living in st thomas virgin islands

parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE USVI Income Taxes. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, is located on St. Thomas. Do you live in St Thomas? The USPS delivers the mail to the islands and you receive military protection should some type of international clash occur. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Many US citizens make the move to USVI and love every minute of it. If youre just wondering is US Virgin Islands safe the answer is yes. website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. 8. Barbara Birt brings you the best of island living, from US Virgin Islands real estate to stunning beaches. 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. The incentives are meant to bolster the economy, where over 30% of the residents live below the poverty line and the per capita income is $13,000. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. become a major promotional tool. Living in the Virgin Islands is about enjoying all kinds of new experiences. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. Rachel is passionate about encouraging you to stop waiting and start exploring. by Shevy Baskin. There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. But, there are many pros and cons to living in St Thomas and living in St John. and Cingular all operate here. no estate or inheritance tax. If you are ready to start living in St. Thomas, then the prices are not going to be as high as you think to get a decent place. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. 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. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. 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. St. Thomas and its nearby . Its location is 1,100 miles south of Miami, so it is far enough away from the influences of the mainland that the local charm is still present. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. Locals and government officials encourage visitors to not walk around the island alone at night. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. Terms of Use and Sailing. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Total size of USVI: 133 square milesSize of St John: 19 square miles (smallest island)Size of St Thomas: 32 square milesSize of St Croix: 84 square miles (largest island). Todays populations are a reflection of the Caribbean and African heritage which are found through the region. St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. 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. , From being the Realtor of the year to president of her board of Realtors, and associating herself with a real estate company with the best mobile site (Sea Glass Properties), I didn't need much more than that to decide to work with her for my St Thomas home buying needs, Barbara is simply the best! Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. The US Virgin Islands is classified as a problematic location. $323. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. In fact, almost all crime is among the local population. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. USVI is best for families and vacationers looking for activities and excursions as well as beautiful beaches. Powered by Neutrino, Inc. 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. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! Housing in a gated community with a private beach can be over $1 million when looking for a 4-bedroom home. The move to the Virgin Islands is relatively easy for most Americans. Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers? Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! Is St Thomas safe? 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. Taking regular precautions and using common sense will help you make your vacation to the Virgin Islands one to remember. Buy the The Settlers Handbook Guide to and its sandy floor. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. St. Thomas is a safe destination for your next Caribbean vacation. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. 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. Explore St Croix Real Estate Market Stats. 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. Ocean waters are pristine and clear in the Virgin Islands. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. St. Thomas is dangerous. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas , Barbara is a consummate professional! However, this list of top 10 facts about living conditions in the Virgin Islands goes beyond the images of tropical paradise to get a closer look at life on . If you are moving from a coastal community in the United States to the Virgin Islands, then you will notice immediately that there is a difference in water clarity at the beach. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. (Hold on to your hat - we even have a bowling alley. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. The Virgin Islands give you an opportunity to start making new memories in one of the best places on Earth. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. 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. The airfare cost to get there can be as high as $2,000 per person round trip. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. For an ex-pat from Australia, the hardship premium for the US Virgin Islands is 10%, i.e., host location (the US Virgin Islands) premium of 20% minus home location (Australia) premium of 10%. She's on a mission to help you find the best islands in the Caribbean, making planning your trip as easy as lying on the beach. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. Required fields are marked *. and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The U.S. 3. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. Rock City, musical duo also known as R. City and Planet VI; formed 2003 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Theron Thomas, member of musical duo Rock City; Nurses. St. John Source. Rule Two: Dont presume things will be logical (see rule one). 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Its important to take precautions when swimming or hiking in St John or hiking in St Thomas alone. St. Thomas. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. 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. 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. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which Do you live in St Thomas? One of the reasons why this part of the infrastructure is lacking is due to the cost of transporting goods to the island in the first place. 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. These terminals are Crown Bay Marina, Red Hook Terminal an Edward Blyden Terminal. If youre worried about the high crime rate, you can head to St John, the safest of the three territories. The three main islands, St Croix, St John, and St Thomas are surrounded by a variety of Caribbean islands and cays like the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla. In other words - you supply your . Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. 34 likes, 4 comments - The Caribbean Break (@thecaribbeanbreak) on Instagram: " Come visit the Village during Carnival in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands! Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. 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-17th century. . 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. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. 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. 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. You might need to take a ferry ride to a different island so that you can get the groceries that you need for the week. St Thomas Neighbourhood Guide. 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 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. While the islands do have some challenges when it comes to driving, overall it is considered safe to drive here. 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. Depending on the type of property you own on the U.S. Virgin Islands, you will be required to pay a percentage of the propertys assessed value in taxes. , Quite frankly, I dont know how we could have made this move without Barbara. There are stunning white-sand beaches that can help you to bake in the sun. You might be having a terrible day, but the place you call home is still incredibly beautiful. 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?!. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. Property taxes are favorable; there is no sales tax and, You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. There is plenty to do on each island; on St Croix you . While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. , We worked with Barbra about 2 years ago on purchasing a home on St. Thomes. In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; And trust me, you wont regret it. St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. The Virgin Islands are one of the most unique groupings of territories in the world today. $2,268. Copyright 2023 Barbara Birt. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. . 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. Many people retire on the islands to enjoy the white sandy beaches and blue coastal waters. The service she gave us was truly exceptional. In addition to it's long and rich 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. Brokered by Christie's International Real Estate USVI. 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. (Travel Guide)Continue, Read More What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? 1. For Rent - Condo. As in any area, answering the question is St Croix safe largely depends on the areas you plan to stay in and explore. There is less availability for goods and services. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. 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. One of the largest organizations to take advantage of this opportunity is Diagio, who is the maker of the Captain Morgan line of rum. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. Priced at just $16.95. Located at the end of the cul de sac on the Eastern peninsula of Tabor and Harmony estate, exceptional privacy is also a feature. If youre looking for a Caribbean vacation that is both fun and informative, the US Virgin Islands are definitely worth a visit. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. There was a total of 49 homicides of which 20 (41%) were on the island of St Thomas. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. 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 would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. TVs and computers tend to have a shortened life span here, especially in waterfront homes, courtesy of the salt air. 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. 7. 1. Check out shipping costs they can be favorable depending on the make and model, but it means youll have to get the car to Florida the most optimal drop off spot. As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! 6 Bedrooms. Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. There is Cowpet Bay East, Cowpet Bay West, Cowpet Beach Resort, also known as the Elysian, and finally there are the Anchorage Condominiums, all of which sit on Cowpet Bay. Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas . This makes travel to the islands much easier and more convenient. The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! 2. Water Island is only 491 acres. 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. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. New Listing. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. With all these advantages, 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. 6. They are located along the easternmost edge of the Greater Antilles, sitting to the east of Puerto Rico. You know that it is safe to drive now, but is it worth renting a car in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John? 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. Rain is funneled from the roof of your home into a cistern a concrete tank underneath the home. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. While St Croix may have its challenges, it is still a wonderful destination worth visiting. If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. Located on the islands East End in order of cache are Water Point, Deck Point and Cabrita Point. I worked with her remotely, to sell my deceased Mother's condo. Any leaks? 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. 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. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. Whether youre looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, St. Thomas has everything you need. , This person is a professional in every sense of the word! A cistern is basically a tank that stores water for all your household needs laundry, bathing, and drinking. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. When is Carnival in St. Thomas 2023? Several airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and direct flights to the island. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Privacy Policy. The government of the Virgin Islands provides a tax break to companies that locate to the territory to do business. If you like a slower pace of life and dont mind the added expenses, then it can be a paradise. Population: 50,601. 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. on island including Chiropractors, Optometrists, Dentists, Psychologists, etc. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. Getting Around in 2023. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. Driving on the roads requires some extra caution because of the narrow windy roads and lack of infrastructure in some areas. It Most Virgin Islanders are warm and accepting if you stay committed to the community and plan to live on the islands full time. and was voted Best Realtor on St. Thomas by readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News three consecutive years. 7 years ago. Therefore, St John is considered to be the safest US Virgin Islands territory. 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. As for drinking the water, many of us have ultraviolet filtration systems on our water supply to make the water potable. Auto, plus McDonald's, Wendy's and Pizza Hut. 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. 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. Youll find that some businesses prefer to hire only transplants, while others want to employ only natives. Most places will accept credit cards. No Pressure. That means youll be stuck with whatever administration comes into office and what they decide for the country without full representation. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. 6. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is 7. Overall, the US Virgin Islands are a safe place to visit. These were descendants . All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have Finally, remember that hurricane season is also the rainy season in the Virgin Islands, so you may run into some showers during your visit. Recalibrating. 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 . Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. 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! Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! Many couples are opting to save the 1. 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]. For those who qualify, this can result in up to a 90% reduction in income taxesand a 100% exemption on property taxes. You need some cash to make the move to the Virgin Islands. 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. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches.

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