I NEED HELP RELOCATING PLS!!!!

Did I post this wrong? Im getting alot of views but no message can someone direct me to the right thread or instruct me how to do this properly if it was done incorrectly thanks

Congrats on your job.

- Taxi vans run between the two main towns, Christiansted to Frederiksted, but they only stay on the main road. So, reliability will depend on where you live and where you work. If you live and work pretty close to the main road, Queen Mary Highway (Centerline Road) then you should be ok. The cost is about 2-3 each way. There's also the govt buses called VITRAN that travel off the main roads, but they are less reliable.

- Honestly night life ain't that great, in my opinion. There's a few bars and nightspots in Christiansted that you may or may not fit in. The local nightspots are spread out through the island and are usually happening on the weekend, you may or may not fit in with this scene.

- Someone posted a thread about shipping dogs just this week, look around for it.

- Opportunities or side jobs depends on your skills and talents.

- You should be able to find a crowd to fit in, if you're an outgoing person. Outgoing people usually fits in most new places.

Hope any of this helps.

Honestly, all your questions have been asked/answered many times on this forum.

First, use the dropdown links at the top of this page; under "Move" you'll find info regarding shipping pets and what to expect when you get here, under "Island Life" you'll find info on getting around, under "Employment" there's a section about starting a business and other job opportunities.

Second, use the Search feature to bring up hundreds of recent posts on the same topics.

Third - use the "Pre-Move" link to get general info on what island life is like.

Now for some frank does of reality:

Yes, taxis are expensive. Getting around without a car is not always easy and depends on where you live in relation to where you will be working. Public transportation is often very time consuming (look under "Getting Around" for more info).

One thing in your post that brings up a "red flag" is your statement: "...what if I'm as broke out there as I am here" - coming with little or no money or with lots of debt is a recipe for failure. Generally speaking the cost of living in the islands is higher than it is where you now live (I'm assuming you live in Texas since you are flying from DFW) meaning is a salary of "x" dollars will generally not afford you the same lifestyle as it did back in Texas. Next, unless your job includes housing you are going to need 3 month's rent(first month, last month plus 1 month security deposit) just to walk in the door of an apartment. Depending on the type & size of the apartment you rent the monthly rental can be anywhere from $800 to $1,200 so that means putting up anywhere from $2,400 to $3,600. Are there cheaper places to live - certainly but you may not find them to your liking. Consider sharing your apartment with a a roommate or two to help ease the financial burden. I'm not trying to scare you but rather give you a clearer picture of what you might encounter.

There's tons of information already written on this website and forum - use the links to read through it all - you'll have a much clearer picture of what to expect.

Good luck with your move.

@ Afriend
I have looked at all the links of course and of course Ive researched but general links such as these can only offer general information, secondly I didn't ask about rooming as I have 3 places secured if I were flat broke I couldn't afford the move, the question was IF because I have a case of such (what ifs), I have a house new car and a career here hints the job relocation, by broke I'm meaning not enough to afford the "rich lifestyle" here and by some ignorant assumption I assumed that was necessary to live there, I am full aware of the monetary qualifications of securing a home and or apt and that quite frankly wasn't apart of my questions and questions asked in this forum are unique to the inquire which is the reason for this forum and they may have asked some question seen in my post but do not provide the SPECIFIC information i was looking for. And I haven't a clue where you got the notion that I was in debt here, maybe before you answer, it may be beneficial to myself and other inquires looking for answers if you stick to the questions asked rather than blurt opinions and shove me off the next post.
thank you

Okay, so you didn't say you were in debt, just 'broke.' I think people just want you to be cautious coming here in that situation. From experience, everything costs twice as much as you plan. A lot of employers take advantage of people coming here from the States after leaving everything. Trust me.
You should check with the airline directly about whether or not they still have the heat restrictions to fly your dog. It would be a shame if you couldn't bring him. Many places won't allow pets, and the ones that do, especially homes with fenced yards, are pricey.
It doesn't seem like a job giving you a week to get here leaves you time to give professional notice to your other job, if you have one.
I know you don't want opinions other than specifically what you asked, but welcome to the forum. Maybe you should slow your roll.

The dog's gonna be a big problem. Too large for carry on, and heat restrictions prohibit going in baggage. The only solution is Continental airlines pet cargo. That can get you to San Juan. Then you have to transfer over to Seaborne, IF (and that's a great big IF) they will take the dog. I don't know their size/weight restrictions. And also....a lot of airlines won't take pittbulls, period. I'm thinking it's possible Continental won't. I was just on their website, and it rings a bell.

Another dog thought. Since you will be looking for a place to live, a pittbull will not be welcome in a lot of rentals.

I know you didn't ask.....but I would come down without the dog (assume you have friends/family who would dogsit???) and see if you even make the cut. By that I mean very often people move down and shortly decide it's not really for them. You'll not know until you give it a shot, but the whirlwind approach might need to slow down.

What's the job? Anyway it could be available in Oct., when the dog could fly, and give you time to get your plans in a row?

Your 1st 2 messages were only 20 minutes apart ? Really you will need to cultivate patience overall to live in the VI - This is a forum that many people only read at best once a day - certainly not an instant messaging type board.
There are many threads on dogs being shipped - there are many threads on transportation - there is not much on the live off the land jobs - plenty of threads to read through while you wait for some other responses.
STX has a culture that is quite different than the 'lingo of kids in the main land' it may take some patience and humility to become comfortable - Virgin Islanders have seen people move down here for many years and are often reluctant to show real enthusiasm and sincere friendship until you have lived here long enough to not be considered a transient worker. Enjoy the move - keep on the research route here and on other sources - present an honest and hardworking lifestyle and it may turn out to be a new home for you.

I guess if I said I was white I would have gotten more helpful word instead of criticism and ignorance. Hopefully you people dont live on this island because your already making me weary about coming so snooty and judgmental. You where the ones I was warned about by the old couple.--- No more help needed thanks.----

Special thanks to jaunita and mminstx

Not sure about all Air Lines but American Air Lines will not fly Pit Bulls. Might Help if you called he/she a terrier mix.

I guess if I said I was white I would have gotten more helpful word instead of criticism and ignorance.

Hoooowee! I'm not sure which is more impressive, the impatience or the sweeping generalizations. We don't give a crap what color anyone is, but your attitude is speaking volumes. Take it down a few notches, and good luck to you. You've received some helpful thoughts here whether you recognize them as such or not. Peace, kiddo.

Good. Stay put.

I guess if I said I was white I would have gotten more helpful word instead of criticism and ignorance. Hopefully you people dont live on this island because your already making me weary about coming so snooty and judgmental. You where the ones I was warned about by the old couple.--- No more help needed thanks.----

Special thanks to jaunita and mminstx

if you stop playing the race card for 5 seconds you could understand that these people are trying to help you....it isnt the same as the mainland things are spendier...all they are saying is you have to come prepared for anything....at least they are being honest with you instead of saying everything is all pretty and wonderful and you have nothing to worry about

Good. Stay put.

haha good call!! (tu)

And I bet he doesn't know that some of the people trying to help him share his skin tone..... He'll have an interesting time adjusting here. 😀

SHEESH!!! I answered your taxi question, gave you suggestions on where to find info regarding getting around without a car, shipping your pets and starting your own business - all questions you asked yet you choose not to say thanks but rather to jump down my throat. Obviously you don't appreciate answers to your questions.

You said you were "flat broke" where you now live, implied you were concerned about being in the same condition once you get on-island, indicated you were flying via Puerto Rico by the "cheapest route" and in your post you capitalized the word "MONEY". Those were your words, not mine. What did you think someone reading your post was supposed to conclude when reading those words??? Surly not that you had tons of money to make the move but rather the more logical conclusion was you had some concerns over money!!!!!! I merely pointed out coming here with little or no money could be problematic and you take offense at a response that was intended to give you pertinent information. By the way, I never said or any way implied you were in debt - I only said "coming with little or no money or with lots of debt is a recipe for failure" - Sorry bud, forgive me for giving you more information than what you asked.

Contributors on this forum do there best to be helpful but when those seeking help make untoward comments like you did it becomes difficult for anyone to want to help you further. Your attitude says it all.

Good Luck trying to build a life in the USVI's.

I already do not like your pitbull.....do not bring him here!!!

I can't tell what color you are on a website!

Luther: Some unsolicited advice...

1. Consider waiting until your divorce is done and you have adjusted a bit before moving. Two huge changes are very difficult to handle at once. You have a house and a car and a dog in a familiar place. If you are good enough to get a job offer from afar, you will get another one.
2. If you don't heed that piece of advice ;), consider leaving your dog with friends/family and coming down with a return ticket. Don't sell all your possessions.

Many people find that the culture change here is too great and leave by 6 months. Find out if you are just trying to escape a bad dream or if you are searching for a new dream...

I already do not like your pitbull.....do not bring him here!!!

Totally uncalled for comment. The pitbull I once owned was one if the the sweetest, smartest dogs I have known. This is a total rabbit hole and off topic so I won't chase it anymore. And susan56, his first post said he was a young African American, so pls stop posting if you're not reading the thread, not giving info and just instigating, k?

I guess if I said I was white I would have gotten more helpful word instead of criticism and ignorance. Hopefully you people dont live on this island because your already making me weary about coming so snooty and judgmental. You where the ones I was warned about by the old couple.--- No more help needed thanks.----

Special thanks to jaunita and mminstx

you got issues dude, seems like you should stay in Dallas

your best bet is to buy a cheap car once you get down here. the reason you can not ship your car here is probably because you still owe on it.
food is at least 2-3 times the cost as in the states. electricity is about .46 per kilowatt. 2 person household-no a/c no dishwasher no dryer. about 200-250 per month. due to go up even more. gas for car is about the same as stateside, in some cases more. eating out is a bit more too. pay is on the lower scale that most places in the states. car insurance is ( i find ) cheaper.
ok, now about the race issue. you seemed pretty intent on making this an issue of race. just because you are black you think you will get along with the locals. generally you have to earn the trust and respect of the locals and sometimes that takes a while. if you had said you were white you would have gotten the same response. people on the board just like to give realistic information-not meant to deter you from your dream- don't want people to think its going to be all sunshine and roses when you get here.
all of the info you were given was very helpful. you were the one to come across as snooty and judgmental. if you get rid of the chip on your shoulder you should have no problem getting along with the locals. just remember, just because you are black does not give you an automatic "in" with the locals. it is all about attitude and respect.
good luck with your plan

your best bet is to buy a cheap car once you get down here. the reason you can not ship your car here is probably because you still owe on it.
food is at least 2-3 times the cost as in the states. electricity is about .46 per kilowatt. 2 person household-no a/c no dishwasher no dryer. about 200-250 per month. due to go up even more. gas for car is about the same as stateside, in some cases more. eating out is a bit more too. pay is on the lower scale that most places in the states. car insurance is ( i find ) cheaper.
ok, now about the race issue. you seemed pretty intent on making this an issue of race. just because you are black you think you will get along with the locals. generally you have to earn the trust and respect of the locals and sometimes that takes a while. if you had said you were white you would have gotten the same response. people on the board just like to give realistic information-not meant to deter you from your dream- don't want people to think its going to be all sunshine and roses when you get here.
all of the info you were given was very helpful. you were the one to come across as snooty and judgmental. if you get rid of the chip on your shoulder you should have no problem getting along with the locals. just remember, just because you are black does not give you an automatic "in" with the locals. it is all about attitude and respect.
good luck with your plan

do you need an A/C? or can you just use fans and opens windows?
i dont need a dishwasher or dryer either...i prefer the smell of clothes hung outside to dry

I will tell you as a land lord on STT that in my insurance carrier does not cover PIT bulls. Not sure about STX. So I will not take anyone who has a pit bull. Must be a reason that they will not cover these dogs but I am sure that yours are wonderful loving animals. My advise is If you want to live down here get rid of the dogs. It will make your life much easier and given all the discussion I would think that would be the best for you.

billd

I guess if I said I was white I would have gotten more helpful word instead of criticism and ignorance. Hopefully you people dont live on this island because your already making me weary about coming so snooty and judgmental. You where the ones I was warned about by the old couple.--- No more help needed thanks.----

Special thanks to jaunita and mminstx

Luther,
Let's see here. You registered yesterday,...ask some questions,...get impatient,... people try to steer you to the answers and give you advice,................And you come back with this statement?!?!?!

I think you should have titled your thread I NEED HELP. Because you certainly do! Totally uncalled for!!!!! We're the ones you were warned about? That's funny! You're the one my parents warned me about. :X "If I said I was white blah, blah, blah"