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Hi, everyone.....I don't even know where to start. I just came back from an extended vacation to Mexico, Grand Caymans, and Jamaica. I'm back in the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC. I am ready to leave the concrete behind. At 24, I'm ready to move on. I have been researching making a long distance move for a long long time. I have been to Europe many many times and at one point decided Amsterdam was the city for me, until I realized I really just don't like cold weather. Then I went on this latest vacation. I haven't been to the USVI in years but seeing the Caribbean again has sparked my interest in moving down there again. I loved St. Thomas the first time I visited and have loved it every other time. I have never been to St. John but with my love for nature.....I'm sure the island is everything I picture. I have been to Virgin Gorda multiple times and love the island with a passion. Being an American citizen, I would prefer to move to St. Thomas (looks like this is the best bet for work) or St. Croix. I have just started my research and my planning of this move. I have already started working out dates for my first visit. Looks like it will be in either January or February.
I know everyone asks the same questions again and again on this board. So I will try not to repeat any.....
1) I have a very large dog, who is somewhat aggressive to other dogs (males). If I get a house with a fenced in yard, do you think it will be ok? (with all the strays)
2) My dog is over 100lbs. I've seen in my research it seems harder to move a dog that size. I will obviously have to put him in a crate but that will put the whole thing at almost 150lbs. (also, he is an argentin dogo......are there any restrictions on pit bulls or dogs like pits?)
3) I can't move without my dog.....are privacy fences out of the ordinary? I was thinking I could put up one to keep my dog away from the stray-unfixed males.
4) Four of us are moving together, we are looking to buy a house. Are 3 bedroom houses in the 150-200K in decent neighborhoods? Or should we be looking at 200-300K? I live in DC, where you don't walk down the street by yourself at night, so I am used to some crime....however, I don't want to live in the projects.
5) How much time does the avg. person need to plan a move like this?
6) I have a 2001 Honda Civic.....should I ship it?
7) Does anyone know of Eco-Tourism resorts? I would prefer to get a job on St. John on the National Park or for an Eco-Tourism center.....
I think that's about it right now......I know, I have much much more research and I absolutely can not wait to get down to the island to make sure, I remember the island correctly and of course, make sure it will still be for me.
thank you in advance for all your help,
THIS WEBSITE ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dying in dc
aka-jenny
Posted : September 2, 2004 3:15 pm
Hi Jenny:
1. Amsterdam--my hubby is Dutch, and like you, if not for the cold weather we would be calling the Leidseplein our home. That said, St. Thomas is not Amsterdam...but you knew that right? It is, however, moderately diverse and filled with the potential for exciting experiences. It's close proximity to San Juan and American Airlines' $400 direct flights to JFK are also a bonus.
2. The pooch--As you know, Dogos are a rare and much mailgned breed. There will be no additional restrictions as far as housing, but I would really advocate that you NEVER let him out of your sight. As you can find anywhere in the country, dogfighting is a problem and may result in extraordinary interest in your dog. That means don't tie him up outside of the grocery store or let him roam the streets. It also helps if he is fixed, he will be less attractive if he is incapable of making baby dogos. I have a friend who has an intact mastiff and she has to watch him like a hawk.
I would also take the effort to make him less dog-aggressive. To rent an independent house on-island is very rare, so you will most likely be sharing the property with teh landlord (or other tenants). If you do find a landlord willing to rent to you and your large pooch, it is likely they will also have a dog and will not be too keen if your dog is terrorizing their pooch. It is a lot of work, but my mom has a dog-agressive Rottie and his qulity of life has improved greatly now that he can hang out with other dogs.
3. Houses--there are houses that have fences, but not many. I think b/c the terrain makes it a bit difficult to put up fences. Of course, you can always put one up if you find a house that you like. As far as price, barring some major catastrophe precipitating a turn in the market, you will need to increase your price range. There is very little below $400K, even fewer 3bdrms in that price range. Check out the MLS and contact realtors to get their assessments of your possibilities.
4. Time to plan--All relative. We got the idea in March 2002, came for a visit in April 2002, and moved in July 2002. Others are on 5-year plans.
5. The Honda--ship it. Used cars are grossly overpriced and abused (due to the road conditions).
For your other questions, you will find more information by doing a relevant search on this board.
Good Luck!
Post Edited (09-02-04 11:33)
Posted : September 2, 2004 4:30 pm
Topic starter
Onika,
Thank you so much for your helpful answers. I thought I would be able to find a 3 bedroom for a bit cheaper but I guess that is just not possible. I will keep looking, though, b/c you never know what you are going to find.
I should have explained further about Charlie, he was abused as a puppy and we all think he must have been getting set up for the fight ring. He is only aggressive with in-tact male dogs which I'm sure is exasperated by the female dog we currently live with. I have been trying to work on socializing him with other males but it is hard. He is in fact neutered and no one has to worry about my big baby running lose on the island. I never let him out of my sight here and I would never when we get to the island.
I really appreciate all of the help this bulletin board gives. All of the information on this site is helpful in one way or another. I will keep searching the board so I don't ask anymore repeated questions.
Posted : September 2, 2004 5:35 pm
