What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten? On St. ThomasMore Info, So many wonderful events and things to do in St. Thomas. You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. St John is the smallest territory in the US Virgin Islands, and it also has the lowest crime rate. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. Recalibrating. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. For more information about the St. Thomas Carnival 2023, visit the D.H.S. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. 7 years ago. This airport is one of the busiest in the Eastern Caribbean. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . 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. . Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; Cost of Living in Virgin Islands by Sea Glass Properties. Some maps also list Culebra and Vieques as being the Spanish Virgin Islands, but they are part of the territory of Puerto Rico. Also U.S. Some people are sensitive or prefer not to drink tap water anywhere. Youll rarely experience a day that dips below 75F, even during the rainy season or the winter months. No Pressure. The Virgin Islands are known for their protected lands of white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and lush vegetation. become a major promotional tool. The Hull Bay trail is a 1.6-mile trail located near the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Virgin Islands Port Authority-April 28, 2023. 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. Its port city of Charlotte Amalie often serves as a popular jumping-off point for travelers to destinations elsewhere in the Caribbean. International brands such as Kmart, Walgreens and Home Depot all have outlets available on the island. 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. You can also head out there on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the warmth of the sand and the peacefulness of the situation. You can also get your currency exchanged at most banks on the 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 . Moving to the USVI as an American citizen means there is no need for any new documents like a work visa or identification papers. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. It is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. 7. The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is between January and April for the best weather and most opportunities for excursions and activities. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. parade, United States Virgin Islands | 1.7K views, 21 likes, 14 loves, 14 comments, 22 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ViVid Streaming: ADULTS PARADE The island's natural attractions include numerous bays and beaches. Housing in a gated community with a private beach can be over $1 million when looking for a 4-bedroom home. Additionally, many people feel safe and secure visiting a US territory. 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. Know what's coming with AccuWeather's extended daily forecasts for Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. It 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 States. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, 5 Essential Negotiating Tips for Buying a Home, moving to the US Virgin Islands with pets. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? Priced at just $16.95. In broad day light. 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. 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. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. About the Virgin Islands. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. Powered by Neutrino, Inc. 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. Generally, St Thomas is a safe island. Its home to the islands capital, Charlotte Amalie; any bustling city comes with its downsides. St Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Kayak and Snorkel Tour in the US Virgin Islands. You will get to experience plenty of sunshine, have friendly neighbors, and experience Caribbean life without a significant investment. 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. Unlike in the mainland US where water usually comes from rivers, lakes, and streams that feed a public water system, rainwater is the resource on St. Thomas. So why should you choose St. Thomas and the USVI are often described as a made-in-America tax haven for individuals and families. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most When comparing the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, it really depends on what you want in a vacation. 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. Since 2007, Ive worked in real estate for Sea Glass Properties, a logical career diversion given my love for St. Thomas and island life. WTJX-TV Channel 12 invites everybody, everywhere to join its live coverage of the St. Thomas Carnival parades. Get a breakdown of food, housing, transportation, and health care cost. The traffic can be terrible when living in the Virgin Islands. 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. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. Her knowledge of the island was a great help. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. About St Thomas; . 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 . Do not leave valuables in plain sight, dont carry too much cash and keep your credit cards in hand, lock your hotel and car doors, and stay in groups, especially at night. . 2023 Caribbean Uncovered - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Is St John Worth Visiting in 2023? 1. Average prices of more than 40 products and services in St Thomas, Us Virgin IslandsJan 2023. Deeper draft ships such as Queen Mary 2, Oasis and Allure are required to dock at Crown Bay. Yes, the US Virgin Islands are safe for not just visitors, but the many locals that live there as well! You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. Overall, the US Virgin Islands are a safe place to visit. 6 Bedrooms. 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. Cisterns and roofs? 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. Sports. Terms of Use and Are the virgin Islands safe to visit during hurricane season? 8. But there are over 50 smaller cays and islands in this archipelago. operates here and both land line and cellular phone 2. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. St Thomas, 00802 United States Virgin Islands. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. This makes it one of the safest places to live and visit in the USVI. This includes the right to vote in federal elections, serve in the military, and have access to all federal benefits. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. 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. That way you'll get plenty of pampering, undisturbed nature and colonial history . The U.S. The pros and cons of living in St. Thomas present some challenges, but there are also some incredible rewards. . The water is usually very calm which makes it perfect for small children. 2 bed. If you live in one of the major cities, then you might find one for about half of that cost. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. This gated community along the Atlantic is known for its cool breezes and its spectacular down-island views into the British Virgin Islands. 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. The water is safe to drink in USVI. If you start living in the Virgin Islands, then you will need to search for scorpions in your house. 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. These were descendants . 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. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. 5. New Listing. We are now happy St. Thomas homeowners and without her diligence, it never would have happened. Parasailing. Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. St. Thomas Carnival is actually the second largest Caribbean Carnival celebration, as it runs as a month-long event.. The US Virgin Islands get close to two million visitors each year, and most of them also leave feeling safe and ready to return! Competitive Tax Benefits for Residents. As long as theres not a hurricane, the only thing that will put a damper on your vacation is rain! As with any city, there is crime on the island, mostly within the local community. Home Blogs Moving to St. Thomas USVI: What You Need to Know. (+ Best Time To Visit)Continue, Read More Should I Rent a Car in Aruba?Continue, Read More Is There Uber in Aruba? Plan your trip with the best resorts on the beach in St Thomas, View the best Places and Areas to Stay in St John. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Your voting status will change once you become a resident. Health services are more extensive in the U.S. than in the British islands. Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. 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. Life is similar to what you would expect in the States. a number of reasons to consider relocating to St Thomas. Experience a new era of island-inspired elegance at the redesigned Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. $2,268. Not to mention you will need it if you decide to travel to the neighboring British Virgin Islands while living here. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. In addition there is a hospital on island that serves both St. Thomas and St. John residents. There are no water sports rentals or a bar to have refreshing drinks. The storms coming in from the ocean are an incredible sight to see as well, and then you get to experience some of the best sunrises and sunsets that our planet can offer. Tropical weather, as well as the risk of hurricanes, can wreak havoc on some of your most valued possessions. 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. USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. Privacy Policy. Talk to me at 340-690-9995 or fill out the form here so we can start planning your move accordingly. While St Croix may have its challenges, it is still a wonderful destination worth visiting. Then you can purchase new or used goods once you make it to the island. Tip: The Caribbean sun is intense, cotton clothes are the best choice for staying cool and remember to drink plenty of water and . Being a hub island in the US Virgin Islands, there are many ferries traveling daily to neighboring islands. As a first time home buyer, Barbara took the time and extra effort to guide me through every aspect of the home buying process. 7. 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. 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. St. Thomas Source. The island life is not for everyone, so they want to make sure youre willing to stay before forming a relationship. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. The island of St. Thomas in the Caribbean belongs to the U.S. Virgin Islands. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an means mainland US companies do business here including Postal Service delivers your mail here as well. aerial shot of west end, st. thomas, us virgin islands - st. thomas virgin islands stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Visiting during hurricane season isnt the best time to visit, but it is safe, overall. Four Times Voted Best Realtor on STT Readers, VI Daily News, No Hype. Many of the local residents felt that the Dutch were poorly managing the island, so they persuaded a sale of St. Thomas (along with St. John and St. Croix) to the United States. . The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. In terms of vacationing in USVI, Id definitely suggest planning a trip ASAP! The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. Better yet, talk to me at (340) 690-9995 or email me at barbara@seaglassproperties.com to start exploring houses for sale in St Thomas Virgin Islands. , Barbara is a gem to work with - she guided us through the process from start to finish with great care and expertise. 9. St John is the least populated and has the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. The Peterborg peninsula separates world famous Magens Bay from the Atlantic Ocean and is home to four gated communities: Peterborg East, Dove Way, Sydneys Fancy and Red Rock. They also have the ability to make emergency transfers if necessary. 6. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. is important in both business and personal matters. Getting outside the box. 1. 3. St Thomas is the most visited Virgin Island and its easy to see why. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. Most places will accept credit cards. The pros of living in St Thomas are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and incredible beaches. In terms of living in the Virgin Islands, it's always important to do your own research and know where is safe to live and where is not. St. Thomas is a safe destination for your next Caribbean vacation. 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. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. Your resort or hotel will warn you ahead of time if there is a problem with the tap water. Resort. That means you dont need any new documents in terms of a work visa or similar papers. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. Your Guide to the Perfect St Croix Honeymoon. 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) St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 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. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. 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. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. 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. Local news. also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is For Rent - Condo. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. If luxury living and yachting interest you, take a look at St Thomas and its high-end shopping and harbors. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. Sitemap, By joining you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Many of the islands are free from light sources at night too, which means you can do some fantastic stargazing. 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%. There is a large general hospital on St. Thomas, and hospital services are available on the other two large islands. There can be some humidity since this is an island destination that youd be calling home, but it usually isnt too bad. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. 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! The Virgin Islands are a beautiful place to live. Food costs in St. Thomas are less affordable than average in the United States. Then there is the island time to consider. 9. My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer You will discover that living on the Virgin Islands means being self-sufficient. Several airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and direct flights to the island. St. Thomas balances sophistication and tropical flair so well, it is easy to see why many plans to relocate to the island. Privacy Policy 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. St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. St. Thomas is the most built-up infrastructure-wise, while St. John is the least developed. 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. Best beach day ever. The pace of life here is pleasant. The cost of living is higher in St John vs St Thomas and St Croix and it also has the lowest population. The USVI's Economic Development Commission offers one of the most competitive tax benefits packages in the world. 1. This advantage means that Virgin Islanders receive protection under the criminal laws of the United States. | 0 comments Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained)What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines You may also likeLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Mountain top is 1500 feet above sea level and provides a stunning view the other US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. Find out how expensive cost of living is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. There is steel drum music that plays everywhere when you travel throughout the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. Significant on-island employers are few. There is less stress here unless you actively seek out problematic situations. O: 340.774.5277 Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. Thats why youll find those who arent involved in the hospitality arena tend to operate a side hustle as a way to make money. 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. . St. John . You can visit either St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix, or better yet, spend a little time on all three islands. That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. 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). This also depends on which Island you are visiting, as all three US Virgin Islands vary in their crime rates. The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. There are multiple pharmacies on island, including . St. Thomas is dangerous. , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. USVI Income Taxes. In addition to it's long and rich Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. There is also a 36-month resident distinction that is part of this process. If you need more information contact to the Puerto Rico Contact center.