Hey VI

Hello Mark,

The islands in the USVI are all relatively small and so the mellow island time you describe exist everywhere with the exception of maybe the main towns and shopping areas where there is more activity and traffic. On St. Croix depending on the work you do - your job will likely be in one of the towns or busier areas where shops and offices exist. Your home/apartment can be outside of those areas in a quieter place - east end, north shore - when you get on island you will see what is meant and will be able to drive around and look at different places and determine what suits you and your family. Have you researched jobs, cars ect.?

--Islander

I have researched Jobs, the deal seams to be that i need to be on Island in order to get a foot in anywhere. (thats why im going to visit). I have not looked at cars just yet, thats going to be sticky because i dont own mine outright and i hear i cant bring it to the Island unless i have a Title in hand.... How are the Used cars condition and price on VI?
What is a good $$ figure to bring for 2 adults and a small child? ( to start off and get adjusted to life there)...
My Settlers Handbook is on its way!!!!
I work in the Cable / Telephony Field, you gave me Innovatives website but the Email they give for "more info" is no good. I guess i'll need to call on my next day off.

Thx,
Mark

Hello Mark,

I find that although businesses or companies have web sites here, quite often the e-mail part falls through the cracks - so your best bet is definately to call Innovative. And yes you are right being on island is the best way to get your foot in door. A pre-move visit is a great idea - definately try to make contact with Innovative before the trip and try to get an interview while visiting.

You do need to have the title to your car to move it to the territory OR in some cases (I have heard) if the co-signer is still in the state the bank that your loan is through is in you might be able to get a special letter allowing you to take it. You could look into if this is possiable. If not then no you can not ship it. You can find used cars in various degrees of quality and price... anywhere from a 2-3 years old to 10-15 years old or more! The prices are often more then what the same car would go for in the states but again you can find cars for say $800 -$13,000+ for a used car... the lower end obviously reflecting a true "island car" which might mean multi colored paint, bondo jobs, rust spots, loud muffler... The average nice used car I have seen usually being around $3000-4000. You can sometimes get good deals from people who are leaving island or from re-possessed cars through the bank or from rental car businesses who are moving their older cars to get new ones.

Your figure for saving up - greatly depends on whether you will bring or buy furniture, what type of apartment you are seeking, if you are shipping baby things/furniture, car situation... I would suggest you take a look in the cost of living section of this site.. tally up rent (1st and 2nd month, security deposit and last month), a car if necessary, a month or 2 of groceries, deposits for electricity, cable, telephone, cell phone and their cost for 1-2 months - which ever you will be subscribing too and add maybe $2k for security money... this would give you a stating point for what to save. Add other expenses that you can think of that you know you would incur - baby doctor visits and formula, diapers ect.

--Islander

Islander,
Thank you very much for all of the information.

Mark