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I'm 34 and have wanted to live in the area (the Caribbean) since I was a kid. I'm finally almost ready to make the jump and I would like to go to the US-VI since I don't have to deal with the whole immigration process (I'm a US citizen). I will be making my first pre-move trips in October, but have some questions first.
1. I've seen a very large range of internet speeds. As someone who spends a good deal of time on the internet, what can I realistically expect to get?
2. Jobs. Unfortunately I didn't finish college, so I don't have any type of degree. I do have experience in retail/customer service, manual labor, route sales/customer service/draft tech for Budweiser, a class A CDL, electronics experience, and I'm currently working as a conductor for a railroad (I know there are no railroads there and I'm very happy about that, but there are skills with the job that are very useful in other fields). I shouldn't need to make tons of money, just enough for living expenses (I shouldn't have any mortgage or rent, I will probably be paying cash for a home). Also, I'm working towards my PADI Dive Master certification. What is the job market like there (I would love to work outdoors, but I'm not picky) and do you think I will be able to find work?
3. Pets. I have 2 dogs and several aquariums. Will I be able to find supplies for them?
That's all I can think of for now, I'm sure I will have more as time goes on. That being said, what Island do you think would be my best chance at finding a home and work, St. Thomas or St. Croix?
Posted : March 14, 2016 1:37 am
3. Yes on STX.
Posted : March 14, 2016 8:26 am
If you've already digested all the information in the pull-down menus top of the page you may want to use the search engine where your questions are concerned as they've been asked and answered many times.
Your ability to find a job is highly subjective, as is the choice of island although in general there are more employment opportunities on St Thomas than on St Croix.
Finding a rental with two dogs (and in many cases with "several aquariums") is going to be tricky. It's highly inadvisable to purchase real estate until you've lived here for at least a year - in my opinion two or three years. Yes, pet supplies are readily available here.
Good luck!
Posted : March 14, 2016 10:13 am
There's a pet supply store that sells fish and aquarium related supplies as well as dog food next to Cost U Less on STT.
Posted : March 14, 2016 11:02 am
It has been mentioned many times before, and I am sure if you read some previous threads using the search function you will see the reasoning, it is recommended that you rent a home for at least a year to find out what area and which island fits your preferences Before you buy a property.
Posted : March 14, 2016 1:30 pm
you can also use online sources for pet supplies. i do this as i can not find the brand of kitty litter i use.
so you have 300-500 thousand saved up to pay cash for a house/condo? way to go. does this also include enough money for a while if you can not find a job? some condos are cheaper than that though.
Posted : March 14, 2016 4:39 pm
That kind of cash buys 20 years of worry free life in Thailand.
Posted : March 14, 2016 4:54 pm
What am I doing wrong? If I had that amount of disposable cash to purchase a home in a place I had never lived, I would be out the door today. What's there to plan, just go!
You could hide out in a Extended Stay type of Hotel where you could use as base camp for a month while you explore things out and secure housing.
You got great advise above. Renting first would be advisable.
Me personally I would purchase a Sailboat to live on before I purchased a home.
I plan to move to STT only because I know there's more likelihood of finding employment. Plus, I read on this site the Factory or Refinery in STX closed. This means many there are looking for secure employment too. Homes may be cheaper on STX too because with the factory closed I read on this site many moved back to the "mainland"..back home as it were [back to America].
For employment I have been visiting every Employment resource I can brainstorm and conducting internet searching for local USVI advertisements.
If I am not able to find employment, I may just have to create my own job.
Posted : March 14, 2016 7:43 pm
