Help! Advice needed, snap relocation to STT

Where will you be working?
Depending where you're working may dictate an area to look for nearby so commuting is not an issue.
For instance if you work at UVI out towards west end, you wouldn't want to live out on east end, etc.
Rent a car when you arrive so you can get around.

The Daily News, our local newspaper has ads for cars and apts. as
does the Island Trader which is an free advertising paper that comes out once a week on Thursdays.
http://virginislandsdailynews.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/iphone/homepage.aspx#_title825920160107000000000010011/watitle825920160107000000000010011/8259//1/true

There's also Craig's list. This does have scam rentals so just don't rent sight unseen.

You should try to stay at Rhoda's Place in Tillett Gardens when you get here. Many new arrivals stay there until they sort out the basics, and the manager and staff are extremely helpful. The property is centrally located and public transportation is right there. Also, a few auto dealers within walking distance.

Some of the other small properties probably offer similar setting up help. There's another one in Red Hook, but I have to look at the photo on my phone for the exact name.

I'm going to be working fairly close to the WICO dock.

Is it worth looking into a realtor to find a rental, or is that a needless cost?

It doesn't cost you anything to have a Realtor help you find a rental.
If your working by WICO you may wish to check rentals around Havensight, Bakkaro, Frenhman's Bay. Seacliff condos may be a good option.

How much space do you need?
Any pets? What is your apartment rental budget? We are in a high rental season now. Makes it more difficult to find housing and prices are up.

WOW, you sound really excited about the move "It appears I'm going to have to relocate to STT for a new job". Buck up, you could be moving to a third world country, but instead you are moving to paradise. You are about to start an adventure that most people only dream about and others do the knee jerk move without having a job or even any prospects of employment and come down looking for waiter or service jobs, which usually will not pay the bills.

Good luck on your journey and may you find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and even if you don't, you will be living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

mike

Welcome to the VI! Does the company offer any assistance to newcomers? If they will put you up for a week or so while you get your bearings, it would be helpful. Alana gave you some ideas about areas to research. You really will want to look at places yourself as housing here is different from Big America. Nothing like a quick change of pace, eh??:@)

Typo in my post: Frenchman's Bay.

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

But thanks for that condescending and utterly unhelpful comment

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

But thanks for that condescending and utterly unhelpful comment

Yeah, his comment was ridiculous. "Paradise" to people who don't have already have awesome lives, maybe. That's why we attract so many alcoholics, washouts, and failures. Moving here was the greatest thing they've ever done!

You are moving to one of the most dangerous places on earth with no family or friends. The transplant attrition rate is probably over 95%. Most who grow up here leave as soon as they legally can (after high school) and never wish to return. You are smartly cautious.

I've always found the whole "paradise" shtick to be incredibly condescending. It suggests that there aren't paradises in every state/country on earth. It is incredibly snobby (not to mention inaccurate) to presume that everyone "dreams about" living in the VI.

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

But thanks for that condescending and utterly unhelpful comment

Yeah, his comment was ridiculous. "Paradise" to people who don't have already have awesome lives, maybe. That's why we attract so many alcoholics, washouts, and failures. Moving here was the greatest thing they've ever done!

You are moving to one of the most dangerous places on earth with no family or friends. The transplant attrition rate is probably over 95%. Most who grow up here leave as soon as they legally can (after high school) and never wish to return. You are smartly cautious.

I've always found the whole "paradise" shtick to be incredibly condescending. It suggests that there aren't paradises in every state/country on earth. It is incredibly snobby (not to mention inaccurate) to presume that everyone "dreams about" living in the VI.

And now you've heard from the resident ray of sunshine.

I replied to your pm.
Ck. your mail.

It is scary, coming in blind, not knowing anyone, the lay of the land and trying to figure things out beforehand and upon arrival.

I don't know what your career is or whom you'll be working for so hard to judge a pay scale. STT is expensive to live. That's a fact that you'll have to consider and if your job will cover costs and provide a nice living rather than check to check. Will it provide opportunities for advancement or is it a dead end position?

Ask your questions and don't get put off by some of the comments.

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

Assuming you are a US citizen the one thing you for sure will not be considered is an expat in the US VI.

Paradise is pretty much a matter of opinion anywhere. There are plenty of folks perfectly content with living in the VI. And other folks who may claim paradise doesn't exist anywhere.

Dangerous places I've lived in before. But never completely alone

Anyway, while I'm not sure my firm will compensate me much for moving, my salary will be more than enough to handle most of the apartments I've seen listed.

What I'm more concerned about is the fact a lot of different apartments in a lot of different places are offered at similar prices; to what extent are there neighborhoods I should avoid and which neighborhoods should I expect to pay a steep premium?

It's different here.
Not like stateside neighborhoods.
You can have a great neighborhood next to a not so hot one and a nice house next to one not so well kept. Not saying there aren't areas to avoid but it's hard to explain if you've never been here.
Once you see, you'll know.

None if the locations I've lived have had a crime problem.
Yes, there is crime but use common sense, don't be hanging out drinking or drugging til the wee hours, be aware of surroundings, etc.

What I'm more concerned about is the fact a lot of different apartments in a lot of different places are offered at similar prices; to what extent are there neighborhoods I should avoid and which neighborhoods should I expect to pay a steep premium?

I'd suggest getting a temporary housing for the first few months. During that time, you can evaluate the neighborhoods for your specific criteria. It will become apparent very quickly what you should avoid. It's kind of like the definition of pornography: you know it when you see it.

You are flying in next week, so there is not enough time for research, and low availability. Ask your employer to suggest a reasonable place for a temporary stay.

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

But thanks for that condescending and utterly unhelpful comment

Yeah, his comment was ridiculous. "Paradise" to people who don't have already have awesome lives, maybe. That's why we attract so many alcoholics, washouts, and failures. Moving here was the greatest thing they've ever done!

You are moving to one of the most dangerous places on earth with no family or friends. The transplant attrition rate is probably over 95%. Most who grow up here leave as soon as they legally can (after high school) and never wish to return. You are smartly cautious.

I've always found the whole "paradise" shtick to be incredibly condescending. It suggests that there aren't paradises in every state/country on earth. It is incredibly snobby (not to mention inaccurate) to presume that everyone "dreams about" living in the VI.

Overall I do agree BUTTTTT Ive been to like 30 states. I think I would seriously consider being shot in Fsted than go back to some. (not being literal - for those of you who just LOVE to argue). Just got back from a family visit to AZ. I will never go back. I told them all I will pay for their tickets here but I am done with the rudeness and pollution. It was so much more disgusting than I remember - and everything is BROWN and all the girls wear makeup looking like hookers... gross. I can't believe I lived there for 15 years. What an idiot.

To the OP - get a realtor - can't hurt. Mostly its best to drive around and call signs on poles - thats how we found both our rentals. If I was there I'd scoop you up and take you around the island as Ive done that with a couple people from here but now in STX so can't help much. The crappy part is you are coming in HIGH season. You may not find a rental. I would HIGHLY suggest if you do only sign a 6 month lease and live light until low season. You can get a $2k place for $500+ less a month in may-sept-ish.

I am a super fan to the northside of STT. Never locked my doors and Hull bay was home base. Great food when I didn't want to cook and I never felt unsafe - even late by myself at the bar. Actually they guys always watched out for me. I miss big Frank 🙁 Its a bit of a drive from WICO but if you want nice quite - thats what I would shoot for. Maybe a Sapphire condo? I always thought that would be a great fit for a single person. That beach - one of my all time favs.

Northside is the way to go. Love my little neiboughood. I never lock my door here. It is 8 minutes to downtown and 15min to Home Depot. Great view down the BVIs. It is cooler than soutside but it's humid. No roosters or tourists in the proximity either.

It sounds like you have never been here before. But if you come from Chicago and you are familiar with urban scene there you will have no trouble adjusting. It will take you some time to make friends with islanders but eventually you will. 99% of people here are great but there is this 1% that gives us bad statistics and bad rep.

If you are under 35 and single I would suggest East End and Red Hook area. That is where the nightlife is. Lots of younger pple entertain there. If nightlife and bars are not important to you I would avoid the area. If you want to be an the beach then look for the beachside condo. Plenty of them on east end. But be ready for a lot of transient pple and tourists and all the noise and parties that come with that crowd. Beach life gets boring after first month unfortunately.

You might check with Ronnie at: http://www.crystalpalaceusvi.com/
He has been fostering newcomers for 20+ years. 😉
He may be busy at the Crystal Palace, but he is the man-in-the-know for all things VI.

Chicago
I senat u PM w two contacts

Hull Bay Hideaway is a good option on Northside if you live in area and don't want to drive far for live music on Sundays. They have a nice open air beach bar and restaurant. It's right on the beach.
They close at 10PM. It's nice to go early, have a drink, get some dinner and head home. Nearby, there's also Thirteen, Northside Bistro and Blue Orchid restaurants.

Or, y'know, Mike, I could be writing this post in a deliberately understated manner, and, shockingly, I could also be genuinely nervous at the prospect of moving two thousand miles to a place where I don't actually know anyone, and where I'm painfully aware that I'm going to be considered an expat when I only found out about the job two weeks ago. I could even have a career on the mainland that I'm going to be possibly short circuiting by moving to the Virgin Islands

But thanks for that condescending and utterly unhelpful comment

Well I was trying to make you feel a little bit better about your situation like the good things. But condescending was not my intent. But I will say this, show up with that attitude and see how far that will get you. This ain't Chicago girlfriend and if you want to make it in the Islands you will need to "Buck Up" and let things roll off your back because it's a slower pace. Paradise is a different interpretation to everyone, BUT EVERYONE WHO COMES TO THE ISLANDS COMES FOR THAT REASON! Now once they have been there a while there perception of paradise might have been misplaced, but it still doesn't negate the fact that PARADISE was the reason they came. But paradise like everything else gets ruined by people with the wrong perceptions of paradise.

I don't exactly know how one could read your post in anything other than a patronizing light.

How on earth do you presume to know that I'm not pleased to move?

But in any event, I am not moving because I want to go to "paradise" – nor is my slight shock at having to move so quickly because I don't properly appreciate the attractions of the island.

I am moving solely because I'm a professional who very suddenly was presented with a high risk, high reward career opportunity. Your fatuous soliloquies may be useful for the territory's tourism board, but have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the nature of my original post, my subsequent comments, or any of the other responses, which are about concrete matters of actual life.

But thanks for doubling down on being a self-absorbed jerk in a thread that's genuinely concerned with the practical aspects of moving to a place that's thousands of miles away at the same time I'm going to be taking on a job with long hours and high stress

Paradise is a different interpretation to everyone, BUT EVERYONE WHO COMES TO THE ISLANDS COMES FOR THAT REASON!

This is highly presumptive.