Moving Sight unseen!

I would not recommend moving sight unseen.

And that is coming from someone who is chomping at the bit to move back (and we will as soon as I finish school)...why?

Life is different in the islands. Not bad, but different. Some people, no matter what, cannot adjust to the changes and hate it and want to leave in less than a year. It's too expensive and arduous a process to move somewhere if the potential exists to be miserable.

Yes, it's BEAUTIFUL. It will take your breath away the first time you see the island as you get close to landing in the plane (and if the landing doesn't scare the living crap out of you, you'll probably be ok). .

But, as I said, it's different. The sense of urgency that exists stateside does not exist here. If you expect a service to be done TODAY, and it was not offered TODAY, you will get looked at as if you suddenly sprouted another head. It took me 5 months and 20 days, a Friday afternoon and a case of Heineken to get VITELCO (now Innovative Telephone) to come and turn on my phone at the pole. That's with calling them every day for 3 months of it.

It took 2 weeks to get a new exhaust system for my car after it rusted off in the middle of the road (quite embarrasing, I might add). It took me a long time to get used to people being okay with standing in line at the bank for almost an hour (I quickly learned that if I couldn't go through the drive through, it could wait until tomorrow).

And these were minor things....

Not to mention, the heat can get to you, a storm can bring the entire island to a grinding halt and scare the crap out of you in the process (it is a lonely feeling watching all the boats leave, no planes coming in, and cruise ships hauling in as fast as they can to refuel and get the H out of Dodge in the middle of the night...you understand what the term "sitting duck" really means).

Houses are different...you have cisterns instead of wells or city water. You have to learn to manage your household a little differently or you WILL run out of water. Also, most houses are not centrally air-conditioned, and many are not air-conditioned at all. That's fine in January, but can be miserable in September when the only wind blowing is the one that brings in a hurricane.

Your car is going to take a beating. The first year I lived there, I replaced my shocks 4 times. I just learned to live with driving a bouncy car after that...

People are different. They have no concept of being late. If you are super-punctual (which I am), it will be frustrating as hell to you. West Indians are very proper, and do not tolerate bad stateside manners....don't go into town looking like you you just rolled out of bed or just came off the beach. Dress for the weather, but be DRESSED.

You may go to the grocery store to buy hot dogs, but realize they are out of buns.

Basically, in order to survive, you have to be able to let go, slow down, be adaptable, get used to being hot (you will), conserve, and shut up and go with the flow.

If you can do that, you will be happy. It may be paradise, but you will still have frustrations and bad days...just with a better view.

I am not trying to dissuade you from moving, but it is a major life change. You wouldn't have married your wife without meeting her first, would you?

You don't buy a car without test driving, you don't quit your job to take a new one without looking at the company -- why do people think they can make a life change of this magnitude without at least VISITING the islands?

It drives me crazy.

Exresident,

Thank you very much for the very insightful reply! I am distributing this reply to everyone of my family members to show them what I have been talking about as we type now. lol We are definately restructuring our planning and excitement. Thank you again for your insight!

Just a few extra questions if you dont mind?
In the city of STT are the people very friendly? You mentioned the west indians; are they the main population and culture for the island? In general of the real estate market, would a 100k home be anything close to a sufficient home for a family of 4? Are the governement and local authorities something to be feared? ....... We are a family of businessmen and are seriously looking at purchasing a business that has something to do with charter boats and tourism; does this fit with the local industry or is it just too much hype? and..... one last question if not too personal... what were your reasons on moving and leaving and how were you able to support a family on STT?

Thanks again! ........and you are right!!!! I wouldnt' just marry the my wife without seeing her first! lol

Josh B

The first thing you should do is use the link at the top of this page and purchase "The Settler's Handbook". It will give you lots of info on what it's like living an in the USVI. Second, and most important, after reading the book you and all of your family who are contemplating the move should take an extended trip to STT to learn first hand what the island has and does not have. Plan on staying several weeks, at least, and maybe even a month or two. Don't stay in a major hotel or at one of the resorts as that will give you a false view. Try, instead, to find a small housekeeping cottage or short term rental unit in a residential area so you can experience the ups and downs of everyday living. Use the time to check out living conditions, analysing real estate values, shopping for groceries and other staples, learning about utility prices, etc. After you return home, thouroghly discuss the pros and cons of island life with your family as you've experienced them. As others have said, island living is not for everyone. Unless you are a "trust fund baby" you'll still have to earn a living, pay the rent, make car payments and deal with everything necessary to support yourseves in the manner to which you've become accustomed. Also, remember the island is relatively small and it's somewhat akin to residing in a small town without having the ability to take pack the kids into the car for drive into the big city or out into the country when you feel the need for a change of pace. If you can successfully deal with these types of issues then you'll have a good chance at adjusting to island life but make sure you do your homework before cutting all your ties back home.

You're welcome, Josh.

Why did I leave island? I decided to go back to school, and what I wanted to do was not available on the island. I currently go to Emory, and will graduate a year from December. My husband and I own a home on St. Thomas...we never sold it. We left with every intention of going back when I finished school. My husband's job is highly portable. He's an engineer, and has to travel a lot for his job anyway, so frankly, it doesn't matter where he lives as long as there is an airport. We did not have children when we moved back stateside (our kids are 3 and 2), but of course, we will be going back with them! (that will be interesting....)

100,000 on St. Thomas won't buy much, maybe a studio or 1 bedroom tiny condo. Count on spending in the ballpark of about $300,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home in a decent area.

As for local culture. The island population is about 1to 10 white to black, and the black West Indians pretty much come from all over. The majority were born and raised in the USVI, a large portion from the BVI and other British islands, and then another portion from down island from places like Monserrat (we got a lot of Monserratians after Soufriere Hills decided to misbehave), Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, etc. The rest are a little of everything...South Americans, Puerto Ricans, Eastern Indians, those of mixed race and Danish descent, etc. West Indian people are quite friendly, cordial, well mannered, and close knit. They are also very proud people. Unfortunately, there is a lot of the "haves" and "have nots".....the middle class is very small, and made up mostly of working stiffs like you and me that have to work very hard to make ends meet. That's not to say there aren't your bad apples...there are, but that's true of anywhere, so don't let that dissuade you. I find West Indian culture fascinating, personally.

How did I end up in the VI? I was a wet behind the ears college senior that was too broke to go to graduate school. I had been doing research work with one of my professors and he asked me what my plans were for after graduation, and I had no clue other than to say "I need to find a job....I'm broke." I had been his TA for 3 years and taught two of his graduate labs, tutored a lot of HS kids, etc. He said I would make a good teacher. Blah blah blah, and he started talking about a school with which I would fit well. Blah Blah Blah, it's small, the kids are really smart, etc. I asked him where it was and he said St. Thomas and I started listening REALLY closely! He told me who to call (at the time the headmaster was Mark Marin, with whom he was really good friends. Mark has since died) and where to send my CV, so I did. They asked me to set up a phone interview (too broke to go in person), and I told my professor about it, and he said "Nuh-uh...you're going." I said I couldn't afford the trip. Two days later, he came into the lab with a folder that had a plane ticket and hotel reservation for a week and told me to go and have a good time. I was shocked, but went! I fell in love with the island at first sight, felt immediately at home, went to my interview and somehow things clicked and they offered me the position on the spot, and I accepted. I went home, graduated 6 weeks later, packed up my stuff and moved in July of that year. I had been there 2 years when I met my husband. We dated for a 4 months, got engaged, and married a year later. The rest is history. Aside from my hometown, that is the only place in the world I have ever lived (and I was a professional new kid!) that has felt like "home." We've been in Atlanta for almost 4 years, and while I know my way around, this city doesn't feel like home to me at all. So, that said, neither of us can wait to move back.

I moved her four years ago sight unseen. I'm still here and still love it. Moved with my family and they feel the same way I do. We moved from San Francisco so cost of living her is less. As mentioned before you won't find much at all for under $100,000. In fact, $300,000, won't get you a lot now a days. Prices in real estate have increase A LOT in the last 4 years. The great thing about St. Thomas is its beauty and weather and the people. Given time they are friendlier than anywhere else I have been. It is safe and quiet and people take time with each other. It has its inconveniences but one gets used to that. There is no one stop grocery shopping, no home delivery of meals, fast food is not fast food, shopping is a challenge but the pros far outweigh the cons for me.

If a 2-3 bedroom is approximately 300000, what would a 2-3 bedroom cost to rent?

we got a 1brm for $800

Hello John,

Depending on the island you are moving to finding a 2-3 bedroom home to rent can be difficult. That said a 2-3 bedroom apartment/home can run anywhere from $850 to $2500+/month ... price variation affected by location, furnishings, driveway, building, amenities, utilities ect.

---Islander

John,

My husband and I have been searching for a 3 bedroom since May. We found some that were not in our price range and some that were not good for children. Anyway, our search still goes on, but we decided to go ahead and rent a two bedroom until we find that 'perfect' place. Two bedrooms are much easier to find and in good price ranges too.

Teresa

Hey Ex Resident,

Thanks for the reply! You have a pretty interesting story of how things transpired for you down there! Sounds like your professor really helped you out! Not only did he get you to move there, but you also met your husband down there. It's always pretty interesting to see how God has worked great things out for people! I have also been to Atlanta a couple times and know that there is absolutely no comparison to STT.

You mentioned still owning a home down there; is it a little difficult managing a home so far away? Are you currently leasing it out, and have you found it a little difficult to manage a rental property so far away? I've managed multi-housing properties a while in my early days and I always enjoyed it, until I had to commute great distances to just check things out and then fly right back. At this point, it looks like I may be renting for a while before I get my feet wet down there, so if you or anyone else has a few pointers on renting in the islands, please feel free to advise.

I have a few questions on hobbies and activities on the island that people participate in and please keep your laughter to a mininum as some questions may seem thoughtless at first. Are there many jet ski's on the island and have you heard of anyone shipping ones from the state there? Are there public ramps to put ski's into the water there? Is there surfing anywhere in STT? Do the waves actually accumulate to give great surf at some areas? I've heard of organized volleyball and softball games, but is there any basketball on the island? I dont know if I could live without a hoop being somewhere on the island! Finally, what are the average gasoline prices in the area? I don't know why, but I haven't really found any sites that tell me that yet.

Our time for decision making to move will be coming up in about 8 months, so I have ordered books and done research, but I would always welcome meeting people living there online so we can feel like we atleast know a few people before we get down there

Josh B.

Hello Josh,

I am sure others will answer some of your questions, but as far as jet ski's. I have seen a few. They don't have a ramp, but they just 'park' them on the beach and ride out from there. The waves are not big near the beaches so they seem to have a lot of fun out there. I think the gasoline prices stay the same to a certain extent. They are just over two dollars/gallon. At one point they were cheaper than gas in Missouri! Interesting questions you have. Is it a concern that you will feel 'trapped' on an island with nothing to do? That actually happens. I think getting out and walking or renting a boat and getting off island helps to calm the 'island fever'. I am used to Missouri so living my life on an island sounds good, but also 'scary'. I am used to long drives, road trips, and being able to drive anywhere. I might feel that 'island fever' a bit when I first move there, but I have plans to exercise and get out a bit. There are gyms and such on the island, so I imagine they will have basketball hoops. I have met a few people online and have sent my husband to the get togethers to meet them and it has worked out well. I will be on island this August to meet them myself. I will post my 'new' experiences so you and others will have another view point. Good luck with everything.

Teresa

Josh,
If you remain a participating member of the board; encouraging others in their dreams and expressing whats going on with your end of things, I think you will have plenty of on'line friends that will be real friends on the islands. This board after awhile begins to feel like your communicating with family. Chris and Theresa head us up by being the ever present, good influence of our version of Island mom and Island dad! Then there are all the brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles. Sounds crazy but when you leave y;our real family, you have to kind of adopt another...

Being an old batchlor, I don't have the problems of a lot of folks when it comes to moving sight unseen. I have been doing that all my life, mostly with carnivals (over 30 yrs.) or just because I was still trying to follow my dream and now FINALLY I am going to fulfill it. If you are a careful person then don't just move sight unseen as it is very hard to undo once it is done. If you are like me, home is where I hang my hat and I only have one left then go for it and don't look back. For a friendly person friends are easy to make and a lot of them become keepers so look everything over and then make your decession and stick to it a real life ramblin man

Hey Teresa, Eve, Rockportjohn and everyone else!

Thanks for the replies and encouragement! I have been so busy at work trying to make this dream a reality that I don't get to check up on this message board as often as I would like! My wife and I are only nervous really about two things on the island at this point after speaking with everyone! Well, actually it's just mainly my wife that has 2 concerns, because I'm all gung-ho about living on the island! I've already made 2 huge moves in my life without really knowing what was ahead of me and I've always seemed to blaze a sufficient trail! My wife does not share the same amount of inhibition. So I think that maybe it's mostly just convincing her! lol The first concern is the local school system for our 5 yr old and the second is the possiblity of actually sitting through a hurricane. Storms have never really scared us, however we've also never sat smack dab in the middle of a gigantic hurricane either. We are still seeking many more informational tidbits about the island and way of life, but if anyone could help ellaborate on those 2 topics; that would be great!

Thanks.... got to run. One other question... for anyone that can answer... what is a normal grocery bill like for a family of 3... and we dont have really expensive tastes either!

Josh B.