Faxing The Classifieds

You can check them out online at www.virginislandsdailynews.com. Also clink on the link on the left that says Island Trader - some in there too.

Robin

AWESOME, thank you you guys are great,

Dave

Are you moving to stt or stx?

I will be moving to STX, I will be accepting a job at the Refinery there.

I also have some more questions, but I don't want to clutter the board. Should I make a new post for each question.

I need to know about what are the best schools for 8&9 year olds?

I would like to know about the nursing program on STX, is there a waiting list? (wife has done all the pre-q classes and is ready to start nursing).

Where would be a good place to stay when I first get there until I find perm living?

I won't bring my car over until the family comes in January, is it hard to get around using taxi's or city transportation?

I think that is it for now, but I know I will have more later...

Most children moving to STX from the mainland will be happiest in one of the several private schools on the island. The two largest are Country Day and Good Hope. The refinery includes private school tuition for children in some of their compensation packages, so ask if that is an option for your children. Tuition is in the $10K per child per year price range. The public schools are NOT recommended for incoming transfer students.

Have your wife contact UVI to ask about their nursing school openings. The school year has already started and they would best be able to answer how soon she could begin classes. In many nursing programs, new students can begin each quarter but in others they can only start fall quarter. Students do come to UVI for the nursing program from all over the mainland.

Where to stay short-term depends a lot on the housing stipend Hovensa is providing to you. If you are seeking something as cheap as possible, there are a few places that rent by the week or month that aren't fancy but at least put a roof over your head (and give you incentive to find a long-term rental ASAP). You would be well advised to locate a long-term rental very, very quickly upon arrival as the later in the fall you get the fewer rentals will be available. Vacancy disappears rapidly starting at this point in the year as people arrive for the winter snow-bird vacation season. Prices also rise on remaining rentals when vacancy is low. If you have pets, that will also greatly diminish your options and increase the price.

Getting to and from Hovensa would be very difficult and/or expensive using taxis or public transportation. If you stay at one of the condo complexes where there are lots of Hovensa contractors, you may be able to meet someone to carpool with for your first month or two. Otherwise, you will need your own transportation immediately.

I have never heard of someone finding a place to live via the classifieds on STX. I see some ads in there sometimes, but most people use word of mouth and bulletin boards, sometimes this one, to find places to live.

If you can find something in one of the complexes (St. C's, Questa Verde, etc.) you will be happy to take it for short term. The adjustment period is necessary to figure out where you are comfortable for your family here, and ultimately you can get something more affordable when your feet are well wet.

Forget public transport to Hovensa, and your looking at $20 each way there from most places. If you live in a complex, though, there'll be other Hovensa people nearby at least. Also, Judi of Croix does monthly car rentals for around $800. Definitely consider that. You'll need it.

Ocean Terrace Condos is popular with the Hovensa crew. It is centrally located, near a bank, Pueblo supermarket, public transportation etc. It looks like there are several Hovensa vans that take workers to and from work. Call Cyndee at 773.6901. 1 BRs are around $1300/mo and 2BR, 2BAs are $1600/mo plus utilities.