PMV?

When I came down to STX in 2005, my plan was to stay for 30 days. I was very lucky. I found a job and housing within 2 weeks and never used my return ticket. The economy is a different beast today. I don't know how easy it would be to find work on a PMV now. But if you bring enough money and live to your means, understanding that prices are significantly higher here, you may be alright.

Understand though, the islands most people experience on vacations is sugar coated usually. You don't feel the frustrations (and joys) that come from doing the day to day.

I'd say if you have enough money to last a few months and/or a round trip ticket if you decide against staying - do your due diligence in researching all that this site has to offer (not just the msg board - but the whole site) and come on down - eyes wide open!

Linda

If you come for a visit and then go back home to pack, you will probably not be abel to nail down either a job or a place to live.

If you are a single person or unencumbered couple (no children, fancy expectations) you probably don't need a PMV. But you need enough money to keep yourself going for a bit while you scope things out. I do know a guy who came down on vacation, phoned back and told his family to send his stuff down- 25 years ago. I also know someone who had a job lined up, flew in on a Thursday and left before Monday. You won't know which category you are in immediately. Well, okay, if you are back on the plane in three days, you'll know! 😉

Everyone's situation is different. A PMV is recommended because many people underestimate what it is like living on an island - it's far different than visiting on vacation.

Employers tend to hire people who are living on-island rather than "just visiting". Think about it - if you were an employer in an area with a big transient population who would you hire - someone who may or may not show up on the island or someone who has some roots in the community. Do some people get jobs right away - of course, but for others the search takes much longer.

From the tone of your questions it appears you may not have a significant amount of descretionary cash and that might present a roblem. It's wise to have a sufficient amount of savings to tide you over until you can find suitable employment. No one can tell how long it will take YOU to get settled. As East Ender said some people arrive for vacation and never leave others come with a job and accomodations all lined up but leave in less than a week. Where YOU fit could be anywhere in that range.

Plan on doing a PMV and if things work out quickly for you so much the better but if they don't it will be cheaper for you in the long run.

This website makes it seem imperative to do a pre-move visit. If you've vacationed there recently and have a friend (with a car) living on the island already is it as necessary to do a PMV?

Those things will help, but they might not help you figure out where to park or set up a bank account.

How long before you move should you do a PMV? One month?

It depends on the intent of your PMV. If you're trying out the island life to see if it's for you, it doesn't matter how far in advance you go. If you're trying to line up a place to live and a job, a month or two in advance is probably good.

Do employers usually hire people during their PMVs? Do landlords let you sign leases during PMVs?

A landlord will let you sign a lease anytime you hand over your 1st + last + security! Especially in this rental market. Whether or not you'll be hired during your visit depends on what kind of work you do, and what kind of impression you make on potential employers.

What if there is no reason to go home at the end of a PMV and you waste money on plane tickets. Has this happened to you or anybody you know of?

For a fee, you can change that return ticket to be used on another date. If you never want to go back, ever, then you've just bought yourself a lifetime in paradise for a few hundred bucks. 😉

When we came the second time, to buy a condo, we met a couple from from this board whowere from our home town. They were living here for a years contract. She HATED it here and could not wait to get off.
We have another couple who we met in our home town from this board who came down for their PMV and never went back.
They had their friends clear out their house so it could be sold, and another friend came for a visit with their cats.