moving to St. Thomas

Hi Liz,

This is my perspective. We moved to St. Thomas a year ago and live on the east end at Cowpet Bay. I love it here because I fell save, plus it's somewhat convenient to many services i.e. bank, market, gas, doctor to name a few.

Two and three bedroom rentals can be found at Cowpet East and Cowpet West. Rents will range between $1,800 to $2,200. We pay water and electric. I think that I'm pretty conserative and our monthly utilities are around $350 for a family of 4.

We use the fitness club at the Renaissance. There's one close to the Ritz, which is next to Cowpet East, but I think they are too expensive. The Renaissance is less than 5 miles from Cowpet. You membership is with the tennis club, but you have full use of their fitness club and other activities.

I like Sprint PCS. The rates are good and I've never had a problem with them. We call all ove the US with our cell phone. However, the weather can affect reception at times.

Lots of places to snorkel and scuba here and St. John which is just a ferry ride away at Red Hook which is 2 miles from Cowpet.

I hope this helps a little.

Rita

Moved to St. Thomas three years ago and love it. Rentals can be found. I have a short term furnished two bedroom rental at www.stthomasvirginisland.com. Will offer monthly rates.

Many areas are good and safe to live in. I live in Frenchman's Bay and love it. Convenient to town and to the east end and it is quiet and safe. My husband uses the gym at Bolongo Beach Resort and is very happy with it. One of the more reasonable gyms on the island and it is only a two minute drive from the house.

Don't know about cell phones - don't have one.

So many places to snorkel and scuba you won't get bored. You can email me if you have any questions.

Thanks to both of you for your information. It's very helpful. So utilities are pretty expensive? Does anyone know what it might fun for 2 adults and one baby, we'd like to have AC if possible...

Thanks again,
Liz

Hello;

Lots of neighborhoods that have long term rentals and are nice/funished and unfurnished... Different areas of East End like the place that Rita suggested, or Frenchman's Bay area like Donna suggested, you also have lots of great areas in the northside of the island including but not limited to, Dorothea, Hull Bay, Mandahl, Wintberg, Mahogany Run, Mountain Top, Mafolie... and others. Northside covers a large area... and so does East End. Each person has there perferences.. I like the northside - quieter in my opinion. Definately drive around and look at different apartments in different areas, see how far it is from your husbands work... Price range depends greatly on where its at, size, view, furnishings.... I would say anywhere from $850 to $2000... the different in price being an apartment - as in a part of a house... vs. a house on its own and you are renting the whole thing.

There are several gyms..

I also use Sprint and it works well for me; nationwide plan includes free long distance to the USA and it works whereever you go within their nationwide service area without roaming so thats a big plus. In terms of service on St. Thomas itself - works in most spots... a couple areas you don't get service in -off the top of my head.. Mafolie, Bovoni, Bolongo and some other areas of east end.

For utility averages try looking in cost of living section of the moving guide on this site.

There are lots of places to scuba and snorkel... 🙂 we are surrounded by water. You could snorkel at every beach of course some are much better then others. As for scuba also some areas are of course better then others, and then you can do night dives, boat dives... make friends with other divers and then you can go with them and learn the cool spots or you can go out with one of the operators.

--Islander