Me and my g/f are wanting to move to St. croix

Have you ever been to STX before? If not, my best advice is to come for a pre-move visit. The islands are NOT for everyone.

If you can't afford or don't want to make a PMV, then my advice is to bring lots of $$$ when you come. That old adage about vacations -- take half as many clothes and twice as much $$ as you think you'll need -- is even more true of making this move.

There are many moving stories in the "what to expect" section of this board.

Good luck.

Island Boy -

Please pardon the bold question, but how old are you and your girlfriend? You may find that STT is more to your liking...I know Linda J who posted, and we are all midlifers....I talked this week with a young man and his girlfriend, both 22....they have been here about 2 months and love it but they night life is not what they were expecting at all...pretty slow. STT is much more cosmopolitan and has much to offer in it's own right.

Before we moved, I swear I read about 150 PAGES on this board and learned more than I had ever hoped to. I have to tell you this - confession is good for the soul - many people related stories that I thought couldn't possibly be true, they MUST be exaggerating...just stuff like waiting in line, getting your car licensed, WAPA jams, lack of road signs, etc. Well, there may be some exaggeration somewhere, but probably 98% of what I read was right on the mark. It's a lovely place, but there are some challenges. We wouldn't be anywhere else, though....

Linda is right - you need a pre-move visit, and it probably needs to be longer than a week. We have been here several months and still don't have a good "feel" for where everything is at or where we belong. As you read, try to explore by doing a search on this forum on the topics that are important to you - bringing pets, kids, what to bring, how much to bring, schools, cost of living, etc. If you are planning on living here for a year, there may be a much different set of criteria than if you are planning on living out the rest of your days here.

Good luck to you - let us know how it is progressing.

I am 25 and she is 21, we realize that the USVI is not a party town,that is just another place to live, with exotic amenaties,and privileges.we plan to work hard here in the states and save our money,so that we do not sell ourselves short.We both come from towns that are not very livley,and about the same as stated in another froum up early and to bed early, so the culture will not be a big change for us.We are wanted to relocate there for the simple reason that we both have a dream and we believe dreams come true.We also undertsand that it will take alot of getting used to,but in the same token, there are alot of things there that can help with that transformation, or relocation,such as enjoying the natural beauty and the fact that we get to enjoy it eveyday in a land of paradise,in which others only dream of.I know it makes alot of sense to visit somewhere before deciding to move there, but with both our personalities the same, if we don't move with the "go now" attitude, we'll never make it.

Josh & Chelsie

Do you have a timeline in mind for making the move? It is easier to find a place to live in June-October. It is easier to find a job in November-March when the island is at its peak tourist season. With that in mind, October is a logical time to arrive to have the best shot at both housing and jobs.

Thank you so much for that piece of info, that could very well be our ticket down there.You were right we were looking and the jobs and housing seem plentiful right now.We'll prolly save our money up till this time next year and then make our move,we're impluse thinkers, but money doesn't grow on trees, at least not in the states,if anyone else has any info or tips, trust me they are more than welcome,none will be turned away or not considered.

Josh&Chelsie

Hey islandjeepboy,
My husband and I are 'newbies' to STX. There are lots of people moving here all the time. My best advice would be to make some contacts on the island. We met people from this board and picked a few we felt a kinship with, and kept in touch. It has helped us very much. It helps. STX is very much 'small town'. We have several friends that just came recently "on a wing and a prayer" with little money. It really helps if you have a place to stay for a few weeks.( With a freind, or a cheap month-long place) Typical jobs are in the tourist industry (bartending, waitressing, hotel work, etc.). Pay is fairly low, and you have to be prepared to perhaps live at a lower standard than you do in the states just because everything here is more expensive.
Maybe because we are newbies (and still all idealistic) I think everyone should try out their dream. If it doesn't work out at least you gave it a shot. Life is short, if it's a good time in your life, I say go for it.

travelwoman,
Thank you for that little piece of information. It has helped to ease my mind a bit. We have duscussed this for a few weeks now and hopefully we have started the saving process for this trip. We know that it's not goin to be easy by any means, but we will never know unless we try... And we are very accustomed to leaving the finer things behind for sake of living day to day life.
Hopefully through this board we will meet folks who will continue bein acquaintences once we get to our destination in STX.
God Bless,
Josh & Chelsie

If we can help email us at twindomes@pennswoods.net. Good luck!

josh and chelsie

what do you folks do for work,any special skills or schooling?