Apts.

Hello Brooke,

I don't know of any web sites with an assortment of apt. pictures for the VI.

When you say amenities - be specific about what you are looking for (do you mean laundry, pool, tennis courts, parking?????) ask and we can tell you yes, no, some, none...

If you are qualified in banking/finance - you could find work. You can get the newspaper - its good for two things reading the news so you get an idea of what is going on in the islands, day to day... and also to read the classifieds for work/apt. The Island Trader has more classifieds for apt. and yard sales, used cars - it will give you an idea of the avialabity of both and prices.... I would say yes get those two papers with the Settlers.

If you can come for a pre-move visit you might be able to go into the firms/banks and leave resumes or arrange interviews and try to land a job that way. Or perhaps look in the yellow pages http://www.viphonebook.com and call the banks - ask for human resources or who ever hires and see about faxing your resume - so that you can start looking before you move.

--Islander

Thanks, we will check out the phone book!

For ammenities we mean....1-2 bedroom, w/d would be nice, but not necessary if there are laundry mats around. between $600-$1000?? Not sure, that depends more on what we are doing for work.

We don't need anything extravagent...just a place that is decent and affordable. Hopefully with in walking distance of stores/bus line?? (I think we are more leaning to live on St. Thomas)

Thanks!
Brooke

Hello Brooke,

Some apartments are in residencial areas that have access to the bus system. Northside apartments in general would prove difficiult for you to get to a bus stop. If you have a car that you can ship that would be good also, or once settled into island life you might consider buying a car.

--Islander

Did you try my Villa Fairvie website? villafairview.com. Washer and dryer on premises!
Ronnie

Brooke,

Ronnie's recommendation is a good choice!!

--Islander

I just moved here two weeks ago. I found a fairly nice place for 650 a month within 24 hours of landing here. Although I had a job set up here before I arrived, that was about it. I would recommend renting a car upon arrival and just start calling people renting the apartments and going to see what is avaliable. I would also suggest buying a car or shipping one over as soon as possible. You need a car to get around here. Any other questions you have feel free to ask...its all very fresh in my mind.

Matt,
Thats very reassuring, my biggest fear of moving is not finding a place. When you got there, did you start calling listing in the newspaper, or by word of mouth? Did you have a hotel lined up before you got there?
What did you get a job in...did you do the interviews over the phone?
How much $ would you suggest on having with you upon arriving on the island?
Did you take a trip down there prior to moving?
How long did you plan out the whole move, or was it a quick move?

Sorry, you said to ask away....I have a ton of questions!

Thats it for now...I'm sure I will come up with more!
Thanks!
Brooke

Matt what island did you move too - just so folks have a reference.

Glad your move is going smoothly.

--Islander

Matt,
Thats very reassuring, my biggest fear of moving is not finding a place. When you got there, did you start calling listing in the newspaper, or by word of mouth? Did you have a hotel lined up before you got there?
What did you get a job in...did you do the interviews over the phone?
How much $ would you suggest on having with you upon arriving on the island?
Did you take a trip down there prior to moving?
How long did you plan out the whole move, or was it a quick move?

Sorry, you said to ask away....I have a ton of questions!

Thats it for now...I'm sure I will come up with more!
Thanks!
Brooke

Brooke, I got to St Thomas on Friday night at about 8pm. I stayed at the best Western Emerald Beach because it is right near the airport, I didn't make any advance plans and just checked in that night, but it was a bit pricey so you may want to stay somewhere else while you hunt for a place. At the hotel they had the Island Trader and just like they always say on this message board, it was a great resource. I had about 6 places that were in my price range picked out that night and I started calling about 10am Saturday morning. I got in touch with 3 people and rented a car from Dependable rentals. I then realized that it takes a while to find things around here because there are no street signs and if you try to use the road numbers no one will know what your talking about....i think they are fairly new, so everyone refers to landmarks to give directions. Anyway.....just make sure before you go to see a place you find out when its available....some are immediate while some could be avaliable in the future. As for my job, i work for the government so it was set up before i got here. As for money I had about 5500 spendable dollars, so that covered my rent + deposit, car/hotel rental, and my car which I also found in the Island Trader and I had everything set up with the car in about 6 days from arriving. Don't get me wrong, getting a lien release, insurance, and going to motor vehicles isn't a walk in the park but with some planning it shouldn't take more then 2 days. I have never taken a trip here prior to moving and other then buying the airline tickets and having a job (which helps) it was a fairly unplanned move which worked out well. I hope this answers some of your questions and ask anymore that you may have.....I know that they are probably endless. -matt

Matt,
Your information has been very helpful. Thank you! I have read in the past that finding a dependable vehicle is very difficult. We are planning a move, with 2 children, and shipping our van will be very expensive. We will definitely need a car. Is the task very difficult? Are there vehicles that are dependable, but reasonable? Thanks for all your help! Tiffany