MOVING TO ST THOMAS

I have been here for about 2 1/2 months. I love it. Its definetely a great escape from life in the states. However, some negetives I have encountered are:
1. Higher prices for everything. Groceries, cars, rent, gas, etc. all reflect the high cost of shipping.
2. Traffic. even though the island is only approx. 12 miles long, some of the roads are steep and winding. traffic backups are common going into and out of town. especially around 3:00-5:00.
3. Boredom. Unless you plan on shopping, going to the beach, diving and watersports 24/7, there's not much else to do here.

This is just me, but I think the positives (warm weather, friendly people, etc.) outweigh the negetives.
Good luck.
Mike

HI MIKE,
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY TO MY QUESTION. I LIVE IN ATLANTA NOW SO THE TRAFFIC THING DOES NOT SCARE ME AT ALL!! OF ALL THE TIMES I'VE BEEN TO THE ISLANDS ALL OVER THE CARIBBEAN I HAVE NEVER BEEN BORED LOOKING AT THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY. THE SLOWER PACE OF LIFE AFTER BEING IN ATL FOR SOOOO MANY YEARS ALONG WITH THE CLIMATE AND BEAUTY SEEM TOO GOOD TO PASS UP AT LEAST TRYING. THANKS AGAIN AND I THINK WE WILL NEED LOTS OF LUCK TO PULL OFF THIS MOVE.
BETH

Just remember the song, "They PAVED Paradise & put up a Parking Lot" and you'll do fine...

I think another thing is if you live close to family now - its a more difficult "drive" to see them for the holidays or weekends.

The ability to "compare and save or look around" shop doesn't really work since you are often limited to shopping at a handfull of stores whereas in Atlanta for example there might be 20+ stores you could go find curtains or clothes or shoes...

Had someone tell me they miss the 4 seasons.

--Islander

Hi Parrothead,
Have looked up the song that you referred me to and did not get what you were trying to tell me. Can you elaborate? Are you saying that St Thomas is not all it seems? I know much thought and education has to go into a move like this one. Please explain.
Thanks ,Beth

We moved here about six weeks ago and I don' t ever want to leave {except to see the parents and other relatives}. I found it relatively easy to find a job and Ken is taking it easy for a while. We live at Miller Manor and it is sooooo nice. Our apartment overlooks the harbour. We watch all the ships and sea planes come in. It is awsome. To be able to get up every morning and watch this is great. Most of us have to work but it is easier here because I consider this paradise. There are some downsides as in crime, etc, but you have that anywhere you go. It is definitely different here than in the states.

Hi Jan,
Thank you so much for you message. I'm sure that before your move you went through some of the same things I'm going through. It is scary, but I'm committed now as I have already started getting rid of all the clutter. Some things I would have kept if I could move them. Most I should have already given away or thrown away. Hope I can ask you some other questions. Where is Miller Manor? We are considering a condo, really don't want to rent, but maybe if we cannot find a condo from here in Atlanta. Is Miller's Manor considered Havensight, Frenchtown? I'm here in Atlanta; could the crime be worse there? I've read alot mentioned about it, but are they from some place like Atlanta or a little small town in Iowa?? Safety is an every day thing here and we are always aware of our surroundings and our headlines are almost always murder or something along those lines.
Thank you for responding again and would love to read more details about your start if you feel like writing about them. Any and all info is a big welcome and much appreciated. Am looking forward to being in a slower pace and have always tried to seek out peace and tranquility. I truely believe that I can find that down there. What do you think? Have you found this? Or am I asking too soon?? Thanks again for your input.
Beth in Atlanta