moving to the V.I

Leah,
I don't want to be unhelpful but if you plan on moving to the USVI with two very young children you really need to think it out. Come down for an extended visit, seek housing and employment in person. Get a feel for what it's like to live on the islands as opposed to just vacationing.
Read the moving guide (above) and buy the Settlers Handbook for lots of helpful information. Most importantly don't even think about moving without a financial cushion of at least 3 months living expenses. That's for your own and your children's protection.

We are in the process of moving to St. Thomas because of my husbands job relocation. It has been a years worth of planning. I would not suggest doing this without any job. It is very costly. Private schools for kindergarten will cost between 6,000-9,000 per year (school year).
The average cost for rent for a 2 bedroom will be anywhere from 1200-2200 per month. Also, if you do not have a job, your probably do not have medical coverage, very important as young children discover new territory.
Think about EVERYTHING!!! Good luck.
Denise

The recommendation to look through the moving guide on this site, is a great one. There are several topics there, and then within each topic there are sub topics on cost of living, infrastructure, education... the topics are right in moving guide and the sub topics are listed in the right side navigation when you open each category.

Also as Denise mentioned, her family has been planning this for a while and took a trip down to see what it was all about - a wonderful idea when you have a family moving with you. If you were moving alone its much easier to wing it but with children certainly a bit of planning and consideration is needed.

There are lots of people on this board that can help answer questions you might have, Denise whos in the process of moving, Onika whos moved already... and then the residents/Islanders who have lots of add too.

So go ahead and read the information. And then ask away. What type of job are you seeking? Have you been there before? We will try and help.

--Islander

Dear Islander

My wife and I have just returned from visiting St. Thomas for the second time. We love what we see and think the island and the people are beautyful. We are very serious about trying to moving there.

We have lived in San Diego for the last 15 years and are ready to get out. We do not like the rat race and way to many rude people for us.

My work has moved me toover 30 places in U.S.A. After living in San Diego the only place we have seen that we think would inprove our qulity of life is the islands. Our Idea was to try and get jobs there and rent for a while to make sure we want to stay and purchase a home.

My wife works for the largest hospital in the area and is a Nurse Manager. She is very bright and skills are in big demand here. I have managed many hotels in U.S. and have done extesive Sales and Marketing all my life. I would like to work for two to three years and then start my own buisness or etc.

Wich of the islands where is the best quality of life and possible work for both of us?

Our biggest concern is quality of life, medical care, safety.

We love boating and water sports and have traveled internationally.

What advice to have for us.

I am about to graduate from college, and I would like to move to St. Thomas. I grew up on the coast of South Carolina, and I love the ocean. I really do not even know where to begin for my move. I plan to visit before I move, but have no idea about a job or living situation. I am willing to wait tables, work construction, or find an accounting job (majored in accounting). Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks, Cecil Mitchell

Yes, I would suggest you read the moving section of this web site. Look for Moving Guide in the top navigation. Order the Settlers Handbook - its a book about life in the USVI and covers moving, jobs, culture and so many other topics - you can get this book from http://www.vitraders.com under books.

Accounting is a great field - and you probably will find work in this field in the USVI. It might however take you living there for a little while, maybe working as a waitress or a job that is easier to get into. And then looking for an office position as an accoutant. Office jobs often take networking. But I am pretty sure you can field something in this field.

I would suggest reading the online material and ordering that book - this way you can learn about life here and how to go about moving. And then you can prepare to visit and start working on moving.

--Islander

Leah,
Please come and visit before making any move. The local private schools (which you will most certainly want to use since the public ones are not accredited by the US dept of education and thus would create big problems come college admissions) cost approx $9500 per year per student, and this is expected to increase by an additional $2000 for school year 2003-2004. I rent a small 2 bedroom apartment in a good safe area and it is a good bargain at $1750 per month plus utilities. Please consider reality and make sure you visit first and have a good job in hand before before moving.