DUMB IDEA moving?

Of course, it's not a dumb idea or none of us would be here! 😀 Get some marketable skills (what's your degree in?), save your money & if you move here, don't fall into the total party/drinking/drugs scene.

Oddly enough, there are no "dumb" ideas when it comes to deciding to live anywhere when you fall in love as you so apparently have!

As a recent grad, you likely have a lot of personal freedom and need very little in the way of luxury or comfort. I highly recommend that you start poking around the FAQ, Housing, Costs, etc. links at the top of this forum page to get an idea of the day to day.

On the other hand, people have made a mad dash, plunked themselves down, gotten to know someone who knew someone, and the rest is history... they've been here ever since.

While it's not a decision to be taken lightly, I don't want to throw any cold water on your dreams. Make sure you have enough to live for a couple of months (cost of living here is relatively high compared to many places where you are), and an open mind. There are folks here who are rocket scientists, financiers, educators, etc., who are using the soft skills developed in their various professions. But they make their living in decidedly more relaxing endeavors.

So, come and get away, have a ball, and reach out.

Also, make sure you have a way to get back to the states if island life doesn't suit you. Here, as is the case everywhere, the more money you have, the less stress.

Sounds like to me that this would be a perfect time to give your dream a shot. I myself came here nearly 9 years ago with a round trip ticket, two duffel bags, and about $300. The only really crazy thing about my situation was the $300, but what the heck, I made it! Island life is not for everyone, but I can say that I've never been happier or felt more at home than I do now. Living on STJ has taught me things that I could have never learned anywhere else. I look at some of my friends and family who live in the states and their lives seem so complicated to me, but I'm sure they would say the same about me. Living "without" is a comforting feeling to me. I don't ever feel the need to "keep up with the Jones'", have a nice car, have fancy clothes, or be anything that I am not. It is a slower way of life that suits me just perfect. If it has always been your dream, I would say the only dumb thing to do is to NOT to move.:-)

I came down with two duffel bags and seven grand...it was just enough money for me....dunno how you made it on only $300! Then again....you're a lady, so I'd say that leans things in your favor a little more so than to mine...but it's worked out well for me, too! Ten years later and I have NO desire to move to America!

($7,000 - $750 hotel for ten days (Galleon House), - $900 for one month at Mafolie Hotel, $1,200 for island car, - $3,600 first, last and security on an apartment, only left me $550 for food and entertainment, but I made it!)

I got lucky! I knew someone who knew someone who lived in a shack and crashed there for awhile. Then I got a job and got really really lucky and found a place to live. It was almost impossible to find a place to live on STJ when I came here, but I got a word of mouth mother in law apartment for $500 and shared it with someone. I ate almost nothing, and spent my money on drinking water. I just remembered....I asked my family to send me food for my birthday that year, I was so happy to get Apple Jacks and pistachios! They all thought I was nuts anyway, so sending me food was not to far fetched.

i have a similar problem. I'm currently living in Ohio right now and am desperately looking for a change. and the US VI seemed like an excellent idea. i was born in Mozambique then was raised in Miami Florida so going back to warm weather is a must.
but at the same time I'm scared to make such a drastic move by myself. i haven't finished college yet and want to attend one of the universities there. i don't have as much money to up and move instantly but feel like if i don't get out of here, i will pop! literally. i read your stories about moving there with $300 or $7000. i don't know how much this day in age i would have to bring with me. i dont have much furniture or ties anywhere in the islands. what would be the best but most importantly safest route for me to take, since i will be a lone female trying to start a new and happy life. any advice would be so so helpful for me. thank you

I came here from MI, and although I came with next to nothing ($300 is a joke), on my own, with a degree I nearly finished, I would not recommend it on the route I took. Like I said, I got lucky, and it worked for me, but it is not "easy" here. Just spoke with several other transplants this evening (both stateside and down-islanders) and it seems we came to the common ground that this life is a devotion of sorts. If you have no "ties" in the states, I say give it a chance. I have always felt like I don't need anyone to tell me "it's ok" and I just went for it...I didn't have any "ties" and I went with my gut. That is the only real advice I can give you... what will you be out if you tried it? I'm just guessing, but probably not much. I cannot even tell you what I have gained living here. I've grown immensely, and it is something that I could have never gotten living in the states or have purchased anywhere ever. I've never felt afraid of being myself here, and like AMEX commercials say.... priceless!!! Living on STJ has given my heart and soul so much more than I though anyone could achieve, and for that, I am forever thankful for. If you are really thinking about coming to the VI I guess you should ask yourself what it is you are looking for, and what it is you are willing to put on the line to find it. To me, it is not to heavy of a question. I am one of the lucky who came here to lose myself and surprisingly, found myself. I am happier and more content that I've ever been. I love the VI and I love the people here. My heart is here and it will always be here. ..I hope to find your hear here as well!!