locals

Hello Pete,

"the locals" would describe a huge section of the population. Strickly speaking of numbers most locals would stick with other locals. And many newcomers find each other and find common ground in the fact that they are new to the island and form friendships through this common experience. But there are exceptions and my comment is not suggesting us locals are against socializing with newcomers - that isn't the case. Often friendships form through commonalities - if you work with locals you might form friendships that way, if you join a group, if you have kids and they go to school with local kids you might meet parents at parent meetings, if you have a pet dog and you walk it at a certain beach you might meet other dog owners, if you join a gym you might meet people that way... in those cases yes there is a mixture.

--Islander

I would add that folks don't consider themselves "expats" as they are still in America... Islander's comment about common grounds is very true...where you live, what you do, your interests, etc. will determine who you meet. I have met a greater diversity of people here than where I lived in the states because it is smaller, there are no yuppie enclaves, there are lots of folks here with different experiences. You meet St Thomians who have never in their lives been off the Rock and ones who are very widely traveled and educated, down-island folk looking for the American dream and assorted stateside people from n'eer-do-wells to near saints... It kind of helps you get rid of any preconceived ideas you have about people.