Looking for advice/help

stj is more expensive
stt is busier
stx is bigger and more laid back

In addition:

STX is the least expensive island, mostly because of lower real estate prices. This is partly due to a larger supply of land vs. the other islands, and a glut of real estate from people leaving island due to the recent refinery closing.

STT is the easiest and cheapest island to travel to/from the mainland.

STT and STJ are convenient to get to the BVI.

STT and STX have very high crime, and STJ has much lower crime (but still higher than the stateside average).

People are friendly and the beaches and views are nice on all of the islands, although STJ probably wins on beaches and views.

But to answer your question, STX is the best island, and I'm sure that 1 out of 3 forum members here will agree!

I looked at alot of areas in STX and was wondering why it was cheaper than most. So thank you very much for the break down. So should i set my sights more on STJ?

I looked at alot of areas in STX and was wondering why it was cheaper than most. So thank you very much for the break down. So should i set my sights more on STJ?

If you've read everything on this site (see top bar left to right from "home" to "message board") then you should already know how subjective the choice is and how much it depends on your particular circumstances. Why would any particular area of any island be less expensive than another? Location, location, location as anywhere else.

If you've never been here or have only experienced our diverse islands as a vacationer, then you should make a PMV and visit all three main islands to determine which would best suit your particular needs. If you're coming "cold" then all you need is enough money to support yourself for six months which, rough estimate, will run you close to $10K for housing and utilities plus average 30% above what you would normally pay for groceries; plus basic transportation costs which, buying an island car versus taking taxis everywhere, could be anywhere from another $10-12K. These basic ballpark figures don't include dining out, buying other essentials and a whole bunch of other things such as scuba diving, daysails and everything else which has you dipping into your pocket for the next $50.

If a job is in your sights and you have a particular talent which, once you're on island, will prove attractive to a prospective employer then you may well get lucky and land something which can support you here. But I'd be sadly remiss if I didn't simply inject reality into the equation. The economy here is pretty bad but we nonetheless always need good and competent people so if you have the funds to support you then go for it!

PS: tried to edit out that smiley face but it seems to be locked in computer-wise to the close bracket key. Not intended!

So should i set my sights more on STJ?

Sure, if money is not an issue. 95% of the USVI lives on STX and STT, and they are OK with it.

Well I will be retiring out of the military and I will have two sources of income without work so work will just add to it. I have a 2011 car and i was debating on whether I should ship it or not. I was planning on coming there "cold" as you would say 🙂 I would be looking for work as well . I just want to make sure wherever I choose to live is fairly safe. Reality no where is safe but some places are safer than others. Are there any temporary lodging places that may allow you to stay for a bit just in case you are no sure?

Why do you think STJ is the right island for you? Less crime? More beauty? Life on STJ is not just more expensive, but more inconvenient. You have to go to STT (or pay a gopher) to get a lot of things done, since the offices, stores, medical faclities, etc., just don't exist on STJ. You may still love it. Many do. Each island has its pros and cons. Most of us have adjusted to the downsides of our respective islands and we are happy here.

I wasn't saying that STJ was the best move for me I was asking do you think it would be a better move. I just want to know which island is the better of them all for a first timer.

I just want to know which island is the better of them all for a first timer.

Oh, STX is the best island, definitely 🙂 We have lots of space, low real estate prices, there's a glut of used cars right now to choose from, and your choice of 20 beaches and 2 rum factories. Columbus made a day stop here, too. Duty free coconuts or something.

So STXBob, with the glut of things available ie,: apartments, furniture, cars etc, as folks are leaving the island due to the closing of the refinery, I ask. Are there a glut of jobs too? I am seeing people moving here to St thomas from St Croix already for work.

I do suggest visiting all three and see what fits best. It's a PMV, pre move vist.

Columbus made a day stop here, too. Duty free coconuts or something.

From what I have read the people of STX didn't give Columbus a very warm welcome.

OP, you absolutely should spend the money on a PMV (pre move visit) to see if island living is right for you. It would be a very wise investment. Crucians will opine "their" island is the best, St Johnians theirs and St Thomians theirs but it's way too subjective an issue and only you can determine what's right for your particular circumstances. Living here is vastly different from living in Mainland USA. Good luck.

Well, I tried to tell the OP that there's no right answer, but she still wants to know the best island, so I had to admit that it's STX and that 1 in 3 forum members will agree with me 🙂

From what the OP wrote, it sounds like the move will be a PMV: "I am not certain if my move will be permanent yet but I am willing to give it a six month trial period."

I kinda just want to take the plunge and just go with it without a PMV. I have been to many islands before and everytime I go I feel at home and at peace within my spirit. I know that island life if for me. It has been my dream to live on an island my whole life just to be able to wear my flip flops and sun dresses all day and be near the beautiful tropical water. I really love the laid back style , music, food and the whole flow of life. I know that every island is different but I don't want to not follow my dream and miss out on what could have been.

I am getting out of the military and after years in countries fighting a war I didn't believe in and being in a country where I have only had music and a notebook to get me by, seeing things that will probably stay with me until I leave this earth. I just want to relax my mind and my life a bit and live it the way my heart intended it to.

I really appreciate all the help and if there is anything more you could help me with (i.e apartment rentals) I would soooooo appreciate it.