Moving to St. Croix

I don't know about the schools, but it's an 82 square mile island. We all interact with each other every and all day.

The crime isn't as bad as it seems. If it's 4 am and you're buying drugs, don't go down an alley. You'll be fine.

Restaurants get robbed a lot, especially in the summer. It's a great place.

the music dept at country day is amazing (I'm it)

Hello and welcome!

Schools - I would look at Good Hope too. Before you move, as you have children, try to get on the Tamarind Moms yahoo group and ask about schools there. There are tons of people on that group that have children in all different schools as well as homeschools. Do your homework before choosing a school. I will PM you.

Renting - Judith's Fancy, Shoys, Queens Quarters, Seven Hills, All for the Better, are some great neighborhoods. Depending on what you want, you will find great homes all over the island.

The VI is a US territory. The only expat community is the British and possibly the French here. Everyone just mingles and gets along. Crucians are some of the friendliest people in the world (IMO). Just remember that a good morning, good afternoon, and a good night or evening will open all sorts of doors. A smile and how do you do are also great at getting help.

Crime - well, as another poster stated, use your common sense. Don't go out at odd late hours, don;t go to secluded beaches by yourselves, don't carry wads and wads of cash and then flash it around. I grew up here and we lock our doors, stay out of dark alleys, and park under street lights.

Welcome!

Hello,

Our company wants to move us to St. Croix, and we are trying to decide what to do. We have some questions, and we would appreciate any guidance anyone can provide.

We have children and want the best education for them, for both elementary and high schools. Any recommendations? We are looking at St. Croix Country Day School. How is it?

Which areas should we consider living in? We plan to rent at first.

How integrated are mainland Americans with the Crucians?

Is there an expat community?

I am aware of the high crime rates. Do you feel that these are in pockets, or is it island-wide?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Also, because the roads are narrow and traffic moves slowly, where you work should also be factored into where you live and where the kids go to school. In general, you want to keep home, work and school fairly close together and all on the same side of Christiansted.

for some people, depending on where they live and work it can take up to an hour to get to work.

crime, be careful you should be fine but sometimes bad things happen to even those who try to stay out of trouble.

don't leave anything in your car that you actually want. always lock your doors.

the islands are beautiful.

Best of luck. Back on the mainland and I am thrilled!

Two years ago I had that "starry-eyed" view of living in the Carribean!

Been here for two years and love it still. Some people are suited for island living and others aren't. Most of us who move here go through different phases of love/hate being here. My "hate it" phase lasted about three weeks. Some people never graduate from it. Your mileage may vary. Welcome to the island!

St. Mary's in Christiansted is a very good school!

We heard the same from Friends 🙂

I second what usvichic said --

I would also add St. Mary's to the list of schools to consider if the religion part isn't a problem. They are going through some big changes this year with low enrollment, but we've been very happy with the school & teachers, and it's much more affordable than either Country Day or Good Hope.

As far as integration of mainland Americans with Crucians, it depends on what you're looking at. Our social circle (which is mostly transplants) does contain a good mix of Crucians in the sense that they are people who were born and raised here, but not necessarily of Caribbean heritage.

Good luck with your decision!

Hi

I am also VERY delighted to be back in the states!! Lived in St. Croix for 1 year and came back home...

I lived in nice condos while there in Christiansted. I was not too far from the boardwalk and it was nice and safe. Again like others have suggested use common sense.
BUT...the crime is BAD! I do not know why people are trying to make STX appear to be like most major cities or suburban life. It IS NOT especially when hovensa shut down and electricity was SKY HIGH!!!

YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL will be RIDICULOUS and this is not common in any US state so again I do not know why someone would not be upfront with you but I am. You will pay significantly higher for groceries and they are expired half the time...no joke.

Integration bwahahaha it is very few...and I am BLACK AMERICAN and I witnessed first hand racist treatment towards whites from the states (that are not tourist) and I myself was wrongfully terminated from a job there. I decided to leave not because I am bitter but the lack of amenities, care for the island (away from the beaches), mistreatment aka prejudice towards people from the mainland, and unconstitutional service from WAPA. I did like staying here in the beginning also known as the honeymoon phase but in the end its just not worth it....the island is not THAT beautiful. Transplants who have found comfort through collusion with other transplants have different views because of their friendships with others. Many work for each other and help one another good for them. Your experience might be better due to you living here with your family but I DO NOT RECOMMEND SINGLES LIVING HERE.

Good Luck to you

Toally agree with southern girl!

I know many post are discouraging on living at the island. I'm coming here as a transfer for my job and I'm staying positive despite the negative things I hear on this board. I also hear many positive things. I might be younger than the normal crowd here, yes I'm single. But I'm not coming to this island to meet a wife, I am coming here for a different experience. I am coming here for a different life and it's disappointing that all I see is negative posts about St.Croix. I mean come on people, there has got to be something that has kept you on the the island for so long. Give me some positives, I would love to hear some great stories everyone has since they have come to the island.

Vermil

I am surprised you haven't heard any that is all I appear to see...

I did reply in another post and I stated positive things in addition to the negatives. All in all it wasn't THAT bad however it is not THAT good either. lol

I have lived on STX since 1990 and i have seen it change for the worse. Crime, the goverment, food, gas, roads, have all gotten out of hand,
for anyone who wants to move here i wish them luck and hope they can see the island for what it use to be,
like alot of my friends i want to go back to the states.

RIGHT ON DIXIE

thanks speedy;)

Dixichick,
I think that could be said for just about anywhere. I know it is that way here in Mesa,AZ where we have been for the last 25 years and our old neighborhood in Northwest Phoenix now looks like the hood.
As someone once wrote, "you can't go home again".

As someone once wrote, "you can't go home again".

Thomas Wolfe in his novel of that name - a wonderful read and as relevant now as it was back then.

I'd move back to STX in a heartbeat...
...if they had good job opportunities for my wife and daughter(s).
That's the thing about moving as a family, it's not just about what one of you wants, or are willing to put up with.
And when one of your family member's needs changes, if affects the rest who came with you.
That said, wouldn't have traded the experience and friendships.

What I don't get is why some people seem angry "about the island being an island" 800 miles across the ocean from the states.
Were they asleep on the plane ride? Didn't they investigate before moving? I for one read this board backwards and forwards and knew what to expect.

To the person who said the island isn't beautiful.... they apparently never swam in the water or dove under it (the best part of St Croix is underwater), or drove out the east end and walked down to the remote beaches.

I'd move back to STX in a heartbeat...
...if they had good job opportunities for my wife and daughter(s).
That's the thing about moving as a family, it's not just about what one of you wants, or are willing to put up with.
And when one of your family member's needs changes, if affects the rest who came with you.
That said, wouldn't have traded the experience and friendships.

What I don't get is why some people seem angry "about the island being an island" 800 miles across the ocean from the states.
Were they asleep on the plane ride? Didn't they investigate before moving? I for one read this board backwards and forwards and knew what to expect.

To the person who said the island isn't beautiful.... they apparently never swam in the water or dove under it (the best part of St Croix is underwater), or drove out the east end and walked down to the remote beaches.

Neil I said the island is not THAT beautiful....meaning to tolerate all of the shortcomings of living there, St. Croix was not so astonishing to the point where I could overlook everything else....and yes I did snorkel and go under water at the beaches.

Wow! Such negativity, much of it coming from people who left. I love it here even with the electricity costs and "island time." I lived stateside for 60 years and have no desire whatsoever to leave. The people I hang-out with, transplants and Crucians alike, feel the same way about STX. Could be better but so could anywhere. If you like it, come and stay. If not, don't. To the OP, you won't know until you've been here a while but IMHO there is no reason not to look forward to trying it out.