Considering the move...

Your message sends up several red flags. I want to comment briefly on one.

There are a good number of people here who are way over-qualified for the work they are doing. There are also a bunch who are hugely unqualified! It is just part of the culture of living in a place like this. If he feels that he is being abused because of this, you all will not stay long enough to worry about the price of housing.

And I know many will recommend that you come down for what is affectionately know here as a pre-move visit. 🙂

Real estate is very high, do not buy until you've been here a year and know you want to stay. Middle class homes go for $300k to $600k and often are not fancy in the least for that price range. You will make less money here in your occupation and spend way more on living expenses. The only cheap things here are rum and ciggerattes.

Good morning astorer,

I believe one of the "red flags" East Ender is referring to is the fact that you and your husband aren't in the same place with a strong desire to move to the USVI. It's hard enough for a couple that are both on board with the dream to make the move work. So you're starting off already with a challenge.

Another is that your questions can be easily answered with some basic research on this site and elsewhere -- keep doing your homework and educating yourself as much as possible about your intended destination. A pre-move visit will be an essential part of this process if you are intending to come here permanently.

I don't know what island you are considering, but on St. John, you will find hardly any houses for sale under half a million dollars. No, not everyone can afford that. The people who own property either can afford those prices or bought them more than a decade ago before real estate values shot through the roof. Many people rent instead, and that's generally a smarter thing to do for a first move here.

The cost of living is very high relative to most of the United States. The ratio of cost of living compared to average income is way out of proportion -- but it's the same way in most highly desirable U.S. locales.

The ferry between Red Hook and Cruz Bay takes 20 minutes and runs on the hour. The ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay takes about 40 minutes and runs more sporadically.

Good luck with your research!

The economy down here is not good & looks to only get worse. Make sure your employment ducks are all in a row before moving.

It is alot different than living in the states. And yes, most people are overqualified for most positions here. However, have you ever considered going into business for yourself????? This is what I did many years ago and thank god every day. Word of advice: Be very very very careful when dealing with a particular real estate agency. Specifically Calypso Reality. Search the name and you will see for yourself. And definately, rent for a year to decide exactly where on the island you would like to call home.