Anything that is heavy, bulky, or large is going to come with a significant shipping charge. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. #2 Charlotte Amalie West - Where to Stay on St Thomas on a Budget. For those who qualify, this can result in up to a 90% reduction in income taxesand a 100% exemption on property taxes. I like to say to people who are moving here for the first time, there are two rules for Living in the Virgin Islands. website at www.dhs.gov.vi Get the latest news straight to your phone with the VI Consortium app. Most people add a small amount of bleach to their cistern on a regular basis to keep bacteria down. 2. Rule One: You must have a sense of humor. The only exception is if you want to visit the British Virgin Islands. There are three main islands in USVI St Thomas, St John, and St Croix. St. Thomas My family and I arrived on St. Thomas from Massachusetts in 2003. 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]. 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 . Atlantic Standard Time all year. $2,268. Virgin Island Housing Authority - Idealist St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Getting Around in 2023. STT Board of Realtors. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. St John is the least populated and has the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. List of the Cons of Living in the Virgin Islands. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. While St Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the potential for crime. 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. wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an and Cingular all operate here. 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. Youll want to have a generator, extra supplies, and fresh water available to manage this disadvantage. 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. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are Politics can be particularly challenging at the local level. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Petty theft and vandalism are the most common crimes against visitors, so it is important to use common sense. The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. The Virgin Islands are one of the most unique groupings of territories in the world today. My needs included both short term and long term accommodation. St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. The US Virgin Islands were purchased by the United States from Denmark in 1917. Contact A Sea Glass Properties Agent for More Info on Moving to the US Virgin Islands! Mortgages, inspections, insurance? 5. Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas .) 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. Before I left for the island, I began corresponding with Barbara through a local St. Thomas referral, and am grateful that I did. 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. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. Barbara Birt brings you the best of island living, from US Virgin Islands real estate to stunning beaches. Food Prices in St Thomas - Numbeo Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. You cannot use the national form to register to vote if you decide to move to the Virgin Islands. , I cannot say enough about Barbara and her expertise. Youll also experience the support and friendliness of your neighbors once you let it be known that your intention is to stay. Do you need help in relocating to St. Thomas? The climate is humid and tropical, with an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The St. Thomas Carnival is an annual post-Easter Carnival, usually held around April/May. For Rent - Condo. , Barbara is absolutely patient and engaging. Then there is the issue of shipping large furniture items to your home. 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. It is a family-friendly environment. Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. St. Thomas is a vibrant and picturesque island located in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea. The territory can elect a delegate who participates in the debates that happen in Congress, but that elected representative does not have any voting rights. Life moves at a much slower pace in the Virgin Islands, for better and for worse. 7,000 Sq Ft. 1 Acre (s) Listing Courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate the Saints. become a major promotional tool. 2022 VisitStthomas.com Allphotos + content 1999-2021- all rights reserved. $3,200,000. This territory may be synonymous with luxury real estate and seaplanes, but for the discerning budget buyer, there are always a handful of homes that could become a vacation . The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. Priced at just $16.95. You might want a birth certificate or a valid drivers license too. 6. 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. Required fields are marked *. The United States and Britain each control a portion of these islands. Cost of Living in St Thomas - HelpToStudy.com Caribbean - The Jews of the British and US Virgin Islands 1 bath. There are stunning white-sand beaches that can help you to bake in the sun. Your voting status will change once you become a resident. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained) This can change depending on the number of ships in port. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will get to experience a new culture in the Virgin Islands. I can be of assistance. Before bringing your car to St. Thomas, do consider a couple of factors. The pleasant tropical breeze tends to take the brunt of the heat away, allowing you to relax on a patio and enjoy the views that you have. 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. It can be exasperating at times, but living here is one of the most magical experiences you can find in life. The Hull Bay trail is a 1.6-mile trail located near the capital of the U.S Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. Then, you will need your passport, and to go through customs as well. Sealing ensures the integrity of the tank and needs repeating every 5 or so years. 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. America's "Caribbean Paradise", the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas, St John and St Croix, offer some of the best retirement options in the Caribbean. (Travel Guide), What Is Rainy Season In Aruba? Visitors to Coral World Ocean Park can observe the rich sea life from a 20-foot-high . There is no territorial tax or state tax to worry about either. Living on St John USVI: Pros and Cons in 2023 Youre still living in the United States. You know that it is safe to drive now, but is it worth renting a car in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John? Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. multicultural history, friendly people, open spaces, the Commercial development is the priority along the beaches of St. Thomas. It can also be a lot of fun to decorate your palm trees for Christmas! Sometimes, youll hear about Water Island as well. St. Thomas. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. . 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. My husband was held up at gunpoint by a couple young kids near Coki Beach, actually on Point Pleasant. 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. Prepare yourself for making the jump into our tropical Caribbean waters. Travel Tips & FAQ | US Virgin Islands - Visit USVI With all these advantages, Lindquist Beach - Best beaches in St. Thomas. St. Thomas is home to the stunning city of Charlotte Amalie, as well as a variety of resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options. 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 . 9. 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. St Thomas, VI Luxury Real Estate - Homes for Sale Cheaper accommodations provide unique challenges that are not always present stateside. You are also bound by U.S. law without receiving direct representation in its creation. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. The Schneider Regional Medical Center has locations on all three islands, so youll always access to medical services while in the Virgin Islands. 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. Downed powerlines, felled trees, and general havoc occur whenever one blows through. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. 6 Bedrooms. 1. Saint Thomas, VI 00802. We absolutely loved St. Thomas and exploring the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to it's long and rich USVI is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and sailing. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. 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! 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.". When European colonists made their way here, the goal was to establish sugar and tobacco plantations. 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. Retire in the US Virgin Islands local service. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. There is less stress here unless you actively seek out problematic situations. 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. The beloved resort invites families, couples and adventure-seekers to encounter the beauty of the Virgin Islands in a new light. 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 While it is safe to visit during this time, there are a few things to keep in mind. Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Everything To Know About Moving to the Virgin Islands Planning Theres no Uber in USVI, so your options are to drive yourself or take taxis. 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. Cruise Ship Schedule for May 2023 | St. Croix Source Most neighbors come out to help one another get ready, which helps to bring the community together. Following regular safety precautions such as these will help you stay safe in USVI and enjoy your vacation. You will need to learn to love the cruise ships that stop by all year long. 2/3s of the island is protected under the Virgin Islands National Park, so the majority of the island is untouched by development and tourism. Some shores are rugged and rocky offering beauty, solitude and the opportunity to daydream about castaway fantasies. Parasailing. The taxes are at the same rates and use the same forms and rules as the federal income tax under what . Condos are a possibility for some people, but they might be connected with a busy resort too. 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. . There is less availability for goods and services. St Thomas Neighbourhood Guide. 3. 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. Are the US Virgin Islands Safe in 2023? - Caribbean Uncovered The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. 3 bed. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. However, despite these challenges, the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the effort to get around. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. Cost of Living in St. Thomas, VI | Cost of Living Index | ERI Live coverage of the 2023 St. Thomas Children's Carnival . Living & Moving to St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands We're considering St. Martin, St. Lucia or St. Thomas. 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. Youll need to form new habits, like checking your sheets and shoes before using them, to avoid an uncomfortable encounter. According to the U.S. Virgin Island's 2016 Kids Count Data Book, 37% of children live in families below the poverty level. What kind of weather can I expect during my vacation? Fast food chains such as KFC, Mc Donalds, Wendys also have a presence on the island. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. 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. Homes for Sale in St Thomas Virgin Islands | Barbara Birt That means you can have a say in who becomes governor over the territory. St. John is one of the most beautiful islands in the USVI and the Caribbean in general. If you dont want to go through all these additional steps, consider buying a car once you get to St. Thomas instead. , Barbara worked with me over a few years to get some family property sold. Lastly, customs and licensing can take some time, especially if your vehicle was assembled in Canada. The federal tax identification number is 67-0250807. Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas is very easy. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. Likely To Sell Out. Terms and Conditions If you were going to live on St. John, the story would be a little different. 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. , Quite frankly, I dont know how we could have made this move without Barbara. 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. 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. Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands Daily Weather You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so travelers should be aware of the potential for severe weather during these months. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. Cape Air provides direct and connecting flights between Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix and Tortola. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. These flights serve persons visiting other US Virgin Island territories. Commanding one of the most exhilarating down island views in St. Thomas, this rare, one acre waterfront offering has no equal. The parade fun starts on Friday, April 28, at 12:30 pm. 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 . Many of the homes that you will find in the Virgin Islands sell for more than $1 million. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. 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). WTJX-TV Channel 12 to Provide Live Coverage of St. Thomas Carnival Parades. Virgin Islanders cannot vote for the presidential ticket when the elections come around every four years. Thats why youll find those who arent involved in the hospitality arena tend to operate a side hustle as a way to make money. You can work and travel freely, but it is a good idea to keep your passport handy and a Social Security card available. This airport is one of the busiest in the Eastern Caribbean. 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. the Caribbean. You will need to contend with hurricane season every year. 4. 265-1 Hospital Ground New Unit Lower. You can also find family-friendly stuff at the best local events, like the annual chili cook off and the Carnival celebration. Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - Wikipedia There are a few things to consider when choosing for yourself whether you feel safe visiting USVI. We've narrowed the search to islands with direct flights from NY. Moving to the USVI as an American citizen means there is no need for any new documents like a work visa or identification papers. Tourism is the primary industry on St. Thomas, with over 2 million visitors stopping by the entire USVI chain annually Over 50% of those tourists come through the capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie, come to tour the towns and enjoy duty-free shopping. Since they are a US territory, there is no need for a passport to visit! 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.
How To Become A Police Prosecutor Victoria,
Articles L
