Exploratory trip not likely

So you're coming in the worst hurricane month with no previous knowledge of the island and not much $? Not trying to be snarky. Just wondering, anyway.... Heres some details:
No barge. Seaplane $160 round trip - Seaborne airlines. There are others that fly from the airports too. Seaplane is fun and usually the same $.

The islands are expensive. No way around that. Period. Unless you plan on staying with friends or family you will need some major $. Unfortunately the start up is what gets ya. Life is defiantly manageable after that but just groceries are gonna run you $300+ for just you.
Say you rent a $600mo. place 1bdrm. You will need $1800 for first, last and security. Then you will need a car. at LEAST 2k. Reliable IMO 4-5k. Dont forget several hundred to have mechanics check out the cars your interested in. Also bring $1000.00 for immediately needed repairs. They all need something lol.

Whats your idea of "fort knox"
General reccomendation is no less than 5k - personally I say 10k. We brought 20 and went thorough 15 within 3 months. Been here 6 months and love it. STT.

Good luck.

Having lived on STX for 13 years, why would you want to live on the beach? Higher up in elevation is so much cooler and your house isn't "sticky" all over from the sea blast. Beaches are easy to reach by car. Waterfront locations are pricier and all have their maintenance issues due to the salt spray etc. I agree with AandA2VI,, several thousand for a car, insurance, rent & deposit, phone, Internet, groceries etc is a must. You having said "lower rents" what is your rental price range? WAPA (Water and Power Autoity- our electric company) is a killer. Kwh charge is pushing $ .50/kwh. Most places do not include utilities. Also finding a rental that allows pets is another challenge. None of the condos on the beach allow pets that I am aware of. Strongly suggest you do not bring your pet with you on your PMV (personal moving visit). This board is a wealth of information. Trust the long term locals who chime in with their suggestions.

Check out Cottages-by-the-Sea. They sometimes offer good deals on weekly rentals or longer--especially in September when season is quite slow. They are also pet friendly.

Having lived on STX for 13 years, why would you want to live on the beach? Higher up in elevation is so much cooler and your house isn't "sticky" all over from the sea blast. Beaches are easy to reach by car. Waterfront locations are pricier and all have their maintenance issues due to the salt spray etc.

If one were to choose to live on the north shore of STX, say anywhere between Coakley Bay to the east and Salt River to the west, what would be the recommended distance from the shore and elevation to avoid (or have a minimal amount) of salt spray?

I seem to remember reading somewhere, but may be mistaken, that Judith's Fancy is salt spray hell, no matter what elevation a house is at there. Is this the case?

Cheers

After living near the beach for a short while, Kakalee will soon wish he/she lived elsewhere.

Salt air takes its toll no matter where you live on any island.
The closer you are the to the beach, the higher the toll, however.

Check www.vrbo.com and www.flipkey.com for weekly rentals by owners.
You could also post on this classifieds forum for what you are looking for and check/post on Craigs list.
I run specials for my vacation rental in summer with low weekly/monthly rates but I am on STT.
Good Luck. Bring $$$!

2.The only weekly rental I have found so far probably isn't what I need for apartment searching after I arrive.

Does anyone know of one at the beach that is not an overpriced resort that will leave me nothing left to get an apartment with?

The 2nd choice would be one with a pool, but either way my cat would have to be welcome.

.

Special thanks to STXEM & Alana33 as well as those who PMed to warn me of the negativity, for not joining the the tirade & coming up with such good info. More is welcome.

I live on the waterfront. I absolutely love it! To each his/her own.

I'm in the same "boat" as you kakalee as far as probably not having a PMV before taking the plunge. I've read until my eyes bleed and have been overwhelmed with the negativity but I figure if I move expecting the absolute worst....there have to be some positive findings once I get down there. I mean everyone is chosing to live there for a reason, right?

even i, who can be negative at times, actually like it here for the most part. not saying i dont miss the states and the lower cost of certain items and being closer to my family etc....

Thanks everyone,
To statesidechange I want to say: It would be so cool to be able to expect the best & the worst simultaneously. Way back when I left for my 1st winter in PR, I was way short of both $$ & knowledge. The place I found was a bit of a disappointment because I was 20 feet from the sea but almost always had to use the pool because it was such shallow, rough water. Still it worked out well enough for me to spend about 10 winters there. If my ducks get in a row before yours, I will surely let you know & hope you will do the same.

Kakalee, I'll definitely be on this board, looking for updates and posting my experiences. I hope your ducks are in formation before mine since my plan is to move closer to Nov-Dec. 🙂

Way back when I left for my 1st winter in PR, I was way short of both $$ & knowledge. The place I found was a bit of a disappointment because I was 20 feet from the sea but almost always had to use the pool because it was such shallow, rough water. Still it worked out well enough for me to spend about 10 winters there.

What many people consider "negativity" on this message board is actually useful advice to help prospective residents match their expectations with reality. Visiting ahead of time is the best way to prevent situations like the one you describe. Like you say, it doesn't mean you won't necessarily have a good time when you get here, but you can save yourself a lot of trouble and $$ by knowing as much as possible about what lies ahead.

Others have already addressed your questions, but here's a little more: You likely will not be doing much island-hopping if you move to STX. The effort and expense to travel around are much higher compared with living on STT or STJ. You're a good 45 miles away, and that sounds like a short distance to anyone living in the states, but it's a different ball of wax around here. When there is a ferry running from STX to STT (which there isn't at the moment, after the last one wrecked), it is a very rough ride in one direction at least.

If the only option for your temporary rental when you arrive is "on the beach", you may be dissatisfied with your long-term rental choices and their prices. There are lots of reasons people prefer to make their home away from the beach, enjoy a great view, and drive to the beach when they want to go. Salt spray is just one; keeping a home cool with all that sun is another. You might love the view but hate the community, or there might be more crime than you consider acceptable at a certain beach area. Get a cheap temp arrival space, rent a car, and look around as much as you can. You might discover the perfect living situation that you are not even willing to consider at this point with "on the beach" as your main parameter. If living on the water itself is a nonnegotiable, the USVI may not be what you're looking for.

There are plenty of people who make the move at every age. It depends on what line of work you are in and your standard of living as to what "success" looks like. When you get here and start talking to people, you'll get to know various definitions of that success.

Good luck with the move!

If you are single or have a significant other that you are moving with, it will be easier than relocating with children in tow.

Summertime has lots of available rentals, whether it be on STX or STT. It just depends on your budget, your needs and your preferences.
It is difficult to get around without a car. Where I live on STT's north side, it would be impossible since there is absolutely no public transportation and public transportation is not reliable when it is available and does not it cover all other areas of the island.

You will need a car. Sometimes you can get a good deal but do not expect to pay $2K for a good, reliable vehicle.
Prepare to spend more.

Most rentals want 1st, last and security deposits, some will take 1st and last, then if utilities are not included you have those expenses as well as the deposits for the services you require. You can find places that are "move in ready" but at a higher price.

You'll have to "set up" house, purchasing all the needed groceries, cleaning supplies, pots, pans, utensils, linens, towels, furniture, TV, etc.
It all adds up so best to be prepared for the initial large outlay of funds. This is why we caution people to bring lots of $$$

If you are just renting, you can enjoy the beaches, swimming, snorkeling, other activities that island life has to offer, the warm weather and the beauty of the islands. Then you can decide whether island life is for you. If not, well, it's also easy to leave.

There are lots of options of what and where to rent whether it's up high on a hill or a condo.
Many beach front condo owners lease their units out long term.

As fdr stated: It's easier to get to STJ and the BVI from STT than from STX if exploring other islands is big on your list. More difficult and expensive to do so from STX. From STT, you can take the ferry to STJ or take your car over on the barge to spend the day, make a week-end of it and camp out at Cinnamon Bay, take day trips to BVI on a ferry or different full day excursions, etc. and be back home at night.
All this does take money.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

I've been here (STX) about a year and a half no regrets. Come with an open mind, lots of patience and a sense of humor. And a hearty good morning, afternoon, evening for everone you meet.

Hello everyone! Ihave been reading this site for over 3 years and finally decided to join in. I have been a full time resident of STX for 13 years now. As my forum name suggests I too have no regrets. It can be a scary thing to make the move, I know before we closed on our home I broke out in hives from head to toe! A couple of things to the OP: I think it's important to have some cash stashed in case things don't work out. I have seen folks financially stranded here and can't leave or at least till you know you are staying. The other piece of advice I would tell you is this: When we first moved here a kind older women said to me " Honey, if it makes sense it won't happen on this island" I have found that to be true and if you don't expect it to you will be fine. Good luck!