Need work and Apartment

Im sorry, im looking to live in ST.Thomas.

Hey Howdy,
I'm still a mainlander but have been reading this board for quite awhile and have learned lots (including what a great bunch of board members there are here). I suggest you pop open a cold one, put your feet up and start cruising through the older posts, including the stories from the home page. That will give you a much better idea about life/love/money/housing/etc. in the islands.

Best of luck
John

First of all - have you ever been here before? If not, I would strongly suggest one to see if you really like the idea of living here.

Second - for the first time in the 11 months that I've lived here, (believe it or not - how time flies!!!) I have actually seen a For Rent sign posted on the East End where I live.
I have not pulled up next to the sign to read the details, but at least something is visibly for rent!

I agree with Johns' post above - please spend some time looking through the many posts on this board, and I'm sure you'll find answers to lots of questions that you might have - and certainly if new ones arise from your looking us over - please don't hesitate to post a specific question and we will all try to respond.

Generally accepted is the fact the you need to be here to get a job. Some folks move here with a company that locates them here, but for most of us, you come, you look, you find.........time of year in the looking is somewhat critical to the outcome.

The more I read the more I want to come there...Have I ever been there? NO...But I have heard the people are very nice and laid back and the sun shines 365 days a year. That is good enough for me. I have been looking at pictures for weeks now..I finally came across this forum which I have been learning from...My real question would be ..Does it take alott of money to move there? I am on a tight budget(thats not your problem) But just explaining what kinda cards im dealing with...Just wan't to make sure I can survive ;)...Thnx for the replys 2

Im sorry for posting so many questions...But i would like to post a compliment on how nice you people are and how you have helped alott of people out...You guys rock!

Short and simple,

Welcome! We all know that craving you feel -- it's irresistable and once you start thinking of that move, it becomes all consuming. . Fortunately, many of us -- like you -- also found this board in time to help us make that dream move a positive experience (or at least help us be prepared for the surprises that show up along the way!).

I am just starting my 3rd month in the VI, and want to stress Island Paul and John are telling you the greatest advice you can hear: ask and learn and read and research all of the vast knowledge that's available through this little community. We know firsthand that It will turn out much better for you if you take the time to do research and plan as much as you can, and to save money for the transition.

Real life stories about moving here that have been shared on this board all seem to echo the rule that you'll probably want to have at least $4-5k on hand for the move. It goes FAST in the first few weeks: temporary housing for at least a week (we paid $700 for offseason use of a room with a kitchen at a small, reasonably priced hotel), food (cheaper if you can do your own cooking), transportation around the island to look for jobs and places to live,.

When you find a place to rent, count on paying first and last months rent plus one month's rent as a deposit. That alone could run you $2500. And just to be safe, you will want to have a small nest egg left to tide you over until you get a job that you know will cover your bills -- even if you get lucky enough to land a great one right away it may be two weeks before you see your first paycheck.

I'm certain you can make it all work for you, and are glad you're finding this site as helpful as I did. You're right -- these folks here do rock.

HC