Is this realistic?

You might be able to. It's tougher without a car but if you luck into a job fairly near to where you live in Red Hook it would help. Good luck with your plan.

In my opinion, you would need to plan on at least $3000 a month for all living/eating expenses.

Yes, it's doable, but the stars all have to be aligned. You can get by without a car if you live in Red Hook. That is one of the few places where you can literally get to everything you need on foot. You can even get public transportation, so you can go to Kmart, downtown Charlotte Amalie, etc. It will just be a matter of finding a place that happens to be vacant, in Red Hook, that time of year.

For instance, I have a studio in Red Hook available right now. I would rent it for a couple of months during the off season, since it happens to be vacant, but I won't do that during peak season, at least not at that rate.

Also, Red Hook is about the best place to find part time work in the off season. Lots of restaurants, and there are always openings, no matter the time of year.

If you want to take a look at my website, http://www.virginislandsrentals.com, you can look at the Red Hook Studios and get an idea what you get for your money. You can probably find larger apartments for less money in the off season, but not the location!

Hope this helps.
Juanita

You might want to try the camp ground on St. John. I think they have some sort of program where you work there and stay for free. Hopefully someone who knows more about it than me will post.

That's Maho Bay. I think those spots fill pretty quickly, but the OP isn't coming until next year, so might be worth looking into. I don't have a phone book handy, but I think the web address is http://www.viphonebook.com.

I was thinking the same thing. The work program is for a one month commitment. They supply a tent-cabin and a meal plan for a reduced fee. There's a shuttle that goes to town. Here's the website: http://maho.org/WorkExchange.cfm

Thank you very much for the information. This is something I am definitely going to look into. Does anyone know anyone who has done this?

I have met a couple that started out on St. John working and staying at the camp ground about 6 years ago. They are still there have a home and good jobs. I'm sorry that I don't remember their names. The female works for a real estate management company. Hope this helps.

A friend of mine did the Maho thing for several years in a row, that's how I first stumbled upon St John!
It's a great way to get down there, nice folks to work for from what I hear, they give you plenty of time to really enjoy the island, decent housing if you're not opposed to the occasional lizard running across your toes, and the food is really good too.
The staff can be a little clique-ish (pardon the spelling,) but you also get a whole bunch of folks who are in the same boat as you and that's a lot of fun.
It's competitive, so get your app in early.
Good luck!

Reggiebird -- In the Frenchtown PO today there was a small sign up for a furnished studio for $ 500 short term. It is not Red Hook, but, is a safe area and within walking distance to town or transportation if you want to work part-time. I only mention it as your plan is a possible one -- if you keep an open mind about various options. You might want to find a place for a week on arrival and look for these kind of situations. As you get closer start by reading the Island Trader online.
This is not to say the Maho work program is not a fine choice if you have the chance.

I wanted to thank everyone for their advice and help. I am going to apply at Maho and hope for the best. Once again thank you very much!