2 questions, please.

I was just having this conversation today reference to STX, so things may vary slightly on STT. In general, the sense is that season begins after Thanksgiving (and ramps up slowly through the Xmas holidays), and wraps up around the Ironman, which I believe is the first week in May.

Only two??;)

A good place for an extended visit is http://www.crystalpalaceusvi.com/. Not only is it a good bargain, but the host is a wealth of knowledge and has helped many newcomers to the island.(tu)

High season for tourism is basically when it is cold in the states- December through April.

Hurricane season runs June through November, BTW, since you said you were coming in the fall. There are a number of restaurants, businesses and even hotels that close in September, the height of the season.

Depending on your employment situation, the fall is probably the worst time for a pre-move visit. It can sometimes be so dead, it's scary. You should come during peak season so you can meet more people, I think.

"Season" has changed considerably over the years as more families are visiting the Caribbean. It's no longer a destination for the "newly wed and nearly dead." Some businesses do better in June and July than they do in "season" because they have something that's family friendly. Also, more people are taking advantage of the lower rates in the summer regardless of the high temperatures.

I think you should stay in a condo where you can meet other residents rather than a "hotel." Check VRBO for condos, especially at Sapphire.

Also, if you volunteer with a national organization where you live, they probably have a chapter here, so that's a good place to start. Humane Society, Salvation Army, etc.

I think you should stay in a condo where you can meet other residents rather than a "hotel." Check VRBO for condos, especially at Sapphire.

That point I disagree with. Condo residents don't put out any big welcome mat for even new permanent residents and I don't think that's the place to stay for a PMV. I'm with East Ender on this one in recommending Ronnie's Crystal Palace B&B as he has a fine reputation for taking care of potential newbies and keeping them on track!

I think you should stay in a condo where you can meet other residents rather than a "hotel." Check VRBO for condos, especially at Sapphire.

That point I disagree with. Condo residents don't put out any big welcome mat for even new permanent residents and I don't think that's the place to stay for a PMV. I'm with East Ender on this one in recommending Ronnie's Crystal Palace B&B as he has a fine reputation for taking care of potential newbies and keeping them on track!

Didn't someone post recently that his "place for housing newbies" is closed?

I think you should stay in a condo where you can meet other residents rather than a "hotel." Check VRBO for condos, especially at Sapphire.

That point I disagree with. Condo residents don't put out any big welcome mat for even new permanent residents and I don't think that's the place to stay for a PMV. I'm with East Ender on this one in recommending Ronnie's Crystal Palace B&B as he has a fine reputation for taking care of potential newbies and keeping them on track!

Didn't someone post recently that his "place for housing newbies" is closed?

His Villa Fairview place which housed many a newbie for extended periods is now no more but his B&B Crystal Palace is alive and well.

He still has the Crystal Palace, a B & B in town. He sold his short term spot, Villa Fairview.