I want to move to the islands

Hello. It sounds like a great idea. But you are going to have to provide more information if your want to helped.
For example,

What is your level of education? High School, University, etc..
What do you plan to do for employment?
Have you been to the islands? Which are island do you want to move to?
Have you researched surfing in the Virgin Islands vs. surfing in Hawaii?
How long do you plan to stay?

There is very limited long board surfing in the USVI. Kite surfing has become quite popular here, however, thanks to the ever-blowing tradewinds.

People have different reactions to the islands. Some come and stay forever and others come and leave after a few months or years. I personally love living on St. Croix but probably wouldn't be as happy living on St. Thomas. Each island has a different personality and you might find one a better fit than the others. It takes some exploring.

Life can be lived a bit simpler here than on the mainland, but you will still face some big expenses in the moving process, so prepare yourself for the financial sticker shock that makes it important to do your homework before making the move. Depending on what you do to earn a living, you may have an easy time finding a job or you may beat the streets (and your head against the wall) longer than you expect. Many people take whatever kind of job they can come up with just to help make ends meet when they first arrive and worry about looking for their preferred type of job once they aren't living solely out of their bank account.

Most prospective new residents find it helpful to make a trip down to explore the reality of moving to an island. Some of what you find will surprise you. Things are not the same as they are on the mainland by any means. Take some time to read through past topics on this bulletin board and you will soon come up with all kinds of specific questions you will want to ask.

Steve,

From what I've read there is some surfing on the north side of STT.

Lou

Hi Steve,
I grew up in Va. Bch. Graduated from PA. We have lived in Norfolk for the past 7 years and are now moving to St. Croix in November. Housing prices on the island are very comprable to housing in Va. Beach. The rentals are a little higher than what you would pay for waterfront here at home. Eating out is alot more expensive and the electric bills are out of this world. It is a very laid back relaxed place compared to here. I would compare the beaches to Chicks Beach. The water however is incredible, warm and clean. Great diving. There is some ok waves on parts of the island, some pretty good ones if a storm is coming. Good luck.
Tammy

Hello everyone, I would like to know some info related to moving to St. Croix. I am a professional registered nurse with 11 years experience, the last few years in ICU. I have been to the island last year and plan on visiting in March 2007. I would like to make the move in June 2007. I only plan on bringing my partner and our jeep wrangler packed full of what it will hold. My question is where do we live, what part of the island is affordable and somewhat safe. Do we rent or buy a condo/house? I plan on living there for at least two years but maybe longer. Any suggestions for us?

Hi Jackie,life and work here is a complete change of pace and expectations,just know this
We live in cane bay and this is the only place for us, but everyone has there favorite side,east west etc..safe is as safe as you make it, affordable is a thing of the past, plan on rent $1500 min for 1 bedroom, plus WA PA , telephone , cable Internet. ($500?) also you can not ship your car with anything in it and my last shipping cost $1400 plus the mandatory $600 road tax .....good luck

jackie,

Vehicles must be shipped empty. If you are only bringing small stuff you can mail your belongings to yourself via the USPS.

How's cycling on the island? I love to road cycle and also ride on trails (paved or dirt). Any room on the road for bikes? How do the locals feel about sharing the road? I live in the Cincinnati area where there are many nice trails, and I couldn't imagine life without riding. Need to say buh-bye to conservative and grumpy tri-staters.

On STX most roads a narrow, lots of turns, and with a lot of brush next to the road. So you don't see many. There are some areas that are ok, but not many.

Road cycling is awesome on St. Croix. I ride at least 3 times per week. It's a little hard to get used to at first but there is a big cycling community! Mountain biking too!