Moving to St. Thomas, not for the fainthearted.

Insects, dust, mold, mildew, premature corrosion on appliances and failure of electronics seem to be more a symptom of the prevalent construction methods than anything unique with respect to the climate or geography of the Virgin Islands.

A lot of island problems are self-inflicted! In my neighborhood the Sahara dust problem that everyone warned me about was actually the overzealous landscapers running around with their leaf blowers.

I used to work in the marine industry and find if I work on, and repair my home as if it's a 45' Hatteras Sportfisherman, I'm all the better off for it.

A lot of island problems are self-inflicted! In my neighborhood the Sahara dust problem that everyone warned me about was actually the overzealous landscapers running around with their leaf blowers.

lol 😀

Being handy is a huge plus if you live here. My husband is great at fixing things around the house and our cars. I am good at the tech stuff. Together we seem to find a way to fix almost everything on our own. There is no way we would ever be able to afford living here without those skills. There a lot of times that even if you have the money you can't find someone to 'fix' what you need fixed. Or the reliable people who can fix things right are so backlogged it will take weeks to get on their schedule.

I just tosses 6 more pairs of shoes. All of this humidity and rain lately took a toll. I've spent the last three days trying to remove lots of dust monsters and mold from nearly every surface of my house.

It's true that if you're not handy, finding people to do certain repairs and projects can be extremely frustrating. I've been waiting for weeks for my contractor to get to me in order to get a couple projects done.
The amount of rain we've had hasn't been helpful as he's got to finish a house he's working on before he can start my projects so I'm weeks behind schedule at this point.

unfortunately not so for my husband. you can see the dust in the air. he also has trouble breathing when it is real heavy. gives the sky a yellow grey hue. not pretty. sometimes driving home i have trouble telling whether its the dust or a storm coming.
So, no, the desert dust is not self inflicted

Insects, dust, mold, mildew, premature corrosion on appliances and failure of electronics seem to be more a symptom of the prevalent construction methods than anything unique with respect to the climate or geography of the Virgin Islands.

A lot of island problems are self-inflicted! In my neighborhood the Sahara dust problem that everyone warned me about was actually the overzealous landscapers running around with their leaf blowers.

So, no, the desert dust is not self inflicted

Certainly not all of it. During the season you can see it from the plane floating in the sea same as you would the Sargassum.

unfortunately not so for my husband. you can see the dust in the air. he also has trouble breathing when it is real heavy. gives the sky a yellow grey hue. not pretty. sometimes driving home i have trouble telling whether its the dust or a storm coming.
So, no, the desert dust is not self inflicted

Insects, dust, mold, mildew, premature corrosion on appliances and failure of electronics seem to be more a symptom of the prevalent construction methods than anything unique with respect to the climate or geography of the Virgin Islands.

A lot of island problems are self-inflicted! In my neighborhood the Sahara dust problem that everyone warned me about was actually the overzealous landscapers running around with their leaf blowers.

Maybe it's just me, but I found this past year's Sahara dust to be hardly noticeable. But the year before was nasty. We've had the same landscapers with the same leaf blowing habits for years. I also don't remember any cloudless days this past year where you could hardly see the sun.

Guess what I'm saying is "you (probably) ain't seen nothing yet".

Last year's Sahara dust was the worst I've ever encountered here! Dust not from leaf blowing as evidenced by the dust maps!

Last year's Sahara dust was the worst I've ever encountered here! Dust not from leaf blowing as evidenced by the dust maps!

I was comparing this past summer to the summer before last (the one with the drought).

I have white and beige curtains that turned so red the summer before last I was considering redecorating to match so I wouldn't have to keep washing them. But this past summer I only had regular VI dust.

i didnt think last year was as bad because hubby didnt need the inhaler as much

The downside of a less severe Sahara dust season that we get more tropical system formations. I'd rather deal with the dust.

idlewood4: GREAT post. This should be something that anyone considering a move here reads. Everything you have written is true and valid. I will be buying a condo here within the next month and have worried over the bad parts of your post for twelve years. BUT, the good things you point out are constantly on my mind and more importantly, in my heart. I don't know if I could live here full time, but I am positive that I will love being here for the four months when it is snowing in Boston.
Thank you for stating so eloquently the push and pull of St Thomas.

Like the line from the Buffett song The Weather is Here I Wish you Were Beautiful says "the pleasure is worth all the pain"

I will never again complain about Sahara dust as last year I was stuck in the Sahara in an actual sand storm. It was insane, even the camels were pissed lol. I've never been "sandblasted" before but it sure does exfoliate! I might not complain about the heat either after being stuck inside black tents and not being able to open the flap/door for air. It was so hot we slept naked and woke up covered in sand that stuck to our sweaty bodies.... like actual human sandpaper. For real though, my fiancé didn't have his turban wrapped properly and he inhaled a lot of sand. He was sick and coughing for months after. The sand is like baby powder over there, was shocked at how fine it is which makes sense now knowing how far it travels. Pretty wild; this planet.

I am finding all of this out now. I am adjusting though. I did however find a new service called V.I.GUYS trash removal. They will pick up your trash weekly on a day you choose for $60./month.

An EXCELLENT post that does a great job of summarizing the way things really are in the islands.

That said, I still think there is a high chance that the OP will eventually get burned out and leave. Seven months is nothing -- NOTHING -- in the islands. That's still the honeymoon phase. What was at first quaint and cute and "island-y" becomes annoying and insufferable after a while.

OP, if you're still here after five years, then I'll commend you as you will be one of the very few who made it through to the other side. Until then, all bets are off. Good luck!

Nugblazer, "OP, if you're still here after five years, then I'll commend you as you will be one of the very few who made it through to the other side. Until then, all bets are off. Good luck!"

Surprised to see this towards the top of my feed, and decided to respond. I had to come stateside for a few medical appointments, and ended up staying 2 weeks longer than I anticipated. I can not wait to get back to STT. I think I really am an island girl.

Boston: Traffic, OMG, 128 on Friday rush hour. Too many cars, too many Masshole drivers. In retrospect, I prefer the 5 cruise ships in town on STT.

Boston: Buy something for $5. It costs $5.32. Yuck Things may be more expensive in STT, but at least I'm not tacking 6.25% to everything.

Boston: The day I arrived it was 33 degrees, and freezing rain. It lasted 2 days. When I left STT it was 81, sunny and glorious. All the trees here are brown trunks and branches. Since I had to extend my stay, I have see a few crocuses, daffodils, pansies, and snow drops. The forsythia has started to bloom. The lakes and rivers are overflowing. I miss palm trees and about 100 shades of green and blue. I did not need boots, mittens, hats, winter coat or gloves at all. It was amazing.

Boston: I'm in such a habit of "Good morning, Good day, Good night" that I just have been naturally saying it. I've gotten more than one nasty look back as though I have 3 heads. Ooops. Prefer the friendliness on STT.

STT: I bitched about STT crime, but since I've been in Mass there were shots fired at a carnival in Revere, a wheelchair bound guy was robbed and his wheelchair stolen in Lynn, (He had to crawl for help}, there was a huge drug bust in Eastern Mass, a 5 year old was killed in a hit and run, 2 guys were shot in front of a Lynn museum, and today marks my second full week. There were 135 homicides in the state in 2016, and a population of 6,873,018 in 10,565 square miles.

Boston: Grocery shopping, it's overwhelming. The stores are brightly lit, clean, and have far too many choices. Prices are much cheaper though, and I can get everything in one stop. Shopping is one thing better in the states. Medical care is the second.

I fly home on Saturday, and I can not wait to land at the STT airport. I do miss the island with all the warts. Stateside has it's share of warts as well. Not sure if I'll make it to the 5 year mark, but I've made it to the 1 year anniversay with no end in sight. I kinda miss the chickens, iguanas, fruit in the yard, spectacular views. I even miss the dumpsters~as long as they have a spot for my trash.

It would seem like you've acclimated quite well, Idlewood4!
Happy for you!
Whether you last 5 years or not, the point, which you've embraced is to enjoy your time here.

As has been said, many times is that "island life isn't for everyone."
There are many different reasons people may not stay, forever.
Aging parents, kid's schooling, grandkids, job, healthcare issues, not tempermentally suited, etc.

Meanwhile, enjoy, have fun and move on, if and when the need arises.

Idlewood4: While you don't SEE them add on a sales tax at the point-of-sale, you need to know that there are hidden taxes in the form of gross receipts and excise tax which are added on before the $5 price is marked.

And now we know why we like it here in the VI, apart from the diving.

Note to self - never visit Boston :-O

Not sure if I'll make it to the 5 year mark, but I've made it to the 1 year anniversay with no end in sight.

Hey, even one year is impressive, most don't last that. But, one year is still the honeymoon phase. I've found that for most people 18 months is about when the newness wears off. Your mileage may vary, of course. But, one thing is certain: at five years, you've definitely made it. Maybe check back in a year and let us know how you feel? For now, enjoy that new-car smell! 🙂

I don't see year markers as badges of honor. But I do think newcomers need to be mindful they might not like it here. There is nothing wrong with leaving.

Come, try living here.
Don't burn your bridges back home.
Make sure you have enough money for a return ticket.
Commit to a period of time- 6 months, a year, then re-evaluate your goals.

Some people come for a year and stay for a lifetime. Others take off after the first weekend.

I agree.
I moved to FL after a lifetime here.
I'm not sure it's my cuppa tea but the "honeymoon phase" isn't over
After a year, I'll evaluate.
I've not burnt my bridges nor do I intend to.
Right now, it suits me.
Later...who knows?
Will I stay or will I go.
That decision will ultimately be mine.

Thing is that one shouldn't be afraid to make changes nor be afraid to admit to the fact, after the fact, that they may have made a mistake.
Life is for learning.