Moving in Sept to STJ

You are going to have a very hard, if not impossible, time getting any info unless you are on island. Lots of places sound good until you see them. The best apartments are usually found by word of mouth. One company that does handle rentals is Scenic Properties. At the very least they could give you some info. Local number is 340-693-7777

Thank you . I plan on going back for a month any info that will give me a head start will be appreciated.

Tim

I'm guessing that using CL is a nightmare at best. How reliable are the apts/condos posted on this site?

I've had nothing but bad experiences using CL so for this move I'd rather not. Unfortunatly I haven't come across any places yet from this site.

Tim

Move down and take a week or 2 at one of the less expensive guest houses,weekly apts or studio villas -- check vrbo or use a local rental firm. Then you will have time to explore the options available - furnished - or unfurnished -- what utilities are included -- what lease terms available - what area you may want etc.

Good advice already. The only real long term management place is Scenic, so you can start there. Other than that, you can check the board at Connections when you get here. And next to that, it's word of mouth. Since you don't have to work 🙂 put some time in hanging out and asking people who live here if they know of any places for rent. Seems like the really good places don't ever make it to a listing of any sort. Someone decides they are going to move, they tell a friend, then that friend tells a friend, etc and the place is rented before any boxes have been packed. I would suggest that you try and not sign anything long term until you have seen the place night and day so you know what you are really getting into. Good luck!

I recall a travel nurse on the Delphi Forum I subscribe to mentioning a guy named "Barry" who has some good rental deals. I will look at the old posts and if I find the contact info I will PM. I was looking around VRBO and saw some really beautiful places. I contacted the owner of one of the properties and he was very pleasant. He told me that finding a nice, safe place using VRBO isn't hard, but warned that a lot of VRBO are 'snowbirds' so moving at least once a year might be something a transplant would have to deal with. A small price to pay for paradise 😎

He3re are some tips.

First doing a PMV is the best idea that you have. There is no need to move down and try to get set up without it. Line up a place to stay, a job, transportation, and determine your budget. DONT TALK YOUR SELF INTO THE MOVE. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF.

Second do not bring any pets down. Having them will limit where you can get an apartment. And just don"t show up with a pet.

Third, if you you don't have enough cash to get started don't move. Too many people come down and are escaping from something in the mainland. You will need three months rent to get in. First, last and security. And land owner who does demand this is a problem.

Fourth, get a job in line and get a commitment, in writing. Many landlords do not someone "just of the plane".

Fifth, don't bring much down with you. If you need to go back then you will have less problems.

Sixth, don't rule out STT ot STX. There are more jobs in these islands. STJ may not have a job for you. It is cheaper to live on STT and cheaper yet to live on STX.

Seventh, if you are both coming down it would be better if you both had jobs. Saying that the other person will get a job bar tending may hurt your chances in getting a job.

Eight, try to time your move. Moving down in September or October is more of a problem than in November or December if you are tring to get jobs in the serving industry.

Ninth, make sure that you have all your paperwork with you..You will need a SS card (not a number), a drivers lisence, and a pass port if you have one.

Tenth, and the most important. These islands are not for everyone. They do have a different way of life. And if you are a bar hopper then you will need a fair amount of income to support your self.

Good Luck

billd

retired at 37?........ If you are 37 and retired, we have a room at my place that will gladly accept your trustfund checks

If you need a private duty nurse let me know..

I am a 37 yo retired male looking to move to STJ in September w/my girlfriend. Seeing how work is not in my future i am looking for some advice on finding housing ( apt,condo,house) for rent. I have been coming to STJ for 10 years and its time i make the move. All other concerns seem to be easily researched on the internet ( shipping vehicles,customs etc) but finding info on rentals is a task. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

I think some of the regulars here have been really hard on you. If you have been visiting for 10 years, even on vacation, you have a pretty good idea about what to expect. I see that billd posted ten things to follow during a move, he was right on,.. for about six, maybe seven of them.

The only things I would suggest are, ""don't rent until you see"" and assume that you will be broke soon... unless you are wealthy. The rest of it is a learning experience.

Oh yeah... I retired at 37 too. and 47 and 57 and 67...one of these days...

Appreciate all the advice. Def gonna stay for a month prior to my move to check out all the available properties while i'm their.