Hard advice for people considering moving here

I'm sure there are going to be things that I don't like, things that I have to get used to, but, that will happen whether I'm in NC, USVI, or Timbuktu. Some people are just jaded. I'm not a twenty something thinking that I'm moving to paradise to party and sit on the beach all day. I'm not coming from a life of wealth and privilege either. I'm coming for a slower pace, a change, and because I am tired of all the trappings and 'keeping up with the Jones' attitude". If I wanted hot showers, taco bell, walmart and and a step-ford wives community, then I wouldn't even consider the islands. I want to be able to live in beautiful climate, doing a job that I love, meeting new people, and enjoying life.

Linda..l look forward to marking 6 months, you pick the place, drinks on me '-)

I'm trying to remember the 4 phases of moving to the VI someone once told me... Something like: 1) loving it! 2) shock 3) anger/resentment 4) apathy/acceptance

Hi everyone, I have one question , no one ever mention about health care, if you get sick how you pay? I am thinking to move with my wife 54 y/o and I cant find to much info about that important issue, the most I read is that medicaid only paid low income families, what about if you make more that $60.000 per year? any advises will be appreciate thanks Jorge and Margaret

You need a job with insurance for the whole family. You can not buy individual insurance in the VI right now. Thanks Obama. Lots of info on the subject, just do a search.

As far as culture, nothing about the culture here ever bother me or made my transition harder. The local apathy was and is still hard to put up with.

Also living here does NOT slow down your pace of living. It just slow down how long it takes to get normal errands done. You still have to do all the things you did stateside, now it will take you longer. Sorry if that seems rude but its a VERY common misunderstanding that newcomers have. People are friendly here however.

Thank you Hiva for your answer, however , you never mention about Medicare, any one, no matter the income, over the age 65, can get Medicare in St Croix , VI..
Also one more question, I read that when you move to St Croix you have to take the driver Licence again, is that just writting or the driving test also? Jorge

You do not have to take a driving test if you own a valid license from the states.

And I for one think the pace of life IS slower... mainly because you have fewer distractions and things you can get to.

I'm all for slowing down the enjoyable times. But I think anyone, stateside, islander, or martian tries to avoid drawing out mundane and irritating things like waiting in line to make a deposit at the bank, waiting to get your car registered, spending 30 minutes in line for "fast" food etc. The only upside is its something all of us, transplants and locals alike have in common and can easily commiserate in! Inefficiency is different than enjoyably slowing things down, you can't let it get to you here but you will be aware of it everywhere you go!

Sean

I NEVER go anyplace without something to read.

Great advice Linda!

I stand in line with my earphones and my mp3 player in hand along with a bag of snacks. Time flies when ur listening to great music!

I NEVER go anyplace without something to read.

Yeah in a real bind, doing a #2, the backs of shampoo bottles do it for me.

Thank you Neil for your answer, I just was wondering because I read in one of the books, Settlers Handbook for the U.S. Virgin Islands (Relocation Guide) that you have to retake your driving license when you move to VI.
That is great one less thing I need to worry.
Every one have great advices y really enjoy writing the blog, I cant wait to move to St Croix, another 3 to 4 years , to many things are going on in the state.
Insurance is a major issue , we cant go without that

can't go without insurance especially now since you can not get private insurance here

can't go without insurance especially now since you can not get private insurance here

So... Is anybody doing anything about getting private insurance here?

Everything is relative!
Doesn't matter where you go, there will be some type of negative factor: (e.g. tornado ally in the midwest w/critters, earthquakes in the west w/critters, hurricanes in the south and east w/critters, freezeback in the northeast, flooding in almost every state, power outtages occasionally due to ice storms, violent storms, tornadic winds, etc)

Expect weekly recalls of food items due to Salmonella, E-Coli and other food borne illnesses. Expect some states having tap water toxicity from fracking and insufficient treatment plant production. Expect air quality problems: almost all of your eastern seaboard states, western states and parts of the south. Expect beaches to be closed occasionally in the peak summer months due to coliform; high levels of bacteria. Expect gridlock on freeways and interstates. Travel delays. And last but certainly not least is radiation dust settling from the problems in Japan in almost all states due to winds. (but don't even expect the gov't to level with you on that)
(I'd like to know just how much exposure to radiation is too much and its effects?????)

However, every place on the face of this earth has some redeeming qualities. There is always the good to be found in almost every country, state, city and locale. Whether it be the people, the culture, the history, the fauna or flora. It is there and it is here also.

Just sayin..................

". And last but certainly not least is radiation dust settling from the problems in Japan in almost all states due to winds. (but don't even expect the gov't to level with you on that)
(I'd like to know just how much exposure to radiation is too much and its effects?????)"

Good day CAMountainGal,

The answer to your question regarding radiation exposure is not a positive one, but perhaps this may shed some light on its effects: Radionuclide (Iodine 131; Caesium 137) ; Isotopes of Iodine - I-131, I-132, I-133; Isotopes of Caesium - C-134, C-137; Tellurium -132; Plutonium - 239; Strontium - 90:

Depending on the exposure and absorbed dose: All doses have effects on bone marrow, organ systems, immune system.

0-25 rads: No appreciable effects. (Deaths - 0%)

25 - 100 rads: Short term blood cell reduction, but usually no indication of illness. ( Deaths - 0%)

100 - 200 rads: Usually over 125 rads: Nausea vomiting, fatigue, blood cell reduction usually long term. (Deaths - up to 5%)

200 - 300 rads: Acute Nausea and vomiting; within 2 weeks are loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea,sore throat, all present for weeks.
(Deaths - up to 50%)

300 - 600 rads: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea within hours of exposure, followed by loss of appetite, fever, bleeding, emaciation, inflamed throat and mouth within 2 weeks. (Death: 50% at 450 rads or more, 2-6 weeks)

600 rads and up: Immediate Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, emaciation, bone marrow failure, organ failure, immune system failure. (Deaths: 100% within 2 weeks).

These represent merely the 'tip of the iceberg'; all around, radiation exposure due to an "event" can not be cast in any positive light, indeed.

Swan

Also living here does NOT slow down your pace of living. It just slows down how long it takes to get normal errands done. You still have to do all the things you did stateside, now it will take you longer. Sorry if that seems rude but its a VERY common misunderstanding that newcomers have. People are friendly here however.

I completely agree. That's something that I think many people often miss.

Swan;
Thanks for the lesson on radiation contamination. Very interesting. I am very worried as I have sons who live in Southern and Northern CA and I fear for their safety.

CAmountaingal

Gotta say, my future friends, this thread only encourages me. I think its a bit of "Island Darwinism". Don't get me wrong, I love Costco and Sam's Club but I can live w/o it. I live in a semi-paradise now (Siesta Key, FL) so even though Siesta Key may be more affordable and convenient, I don't think I'll be flabbergasted and enamored by St. John's beauty as much as a 25 year old from New Jersey would be. I'm very respectful and social and look forward to greeting the locals. I have a lead for a job on St John but nothing is firm yet. I'm 45, well traveled, and as a career I'm a marketing, video production, Internet marketing and social media expert looking for something different. I may clean yachts my first 6 months there but I believe I will adapt and thrive. I hope that once I'm over there, I'll meet the right people and make things happen.

There aren't many jobs posted so any suggestions/connections concerning employment would be helpful.

I've been here on STT for nearly a year and plan to stay for another.

I have a full time teaching job AND a part time job. This is so I can make ends meet and pay my student loans.

The trash, unfinished buildings, and general lack of maintenance is appalling at times. HOWEVER...

I'm happy to sign another year-long contract and squeak by while enjoying the tropical breezes on the east end.

We're all here 'cause we're not all here.

Hi Every one again, any one of you have any experience with builder in St Croix, do anybody recommend to build or buy a house already made. I am not ready to move yet , however, the house market is good now and I am scared that 2 years from now the houses are going to be really expensive, so I was thinking to buy a lot . But I am scared about building there, can imagine getting permits and inspections , it may take months for that . Jorge

rhstoo, i do not think Marshall and Sterling, Cigna or United Health are going to do anything about it right now. I am curious about whats going to happen when it goes into effect that all people have to get insurance.

I appreciate that there are so many active people on this board. I'm just starting to research and there is nothing like the non-politically correct observations of those living it. You just don't get that from a regular website or a traveler's guide. Thanks! (tu)

I happen to be half back, and I also find it very racist to my white friends and mother! BTW... Anybody enjoying their .3mbps Internet, when in the states they are about to roll out 1gbps Internet!

diverdude....turn your oxygen back on so you can make some sense...what the heck was your point again ??:P