often described as a made-in-America tax haven for individuals and families. 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. Yes. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Finally, remember that hurricane season is also the rainy season in the Virgin Islands, so you may run into some showers during your visit. Below are the tax rates by property type. Recalibrating. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. African Diaspora in the Virgin Islands. 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. And there are widely popular bay-like beaches with amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms, chair rentals and complete water sports centers offering a variety of rental equipment . $3,200,000. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and its easy to see why. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE With all these advantages, 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. by Shevy Baskin. 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. 4. 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. Top 5 Places to Stay in St Thomas. There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area. You will want to take steps to secure employment and verify the security assets of your property before your arrival to minimize risks and complications. You have a 1 in 2,000 chance of having someone try to kill you with a rate of 52.64 murders per 100,000 people. These include the British Virgin Islands. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. Water Island is only 491 acres. 9. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. Every day feels like summer when you start living in the USVI. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. Her word is her bond. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. With our sunny climate and unique culture, the US Virgin Islands is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers, retirees, and second homeowners seeking real estate. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. The US Virgin Islands are located in the eastern Caribbean sea, about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico and about 1000 miles southeast of Florida. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. 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. There is an overall lack of goods availability. Government. 1. St. Thomas serves as the capital of the USVI. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand. 1. 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. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. You will need to contend with hurricane season every year. 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. $1,634. There are also capital gains brackets that youll need to consider when moving here, depending on how you generate income. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer 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 . You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. 2. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. There was a total of 49 homicides of which 20 (41%) were on the island of St Thomas. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 pm. This 397-acre enclave at the secluded West End of St. Thomas boasts a perfect and pristine worlda spectacular collection of beachside residences on some of the largest estate home sites in the Caribbean.". Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. 2 bath. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. Your voting status will change once you become a resident. 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. Tuesday, May 16 . 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. the unique underwater world. money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big Lets take a look at each individual island below. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. 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. for 2 people in 85m2 flat. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. 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. St Thomas: St. Thomas has a wonderful community atmosphere, with great shopping, nightlife, golfing for those who like a little more activity . St. Thomas is dangerous. 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). 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. , Barbara is a consummate professional! Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. 6. Virgin Islands Port Authority schedule for St. Croix cruise ships. The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. Browse 3,888 st. thomas virgin islands photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. Mortgages, inspections, insurance? Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. The U.S. Virgin Islands are best known for the three largest isles: St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. . Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. Proximity to Virgin Islands National Park. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? 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. Over 70% of the land is set aside as a national preserve, which includes the beaches and underwater areas offshore in some regions. St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. The apartment market is quite active in the USVI, but expect to pay at least $1,000 per month for rent to grab a studio without a view. Taking regular precautions and using common sense will help you make your vacation to the Virgin Islands one to remember. Compared to the average city, the USVI does have a fairly high crime rate. The Virgin Islands are one of the most unique groupings of territories in the world today. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. 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. 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 average winter temperature is 77F (25C), and the average summer temperature is 82F (28C). 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) US Virgin Islands (St Thomas & St Croix) are supplied by IKEA Puerto Rico. IKEA products are transported from the distribution center in Puerto Rico to these islands, therefore non cross border sales are taking place. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Residents of the Virgin Islands are US citizens and have all of the same rights and privileges as other American citizens. See sights that can only be reached on foot, most notably ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs. You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. Food Prices in St Thomas, Us Virgin Islands. While St Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime. Basically, it's the same as boarding a flight in Florida and traveling to New York. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The modern history of St. Thomas began in 1493 when Christopher Columbus spotted it during his second voyage to the New World. Youll pay double that cost for something closer to what you might be used to having where you currently live. 3. 1.340.690.9995. barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com. 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! St. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Thats why youll find those who arent involved in the hospitality arena tend to operate a side hustle as a way to make money. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. Getting Around in 2023. Many of the homes that you will find in the Virgin Islands sell for more than $1 million. The service she gave us was truly exceptional. Generally, instead of filing returns and paying taxes to the IRS, residents of the USVI, and corporations [3] formed in the USVI, file returns and pay income taxes directly the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue [13]. About the Virgin Islands. If thats the case, I carry around my Water-To-Go filtration system that filters that yuck out of unsafe drinking water. If you decide to become a resident and live there full-time, then you can register to vote in the local elections. Virgin Islands Port Authority-April 28, 2023. In addition to it's long and rich However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. The average rate of taxation for a company on the island is just 3.37% and that was before the Republican congress passed sweeping corporate tax cuts with the blessing of the Trump Administration. 4. Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers? $323. You can find fine dining opportunities, take a sip of imported wine, or buy a burger at Wendys. We're considering St. Martin, St. Lucia or St. Thomas. Hurricane season in the Virgin Islands begins in June and ends in November every year. 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. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. Its up to you how best to gauge your tolerance for cistern water. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. The three main islands that make up the Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John, and St Thomas. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. Atlantic Standard Time all year. For your off-island along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most 1,077. from $167 per adult. The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. Hotel security responded in about 15 min, the . The water supply on St. Thomas comes from cisterns. Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. $1,995. Politics can be particularly challenging at the local level. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. News. There is less availability for goods and services. Brokered by Real Solutions Real Estate And Management Service. Bring your snorkeling gear because there is fantastic . 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. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. Sports. Lindquist Beach - Best beaches in St. Thomas. Then there are the lush mountains and the craggy cliffs that give the island its personality. Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. Ianthe Blyden (1899-1984), pioneer of nursing at Knud Hansen Memorial Hospital on St. Thomas; Myrah Keating Smith (1908-1994), the only health provider on St. John for two decades 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. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. Born in Buffalo, I will never forget being introduced to the island by a real estate agent who took us up a very steep driveway, prompting the all-intelligent question from me How do they do this in the snow?!. The beach area has several amenities which make it perfect for entertainment including tables, bathrooms and lifeguards. on island including Chiropractors, Optometrists, Dentists, Psychologists, etc. There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. First, youll want to keep an eye on the weather and be aware of any potential storms or hurricanes that could be headed for the area. , If anyone is looking to sell or buy a property in St Thomas, Barbara Birt is amazing. Best Places To Eat On St. Thomas. The high crime rate is due to a number of factors, including the high population density. Well I quickly figured out the answer, and Ive never looked back. There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. 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. , This person is a professional in every sense of the word! In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. 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. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. You can take a snorkeling trip at a moments notice especially with the large discounts the companies offer to local residents. The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which The St. Thomas Carnival is an annual post-Easter Carnival, usually held around April/May. The temperature profile of the Virgin Islands is consistent. Thats why most of the residents on St. Thomas tend to purchase used goods for their home upon their arrival. It can be expensive to live there because of the natural benefits, but life can also be very rewarding. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. . Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. no estate or inheritance tax. The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. In terms of difficulty, it's an easy enough trail that hikers of all skill levels can enjoy it. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. 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. I have never met a realtor with her persona! The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. Local news. Rule One: You must have a sense of humor. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Cheap Cost Of Living In Bora Bora, French Polynesia (Best Budget Tips), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines. Avoid leaving laptops and electronic gadgets unattended. Even if you only get a close shave by the outer edge of the cyclone, youll be dealing with significant storm surges that can cause plenty of flooding issues. Population: 50,601. 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. Not only is she a highly knowledgeable realtor, she also has a wealth of information to share regarding our islands. BVI is better for couples and getaways when you want to hide on the beach and not be disturbed! New Listing. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. Vandalism, theft, and robbery are also common, so its important to be aware of your surroundings and not leave valuables unattended. When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations.
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