Pre-Move Visit

Hello Jessica,

All the best with your moving plans and with your pre-move visit. Flamboyant Manor I have visited - and its a nice place, clean rooms, spacious, right above Frenchman's Reef. Not familiar with Caribia Cottage but I know the area - Estate Mafolie is in the northside but right above town - nice area. I think the spots you are looking at are fine, you should start planning the other things you will want to do on the trip like checking out the island, which businesses you might want to visit (laundrys, furniture stores, grocerys, post offices, banks, employers, schools, churches ect...)

--Islander

Thanks Islander!

We're looking forward to the visit! We're trying not to think of it as a vacation (although we want to be able to get atleast one dive in!!)...

We're targeting a February move, would August be too soon to start checking on housing for when we arrive?

Jessica

Hello Jessica,

Certainly check out all facets of island life; the grocery stores and laundry are one side of it but entertainment and relaxation are another - and we pretty much enjoy the same things that our visitors come here to enjoy - diving, snorkeling, beaches. So definately take a day to take a dive, check out beaches or places you could see yourself spending your days off from work; ie. if you like to walk you might go walk on Magens Bay one afternoon so you can see how many other people do this and if this might be something you like to do.

I do think paying down on an apartment in August for a move 6 months later is not a good idea - if your plans change for whatever reason and you signed a lease you are inviting a headache. I would however suggest you look at apartments all the same so that you have an idea of what apartments here are like, what areas you like, get telephone numbers for places you see that you like (you can call them up in February and see if their place is still available or maybe they rented it for 6 months and the person is moving out)... get a feeling for the apartment situation here so that in February you might already have an idea of where you want to live and what types of apartments are here.

All the best.

--Islander

I agree with Islander about renting an apartment 6 months ahead of time. But, you can certainly check out areas where you want to live and arrange for an Island Trader to be mailed to you so you can keep abreast of rental prices and apartment availability. February is a tough time of year to rent an apartment. Another suggest for a place to stay - 2 bedroom rental in Frenchman's Bay - www.stthomasvirginisland.com. Full ktichen, pool in a residential area. You would definitely get a feel of what living on the island is like.

Thank you for the information Donna!

I'll check into the 2 bedroom rental in Frenchmans Bay.

A lot of people on the board mention that I should try to get someone to send me an Island Trader to check out rental prices and availability. Who would be willing to do something like that? I guess I wouldnt need it sent to me until December or January for a February move.

Thanks again for everyones help!!

Jessica

You'll meet people on your scouting trip. Take 6-8 SASE, large manila would be best. If/when you meet some one nice, ask them if they'd be willing to stick an island trader into an envelope once a week and mail it to you. Then give them a call when you want them to start.

I bet you'll find someone who's more than happy to help you out.

That's a great idea! Thank you!