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Hi folks. This is my first post around here, so please play nice and let me know if I am not following proper forum protocol in any way. We are frequest visitors to St. John, and like most frequent visitors, we toss around the idea of moving down for a while. My husband is self-employed as a software developer and can work from anywhere, and I am a lawyer who frankly wouldn't mind a break.
We are tossing around the idea of moving in a few years. We need time to save some cash and sell our house. We have an infant (6 mos) and may possibly have another small child by the time we make the move. I think my most pressing concerns are healthcare, schooling and internet access.
1. Healthcare. What do most self-employed people do? Just take a chance, get catastrophic coverage and roll the dice?
2. Schooling. Looks like Giftt Hill is the best option - are there other pre-K or pre-school programs?
3. Internet access. How reliable? Since this would be my husband's lifeline for work, good access is key.
I know St. John is pricey. I've been and I've looked at house ads. We would NOT be buying, just renting. Looks like $2000-$2500 a month is normal for a 2 bd/2 bath or 3 bed/2 bath.
Posted : June 28, 2010 5:22 pm
1. health care - i will defer to someone who is self-employed as i receive benefits through my employer
2. schools - cannot help there, as i am a resident of st. thomas and more familiar with day care here... but i am certain there are good options on st. john.
3. internet access - now here, i can help but not help. better check with your landlord to ask if anyone in the building or the area already has access. due to the terrain, if high speed access is not available, it's not guaranteed in the near future. unless you have a definite date certain, don't assume it will be if it's not available already. if you cannot get dsl (through the local telco - innovative), consider wireless internet access through choice communications OR data service through your cel service provider (plug in a usb antenna)... at&t and sprint are already here.
hope this helps somewhat, and that you receive more answers.
Posted : June 28, 2010 7:48 pm
What we call "High Speed access" down here is really not anymore. 1mbps is all you are going to get residentially. 5 years ago this was considered high speed but these days in the states most people have 3-5 times that and some have 40 times that speed!
Sean
Posted : June 29, 2010 1:42 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for the replies. Since we are a few years off from the plan, I would anticipate service would continue to improve over time. I think reliability is key even more so than matching the speed we have on the mainland.
Really curious about the healthcare options. I currently receive healthcare through my job, but on the mainland the self-employed will go through Blue Cross, Golden Rule or similar. I just wonder what the typical carriers are down there.
Posted : June 30, 2010 1:00 pm
ALW: Insurance is regulated through the Lt Governor's office. The territorial government has Cigna. United Health Care, BUPA and Mapfre also sell healthcare insurance. Individual policies are very expensive. Some people do get catastrophic and self-insure for the rest. It is a very difficult aspect of living here if you are not on the government dole, i mean payroll.;)
Posted : June 30, 2010 8:37 pm
