Moving to St. Croix in Spring

Dear Melissa,
Who showed you around, I would like to avoid them! LOL

My apologies, however; I'd rather not throw a name out there, but it's someone that has had a difficult time living there as a single Caucasian female in law enforcement.
I've been in contact with a couple of real estate agents and have called around to get different opinions, and so far, she's the only negative feedback that I've gotten! Everyone else loves it there! I guess it's what you make out it, right?! I know that it'll be quite an adjustment from living in a suburb of St. Louis; however, I think that we'll adjust just fine. I'm just concerned that with there being no parks, playgrounds, etc., that there won't be much for me to do with my two little girls. Do you live there on St. Croix?

Not to get off the subject-bit I am moving to St. Croix in December and was wondering how your husband was able to secure a government position. I was quite interested in working in the government sector, but understand it is quite difficult to get into. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Hope all goes well with your move and will maybe see you in the spring-I will be living in Questa Verde (very nice place).

i would like to avoid this person as well. i relocating in december 2003. i need all the encouraging notes i cna get. not that things won't happen - we all know in life we have the up's and down, they comes in waves. but nevertheless encouragement is good.

Lorien,

There is a difference between US government offices (federal) and VI government offices (territory/local).

The issues/red tape you have read about in terms of difficulties with getting government jobs applies to local territorial government, although I am certain the federal jobs have their own formalities.

There are some federal government offices here and they are run federally some employees are hired locally and some folks are transfered or hired in the states and the employees sent down. Some of the federal offices are dept. of agriculture, army recruitment, coast guard, customs, post office, district court, federal aviation admin, fish and wildlife, navy recruitment and a few others. Local government departments are more numerous and include, education, finance, dept of labor, health dept, housing park and recreation, housing authority, lottery, police dept, territorial court, licensing, public works and others.

All the best with your move.

--Islander

Lorien,
Unfortunately, him getting the job was very difficult. He has been a police officer for 4 years now, was a Marine Corp Seargant with Veterans Preference, and has received about 12-15 denial letters from other locations that he has applied for. We've been told that it is very difficult to get in if you do not already have a degree or are not already a Federal Employee. We were excited when he got this offer. It's taking us far away from our loved ones, but it's giving them a nice get-away throughout the year. :o)
There is a website USAJOBS.COM that posts the open federal jobs. That might be a start for you.
Are you moving there alone, or do you have a family?
theolinda, not to worry, this really was a very nice good hearted person, St. Croix just didn't fit them too well. They have relocated back stateside.
I guess that island life isn't cut out for everyone.

Contact Pam Nielsen-Tirk at 340-773-9827 or tirkci@viaccess.net. She will get back to you, maybe not instantly, but she will follow up.

We found her good to work with when we were looking for property this past summer.

Pam is a realtor and can show you property anywhere on the island. Her offices are at the Reef so she can be especially helpful if you are interested in renting a condo (townhome style villa ) at this property.

Who needs a park when you have a golf course, swimming pool, beach and tennis courts.

Peter

Thank you for your advice Peter. If you don't mind, I emailed you separately to ask a couple of questions that my husband and I have.
Thanks again!

I am thinking about relocating back home (St.Croix) in the near future, however, I am concerned about finding employment. My background is in procurement/operation management in the food/beverage industry. I am also an experienced operations and manufacturing manager. I would appreciate any information about employment in any of these industries locally.

You need to collect much more information before you finally make your move. As far as real estate, there are many agents listed at. ( new.onepaper.com/houses/ )
This is the real estate web page of the 'St Croix Source' on line newspaper. You should also check out their news site on a regular basis, as well as the site of the' Virgin Island Daily News'. (virginislanddailynews.com) There are many capable realtors on St Croix who can guide you to the best rental for you. The Reef might be a good choice, but I personally would not live at Questa Verde or Schooner Bay. However all of those are in a similar price range. If you can go a little higher there are many better options. I have a friend who has had good experience with Amy Land-dewilde. She is mostly into sales but might guide you in the right direction for a rental. You and your children will be perfectly safe on St Croix. There has been an increase in local crime, but it rarely touches the lives of people who are out of the projects and the night time party scene. Your husband , I am sure can do some checking that will reassure you.

Good luck with your planning. Don't make any decision too quickly. Put off any that will wait until you are on St Croix. Read the archieves here and be sure to get a "Settlers Handbook"
b

Melissa, there are parks on St. Croix, with swings and slides ect. and there is the beach... you will need to ask other families which are better to go to. Maybe you could volunteer at some of the elementary schools (things parents would be at) so that you can meet other families with small children. The crab races http://vinow.com/news/jul03/crab.php are a good place to meet them also, lots of little kids with moms and dads at those and also look for other events that are family oriented or that kids are brought to - prehaps your husbands co-workers might have suggestions for events to attend. I found a few sites for schools there;
http://www.islands.vi/~sjhs/
http://www.stxcountryday.com/
http://www.goodhope.k12.vi/birthday.php
I think networking with other moms with small kids might be a best bet for you, perhaps the schools have pre-K that you could go to something the school is doing and meet other parents - just a suggestion.

All the best to you.

--Islander

Thank you very much for all of your help and advice.
We are planning on making the most of this journey and I truly appreciate all your direction.
Have a great day!

Melissa,

My husband and I lived at Questa Verde for a year and a half. We found it to be an excellent location - mid-island and convenient to get anywhere. There is an onsite manager and excellent maintenance personnel. Grounds are well-kept. They have a nice pool - never crowded. There was a diverse population of residents including families with young children. It is also very safe with a night-time security guard provided.

Good luck with your move.