Best Neighborhoods in STT & STX

There are few neighborhoods here that don't have shacks just down the road from mansions or even next door. It's not like subdivisions here. On STT Water Point is about the only area like that that I can think of. Where you live is personal choice here. Some like north, some like south,etc. Most people would not choose Nadir to live in if they could afford better. It's usually wise to not buy anything until after living here 6-12 months & you get a feel for what area suits you.

Personally I like the east. It's dry but there is always a breeze and a nice view and plenty of good beaches. There is a nice mix of people.
My second choice would be the Salt River Area. There is still a lot of country and some awsome views and neighborhoods.

There are few neighborhoods here that don't have shacks just down the road from mansions or even next door. It's not like subdivisions here. On STT Water Point is about the only area like that that I can think of. Where you live is personal choice here. Some like north, some like south,etc. Most people would not choose Nadir to live in if they could afford better. It's usually wise to not buy anything until after living here 6-12 months & you get a feel for what area suits you.

Trade... you're on STT right?

Yes & Bombi is on STX.

which island are you talking about Dan? I prefer east end of st. croix.

From what I can tell on Coldwellbankerstt.com if we were to go to STX it would definately be the Eastern side of the island, in view of Buck Island.

What are the popular restuarants, bars, hangouts, etc in the area? Also are there any libraries? Also, is a 4x4 required? Our travel agent recommended one when we said that we are going to be in the eastern side of the island.

Read the STX restaurant review thread on this site.

No need for 4 wheel drive on STX unless you just want to off road. There is a library downtown. I live on the east end but prefer mid island.

Right on. I was checking out the Restuarant guide, rather quite helpful. When we lived in Adeje (Canary Islands - near Los Chrstianos), there were specific local spots and specific tourist spots. Do you find that to be the case in STX as well? Also, are there specific expat hangouts? Again, with Tenerife being such a melting pot for Spanish, Afrikans, English and Portuguese, there were specific places that the Brits would go, the Spaniards, islanders, etc. I understand that STX is tiny compared to Tenerife but I was curious if there were regional differences.

Also, is there any good fish and chip places?

Dan,

On STT, Peterborg and Mahogany Run are good bets.

If you're doing a PMV or exploratory visit, perhaps renting a villa in one of those areas would be a useful exercise (and very enjoyable).

I'm very partial to the North Shore of STX--Cane Bay, Lavallee, Northstar. Much more lush and scenic, and a cool, low-key vibe.

Bernie

Dan,

On STT, Peterborg and Mahogany Run are good bets.

If you're doing a PMV or exploratory visit, perhaps renting a villa in one of those areas would be a useful exercise (and very enjoyable).

Right on Jules. We are setting off 24 Sept for San Juan, and will be arriving in STT 26 Sept. We are planning on spending 5 days in STT, 5 days in STX, then we are going to be stopping off in St. Martins (the dutch side), Nevis, Mustique, & Dominica. I am so looking forward to getting back on the water. We have a 21 metre cat rented in Nevis as well.

Are there any boat people on here? A couple of years back we passed on an opportunity on a 24 metre Prout cat for £240,000 that we passed on and I sorely regret making that decision. We don't sail alot but we enjoy when we can. When we were Auckland, it was so amazing to see all the yachts in the harbour.

anywhere from salt river over to carambola beach resort,judiths fancy,shoys to green cay marina,butler bay area

Been on STX for a year now...i really like judiths fancy, shoys, and carambola! also some very unique properties in Cotton Valley/East.. but i prefer being near c-sted and centrally located!

The further west you are, the more rain you'll get which means less cistern filling. Personally, after living everywhere on island, i love the west end and north shore. it's gorgeous. granted, it takes you a little longer to get places but the views can be amazing. Rent is also much cheaper out west than east. My family has lived in La Grande Princesse since 1985 and i love that area too - centrally located but quiet. never had any crime issues there (knock on wood!).

from cane bay it's about 25 mins to west,25 to town and 25 to sunnyisle

The North Shore is spectacular. However, crime is more of an issue than the East End. Judith's fancy is nice and very neighborhoody, however, it is a salt spray area - think rust rust rust. East end - Shoy's is the highest priced most exclusive neighborhood. West End is beautiful too, but again..crime is more of an issue.

I love living in Beeston Hill. Great location, 2 minutes to Christiansted and 10 minutes to Sunny Isle.

In STT you should probably look into the neighborhood being created at Botany Bay. Or as mentioned, an existing neighborhood at Water Point.
There are some places where various nationalities hang together - the Dominicanos , Haitians, Frenchies, Continentals, etc. and some places are more frequented by locals than tourists.

only place i saw need for 4x4 on st croix was going to point udall and sandy point

I have gone both places without putting my truck in 4 wheel drive. I do have big tires though and am high off the ground with a lift.

I went to both places in a Toyota Rav 4, 4 cylinder, no 4wd.

There are very very few roads you need 4 wheel drive here. You don't need it for point udall or sandy point at all. Udall is pretty much paved and I've seen plenty of chevy cavilers at sandy point. There are some really bad PRIVATE roads and getting to places like the tide pools would be impossible without it. But over all stx is pretty flat. Its just got too many potholes and gravel on the roads. I do prefer having an suv here over a car. Its better to be high off the ground for bad rain for example, we have a lot of areas that flood when it rains. I would also recommend something with all wheel drive for bad driving conditions. But you can get by find with a small island beater as well.

Why do people say crime is more of an issue on the North Shore of STX? I understand that there have been occasional episodes at the restaurants, but I've also heard of many break-ins out East. Is this a fact or just a long-held belief? Is there statistical evidence to back this up? Just curious. I live on the North Shore and love it. The people are great, it's beautiful and peaceful and I feel quite safe here.