Contemplating Buying a Home in Fortuna - West End

Do you mean long term rental or to vacationers? I know someone who tried it for tourists & it wasn't successful due to the isolation of that particular villa.

I like Fortuna, very quiet.
I think the rental market would be somewhat limited, though for UVI students or professors,or airport workers it would be great!

I especially like the area with the double view, I`d be interested if a property was available there.

It's so close to the next great development...Botany Bay! Wonderful views and beautiful island location.

It would be for a long term rental. Has a pool and has deeded waterfront on Fortuna Bay. I am hoping to get $3000/mo - 3 bed/3 bath 1700 sq ft. Does this seem reasonable?

If that is the house I think it is, I know a lot of work has been done to it recently, but it used to be split into 3 living areas. If it still is, you can probably get close to $3000, but I would be surprised if you got that much as a single family rental. I love the location, but it's not for everyone. Did the little corner store ever open? If not, it's a long way to get a loaf of bread or a carton of milk. That's part of the appeal for a lot of people, but a major drawback for a lot, as well.

Right now rentals are very abundant on St. Thomas and will probably increase after Carnival and high season end. Prices are falling on rentals and I would be surprised if you are able to get $3,000/month in Fortuna even with a pool. Allowing pets will help. There were so many rentals in the Island Trader this week I was shocked.

Fortuna is a great area, however, as Juanita said, it is a long way to any daily conveniences. The closest market is either Pueblo/Subbase or Gourmet Gallery, or the convenience stores by the airport...I used to live all the way out in Botany Bay so I know the drive firsthand. And, btw, Queen, it will be quite awhile before anything is built at Botany Bay, according to some sales folks out there. We have been here two years and they are about 4 to 5 years behind in what was to be developed on property. I also worked for the developer and they have a long way to go!! There are 3 homes being built on the property (2 homes are out there with a residence in one and a rental villa with the other; those were there before the Botany Bay development came in) but none of the villa homes, residence club or any other amenity has been built, nor are they in the process of building.

I agree with Trade as well, as far as the isolation for a short term vacation rental...although it would be great for some (my husband and I would look for something like that!) but not so much for others. I know when we managed the villa in Botany Bay, we heard more complaints from people about the drive and inconvenience than praises for the secluded location. Although we were even further out, some people are just not made to be inconvenienced in the slightest!!

Just thought I would share my thoughts since we lived out that way and were in the short term rental biz!

There is the white & blue house that sells COLD sodas & beers (& chips I think) on the main road.
I got my coldest beer there, & always go when I`m out that way(sadly, not often enough).
Dun

Doesn't sound like something we are interested in. We were hoping for more development and a quick walk to Starbuck's.

Then you'd have to walk to Puerto Rico. :@)

LOL--Starbucks *is* quite a hike (er, swim).

I used to be a Starbucks fan, but the upside of the economic down turn is that I've stopped going.

I've come to really appreciate the really, really strong Cuban or Spanish style coffees you can get at the little places here. The appeal of such coffee is growing-- I saw in the NY Times recently that Cafe Bustelo, my favorite cheap Cuban-style coffee, is getting trendy and stars are drinking it...

Islandlola