Moving to St. Croix

Hello DH,

Welcome to the board. St. Croix is the largest of the VI islands but is still small. It does have variations in landscape from one end to the other and of course some areas are more off the beaten track so less convenient to shopping/towns. We don't really have neighborhoods the way most areas in the US mainland have so its tough to say ok here are top 10 'neighborhoods'. Some "neighborhoods" have a combination of nice to not so great mixed together. Hopefully some of the St. Croix residents that use the board can help out with their preferred areas and why.

You can review crime stats on the VIPD website at http://www.vipd.gov.vi/main/main.aspx.

You might consider getting the Settlers Handbook and Life in the Left Lane. The first is a general handbook about moving and living in the USVI. The 2nd is authored by someone that moved to St. Croix, she gives a personal account of making the move, the experiences, adjustments, getting a house, a job etc. You can find them both at http://www.vitraders.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=V&Category_Code=rel. The Settlers Handbook is a new edition, just came out a few days ago - so is current!

You mentioned children; there is a section on this site about schools. It contains links to the Dept. of Education and also lists schools both public and private. You may find this a useful start if you needed information on education.

--Islander

Also, read the moving stories under "what to expect" in the moving center. You might also want to search out posts from Teresa. She moved to STT 2 plus years ago and has since moved back to the states.

Have you ever been to STX? If not, I suggest you come down for 2-3 weeks before committing to a move. Find someplace cheap to stay and bring the kids. Check out neighborhoods, schools, everything.

There are considerations to moving here with children that should be explored CAREFULLY. The first question is can you afford private schools? If the answer is no, and your move is elective, you should reconsider moving.

Things are different here. I've been here 3 + years and like it a lot. But it is not like the states and the differences can be unexpected and surprising.

At the very least, if you decide to relocate to STX, don't bring all your possessions right away. Store everything and only bring your clothes and personal effects. Time enough to bring the furniture etc, after you've been here for 6 months or a year.

Good luck.

There is a lot of talk over the years I've been reading the board about what someone is moving to in terms of the islands. As I have tenants, and quite a few over the course of time, it seems that a lot of how they perceive the island is much about who they are, and what personally they are bringing with them.

Some people are flexible, find differences interesting, and view the challenges as a trade off for living here. Others go out for one drive and are frustrated at the other drivers, the lack of straight roads, getting stuck behind chickens or peacocks, etc. and they have not yet arrived at Motor Vehicles.

Others find the same things intollerable. I'm trying to profile, and in turn be able to predict, who is going to 'stick' and who is going to run. So far, I've come up with too many inconsistencies to share.

As suggested, a great way is to stay here for awhile, and see how the island (after the vacation glow wears off) impacts you. Listen to your gut and don't override it with the sunsets.

Best wishes to you,

Dan