21yo girl planning short-term move and could use all the advice i can get!

HiCongrats on your decision to make a move while unencumbered.
Why only 5 months, tho?
Staying at Rhoda's when you first get here will help with finding a job and more permanent place to live, etc.

There are always ads on Craig's List for rooms for rent/apt. shares and jobs.
Probably best, if you can to find a job and a apt. share, in close proximity.
Don't put money down on anything sight unseen, even if you have pictures.
The difference between what pictures portray and reality can be vastly different.

Just be aware of your surroundings, don't be impaired by drugs or alcohol especially late at night if you work nights, after work.
It's easy to meet people, especially for an attractive young woman.
Just be careful of trusting too soon.

There are also cars for sale on Craig's list.
The $2500 for a dependable car, I'm not so sure about. Whatever you buy, take to a certified mechanic, first. You don't want to buy a lemon that's going to break down, leaving you stranded in the middle of the night and end up costing you for expensive repairs. IMO, $2500 for a reliable car is expecting a lot and may not be realistic.

Someone else can chime in on the process of transferring a car from one person to another but you'll have to get registration transfer notorized and make sure there are no liens and tickets on it. You'll need a physical address and proof of such. Here's a link I found that might help.

http://www.gotostcroix.com/st-croix-blog/obtaining-vi-drivers/

I use J&J Insurance for my vehicle, $280 a year.
They're located down by Nisky Center. Ask for Joan.
340-775-5521

East End/Red Hook location has many hotels, beach resorts, bars and restaurants in fairly close proximity. Also lots of beaches, easy access to many beaches and ferry and car barge to explore St. John.

Good luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

If you live and work in Red Hook area you could get by wo the car.

I know of a car rental place where you can rent for $600 per months. I can find out the name of the rental co. Not sure if the rent to people under 25.

You will meet plenty of pple your age around Red Hook. #5 plus positive personality helps with getting a job and meeting people.

from the essence of your writing I get the feeling that you will do great here.

1. dependable car for $2500.00 is doubtful, so you may want to increase that to $5000.00.

2. I wouldn't worry about changing over your drivers license if you only plan to stay for 5 months.

3. Finding someone to share an apartment with for 5 months isn't really realistic because most are looking for people who intend to stay for a longer time, same is true for renting an apartment. You would be best to try and make a deal with Rhoda's since you will be staying for 5 months.

4. Bartender job, here is your first lesson in math, say you have 10,000 people who opt to move to the Islands each year. A good 70% percent of them are looking for service jobs due to not having a skill set, this includes bar tending. Now there is always that exception to the rule, but I wouldn't hang my hat on it.

5. Bars and beaches I think are two of the best places, but as long as you are out and about, you will meet people.

6. There are plenty of places that a single female or a single male for that matter shouldn't go to loiter at, like Back Street, TuTu area, West end area. To me, it's best to travel with a friend or group of people.

mike

1. ... Finding someone to share an apartment with for 5 months isn't really realistic because most are looking for people who intend to stay for a longer time, same is true for renting an apartment. You would be best to try and make a deal with Rhoda's since you will be staying for 5 months.

2. Bartender job, here is your first lesson in math, say you have 10,000 people who opt to move to the Islands each year. A good 70% percent of them are looking for service jobs due to not having a skill set, this includes bar tending. Now there is always that exception to the rule, but I wouldn't hang my hat on it.

1. Yes, it's realistic. There are a surprisingly large number of people who rent homes and then rent out a room month to month to seasonal workers and/or newcomers finding their way around . Keep an eye out on craigslist - and put your own ad on there too once you've got transportation sorted out.

2. If there were anywhere even near 10,000 people thinking of moving here every year, 85% of them would never actually make the move. And OUCH on assuming that working in the service industry doesn't require a skill set! I don't know of anyone in the business who's going to take the time to train a bartender or server with no experience in the field. You already have some experience so, along with good "people skills" and a healthy work ethic, you probably won't have any major difficulty finding a position.

What part of the West End could possibly be compared to dangerous areas to avoid????

Thank you Alana33 and Sttsailor! I'm moving for only 5-6 months mostly because I know I'll get home sick any longer than that considering all my friends and family are here and I can't miss too much school;)

It seems I'll have to spend more than anticipated for a car but that's why I'm planning so early as well! I did look into renting but I am too young to do so. I could spend up to $4000 on a car so I'm hoping that's good enough. Thank you for the advice and referal to J&J insurance. I'll definitely be giving Joan a call.

1. Yes, it's realistic. There are a surprisingly large number of people who rent homes and then rent out a room month to month to seasonal workers and/or newcomers finding their way around . Keep an eye out on craigslist - and put your own ad on there too once you've got transportation sorted out.

2. If there were anywhere even near 10,000 people thinking of moving here every year, 85% of them would never actually make the move. And OUCH on assuming that working in the service industry doesn't require a skill set! I don't know of anyone in the business who's going to take the time to train a bartender or server with no experience in the field. You already have some experience so, along with good "people skills" and a healthy work ethic, you probably won't have any major difficulty finding a position.

I agree with you. I've talked to several people about the possibility of renting for just a few months and have heard nothing but positive feedback.

Also, I am confident I can find a job. I have a very social personality, experience bartending, bilingual (Spanish), among many other skills. Plus, I'll be there during the busy season:D

I am mostly wondering how long it would take me to get a job. I guess each employer is different in that aspect though. I'm guessing I should find a car first, then a home, and finally a job. That way I can try to get employment as close to home as possible!

How about finding employment first after getting a car? That way you'll know where to look for a place to rent that will be closer in proximity to the job.

Actually, you should get your health card first, so you can look for work...;)

What part of the West End could possibly be compared to dangerous areas to avoid????

Ever seen those huge pigs up off the beaten path in Bordeaux? Dem t'ing BIG and hairy scary lookin'!

Me and my friend are also locating to St. Thomas in mid September, we are 22 and have the same mindset as you about traveling for a little before actual adulting. We are staying at Rhonda's guest house or Airbnb until we can find a rental property for 12 months. The Marriot properties have online job postings that you can search and apply online if you are trying to get a job lined up before you arrive, same with Indeed.com

Good luck! 🙂

Awesome! I'm staying at Rhodas too until I find a place

Maybe we can meet! Thanks for the advice:)

"adulting"

I like that...adulting.

I must have started too young. I was "adulting" as soon as I left home at 15.

Times have changed I guess.

5-6 months.... don't bother with a car. Get your health card - which you have to poop in a cup so enjoy that experience. Once you've recovered from that, find a job in Red Hook -you'll make fast friends with like minded seasonal transplants and you'll find a place to room with others near red hook. I have lots of friends who do that every season. If you live in Red hook you can walk to everything you'll need... except beaches - which you can safari. Too much hassle to do car crap not to mention for 5-6 months spending 3K. You'd get it back when you sold it but because you're coming in season cars are limited. REMEMBER there are a lot of 21 somethings doing the same. Start looking for housing 3 months in advance. Facetime with landlords and prospective roommates. Look on Air B&B and see if someone wants long term roommates.

Thats against advice I would normally give but If I was going for just 5-6 months and 21 I would just make enough money to party, lime, snorkel and get to all the fun beaches.