NEWBIE HERE!!!

I am planning on moving to the USVIs as well and I have a question if you don't mind:
You said that you have done a lot of research and you think St. Thomas is the best destination for you, I was wondering why? I have not made up my mind yet as to where I will stay, so any input would be helpful. Thank you soooo much!!!!!!

Hi Derek. Actually, I chose St. John first but it is a bit too expensive, small, and slow for my taste. I didn't want to be in St. Croix because from what I understand, it doesn't have as many things to do that interest me, as St. Thomas. It seems St. Thomas has more tourist action, and I love to meet new people. Jobs also seem to be a little more plentiful as well. I am not sure if my observations are all correct, just my opinions. I also think it depends a bit on your age and what you personally are looking for. Being a single female alone, it seems fairly safe to be in St. Thomas. I hope all of this helps a bit, and let me know if you would like any more info that I might have. When are you planning your move?

PINK COCONUT

Hi Pink Coconut,

From what I've seen of STT/STX and heard on this board, there is a larger population of 20-somethings and more nightlife on STT than on STX. Red Hook is often cited as the place to be for people in that age range, and having seen it in action on a Saturday night I understand why. *lol* I read somewhere that patrons of the Love Shack, one of the local establishments, like to get a last drink at the STJ Shack and then ride the ferry over for last call at the Shack in Red Hook (it was probably the Love Shack web site - doh!). If I were your age, I'd definitely find that kind of night out to be a big selling point. 😛

STT has an added advantage for you: it's regularly posted that single men outnumber single women 8 to 1 on STT. I'm sure that a lot of guys would be very happy to have a friendly, outgoing young woman like yourself move down here.

Safety and the single girl (and everyone else) is not really island specific -- it's not accurate to assume you'll be any safer on STT than on STX, or in Ft. Lauderdale or other mainland city or town. Being safe here relies heavily on using your common sense: stay out of areas where drug transactions occur, be aware of your surroundings, take appropriate measures to avoid being caught alone in an isolated area or area that's obscured from the view of others, lock your doors all the time, etc. 99 percent plus of the folks who live here are nice, reliable, hardworking family people. The worst encounter we've had on island involved a rude tourist at the casino because we are just as careful here as we were when we lived outside of DC.

Souunds like you're doing well with your research -- are you planning a pre-move visit? Folks from the board often get together, and they are wonderful about getting together with the new arrivals both during a PMV and after they move to help them get settled. You shouldn't have any problem at all meeting people from this board in person when you're down here.

--HC

Hip crip,

Thank you for the great reponses. It is very reasuring to know there are people willing to show you the ropes. It does seem as though most people are very friendly, and I hope I did not imply otherwise. I was wondering if you or anyone else on this board had any advise for moving to St. John being single and alone? I know it has been said many many times to come downfor a PMV, but I am not sure if I will be doing so. I know these islands are a bit different than mine, but I know some about island living and I am not sure if I want to take anymore time getting settled in there. I am not getting any younger you know!!! LOL! Maybe I will put more thought into the PMV.

Thanks again for any feedback.

PINK COCONUT

Pink,

Your life experience as a rock dweller will make it easier for you to understand some of the changes mainlanders aren't familiar with, like limited choices for shopping (more limited on STX than STT), higher costs for some types of items, living with humidity and little lizards, etc. But IMO, the major reasons for making a PMV are to personally check out different neighborhoods for comfort level, affordability, proximity to necessities (groceries, beaches), availability of transportation (like STT/STJ safari taxis), and to submit applivcations or drop-off resumes at potential employers..

Knowing where you want to/can afford to live before you move, instead of when you arrive, will mean being able to focus your search on realistic places you like immediately (maybe even setting up appointments for the day after you arrive before you move), and that means getting settled faster and spending less time in and money for short-term housing.

Since people report that the hiring process runs very slowly down here, getting a jump on potential employers and making personal contacts early could be a huge advantage over folks who just start looking the day they arrive. And getting hired faster means using less of your savings to get by after you move.

People have made it work without a PMV, though. I recall some posts made right after we arrived (April-May 2004) in which a few young singles who moved to STJ 2-3 months before the high season started reported finding a job within a week (not necessarily one in their field, but it came with a paycheck) and locating a place to live (a room to rent or roommate situation more often than not) in about the same amount of time. Nothing's guaranteed, but you're definitely not dooming yourself by skipping an advance scouting trip. I you're interested, you can probably find these posts using the search tool.

--HC

Thank you very much!!!!!! I am plannning on moving after the summer, sometime in september or october. im not too picky on where i want to live. if i can afford it i will be happy!!!! what island are you from???

Derek,

The Hip Hubby and I live on STX, and have never been happier.

--HC

Good morning to all of you. Well, afternoon where you are. Sorry to not respond sooner, as my registration went a little haywire. If any of you sent me a private message, it was deleted before I was able to read it, so please re-send.

HC- your advice has been invaluable!! I never thought that maybe I could actually SAVE money by doing a pmv!! I had the idea I would not be able to apply for employment untill I actually had a local address. Also have to say, it's great to hear there are many available guys to have some fun with!!! Thank you for the safety tips. So happy to know you are all so willing to help a new girl find her way around! It sounds like St. Thomas IS the place for me however, I won't close the door on St. John until I get there.
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Derek- I am from San Juan Island, Washington state. Seems like we too will be going to the fun in the sun around the same time!

Matt- Thanx for the compliment on the name!! If you doon't mind, re-send your private message and we can chat!!

Thank you again to all and have a great day!!

Pink

PinK: Living on an island near Big America is very different from an island in the Caribbean, hence Hip's advice about checking it out. For example, there are no marina/resorts, although one is under construction. And no, I don't know of any hotels that help with your rent, unless you are top management. If you are handy with boats, a job in the industry is a good possibility.

Also, don't forget that there are "real" jobs, too. We need teachers, nurses, social workers, etc. So, if you have a profession, think about using it! 😉

East Ender,

Thank you for the help on the marina thing. Maybe I stated what I was looking for. I meant to ask about the docks where the cruise lines come in. I found one resort in St. Thomas where you can stay at thier hotel while working for them, but I guess I'll have to research a bit more. As for island living being different, I know it will be MUCH different. Prices on most things, rent, jobs and jobs seem to be about the same. What I was trying to imply was that I stay on the rock most of the time and work work work. No ROCK FEVER here. Only leave for vacation. I am considering the PMV, as HC's advise gave me a great insight! Thanks again!

Pink