Moving to the Virgin Islands

What sort of information are you looking for? Than perhaps we could assist you on where to find it.

Hello! I was looking for information on jobs (my boyfriend and I are both bartenders) as well as price ranges on apartments. We are planning on moving to the islands around September/October. Any info would be wonderful! Thankx, Ani

Bartenders - you should not have a problem finding a job here in St. Thomas. There are lots of bars, clubs and restaurants. And October would be just before the beggining of season so people would be hiring. Apartments range in price depending on # of rooms, location, furnishings.... I would say anywhere from $500 up is a possiblity. A furnished one bedroom in a good location - realatively close to town and to the beaches probally $650ish. Hope this helps.

Hallo, Islander or somebody who can give me more info about moving to the Virgin Islands. You know I want to move to VI and find a job. I studied a Busyness academy in my country but I shoud work like a waiter. Now I try to ear more money on travel but I think that it will be a problem with visa. I am from Slovakai and my language is not very good. I love your island and please give me some address where I can get more important info about travel and work. Sorry for my english I hope you will understand.
Than you.

I AM A SINGLE MOM AGE 23 OF A 4 YEAR OLD, AND AM INTERRESTED IN MOVING TO PARADISE FOR A YEAR OR SO.JUST FOR THE FUN AND EXPERIENCE OF IT!WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE THERE? WHAT ARE APARTMENT COSTS? WHAT KIND OF LIVING FACILITIES ARE THERE? LOFTS? HUTS?WHAT ARE PRICE RANGES? WHAT ABOUT PRICES OF CHILDCARE? PLEASE RESPOND ASAP!

Jobs vary - however most are within the tourism field - the economy of the Virgin Islands is mostly tourism. Depending on which island in the Virgin Islands you choose the jobs and prices will differ a bit. St. Thomas jobs include sales, government, office work for attorneys, doctors, restaurant and hotel work, schools.... Apartments cost can run anywhere from $500 to $1500 - depending on view, beach access, furnished or none furnished, number of rooms. There are no lofts or huts. There are houses, apartment buildings, condos. Childcare- well it depends - if you put your 4 year old in a private pre-kindergarten, or a day care center or get a babysitter. St. John will be a more expensive place to live and also if you work on St. Thomas - which some people do - you have to commute by ferry. St. Croix and St. Thomas differ in cost of living also.

I talk to two people who live on St. Croix. This is the information they gave me. Hope it helps you.

1 (woman who lives with roommate) Fairly expensive to live in St. Croix. A studio apartment or small apartment will run you around $600. Gas is around $1.29 a gallon. Electricity runs about $80 - for two people. I spend about $150 on groceries every week and a half for two people.

2)(man who lives with his family) Like living in Manhattan, rent for an Apartment is around 500-700, and for a house 1200-2100. electricity runs around 115-120 a month. Gas is 1.29 a gallon. It is cheaper to bring a car down from the states than to buy one on island. Furniture stores are few and they sell pressboard stuff and it is expensive, so you might want to bring your furniture with you if you plan to stay for a long time. Water is rain water you collect in cisterns but if you have to buy water it runs about $350 a truck load. Groceries are often double most places in the states.

St. Thomas you will pay more for gas - maybe @ $1.95 a gallon. Rent I suppose is in the same area as St. Croix. Electricity runs around $120-$140 for a 3 bedroom, with 4 people. Another couple I know said their electricity runs around $85 a month for a one bedroom. There is public transportation on both the three big islands, however a car facilitates getting around. If you have never been to the USVI I would suggest visiting first to see which island you prefer and then make the decision.

I am relocating to St. Thomas in October. I bartend and also teach aerobics. Are there any gyms there besides American Paradise? That seems to be the only one that I can find on the web. I'm also looking for pool bars as well. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jen

There are oodles of gyms as well as pool bars! You just need to come and get situated and check out the possibilties. October is a good time as you are about a month and a half early before the kickoff of season. I doubt you will have a hard time finding a job.
Ronnie

About cars- one person responded that it is cheaper to ship than to buy here. I guess that would depend upon what type of car you want/have. The speed limit is 35 tops in st. thomas. In st. croix there are highways. The top speed there is 55. When we first got here we bought a car out of the paper for 1000$. That was last year and it is still running well. My bro-in-law bought a car from Caribbean Auto Mart (one of the largest dealers on island) for 300$ plus registration. We still have that car, the bro-in-law left. We are selling it for about the same. I think it costs @ 800$ to ship from Fl. but I am not sure. Anyone? The cost to register a car here depends upon the weight of the car. Ours is a 1986 Merc. We paid $10 for the inspection and 65$ for the reg. You have to pay a full year of insurance ahead. We paid 235$ It could be more if you've a newer car. Still, it is reasonable. As it is easy to get fender dings and casual fender benders, I would suggest an island 'beater' car, one that won't upset you if it gets a dent.

I would like to learn about opening a used car lot offering mid to late modle cars and motorcycles.I am in the bizz here in the states and would like to expand to St.Croix .I can get a car shipped tp the island for around $1,100 ,00 however I have heard no one has the income to afford a $10.000.00 to $20,000.00 dollar car.Is their a market for motorcycles on the island ? when I was there I aonly seen mabey three total.Can someone anwser that ???????? restless

How did you find a rate for $1000? I am shipping one from AZ. ( yes there is added expenses from AZ. to FL.), but with the shipping and "costs" it's going to be in the $3000 neighborhood.

Pulling up these very old threads doesn't accurately reflect what is going on today. David, if you have questions, ask away.

Where did you get the idea of no one being able to afford a $10,000 or $20,000 car? Pretty much hogwash, okay? $16,000 you can get the cheapest car around here. Many cars sold here over $60,000! There is money for used cars as well.

RL