Which parts specifically are preventing you from an off the grid lifestyle?   There are many areas now with HOA’s.  

Ditliff Point ?? Welcome to New Upper Crust STJ --- A very exclusive  discriminating community of investors.

Caveat Emptor

Not sure what you mean by off the grid.  STJ is a very upscale island with a small population and lots of tourists.  That said, you can live off the grid if you are referring to independence from the power grid as solar is very popular and as long as you have sufficient battery storage and a good generator you will be in good shape.  StarLink is also available (works well) and easily supports working remotely as well as streaming entertainment. True seclusion can be a little more challenging as it’s both a small island (community) and property (honestly everything) is expensive.

Thank you all for your response. It's not the cost or exclusivity. I want to make the investment of money and time on my own terms. I understand the HOA's desire for control. I am sure the islands are littered with poorly designed architecture. I am an industrial designer and interior architect that is fluent in ACAD and 3d Modeling (REVIT ARCH). I had the privilege of consulting with the builders of "Drakes View" on my preview visit of St John and liked Fish Bay area. However, I did not have enough time to explore all my options and would prefer a non-HOA environment. By "off the grid" I mean no CCR's. I am interested in the knowing of any property that may be for sale and not on the MLS, especially in Fish Bay or similar area.

Your best bet is going to be to work with a realtor.   Fish Nay and Skytop are all part of the ish Bay Home Owners Association.  They have a website with a map on it and other info if you want to check it out.   There are parcels for sale that are not part of a HOA.  But I’m not sure what it is you like about Fish Bay so I cannot suggest where to look.  

Thank you, Ms. stjohnjulie. The Fish Bay Homeowners Association Website is a valuable resource, the CCR's are palatable and reasonable.

I will eventually use a realtor when I am more informed. I have been using the MapGeo in my search as well. Very helpful. 

Cheers SG

Most of the HOA neighborhoods have pretty reasonable rules.   Animals are probably the only restrictions I see that I don’t like much.   I get why they want them.  But I have layer hens.  And that is not allowed in Fish Bay.   

MapGeo should only be used as a guide.  A lot of the info there is inaccurate.  You can also look up additional information on the VI property tax website. https://propertytax.vi.gov/CAMA/CAPortal/Custom/CZ_MainPage54.aspx   

Several of the realtor sites list if there is HOA and what their annual costs are too.  

Posted by: @stjohnjulie

Most of the HOA neighborhoods have pretty reasonable rules.  

I just couldn't buy into a HOA that forbids lawn work and power tools on Sundays. If I couldn't do that type of thing on Sunday, stuff probably wouldn't ever get done.

@vicanuck I agree.   It took me two decades of living here to buy a piece of property.   I know more than most that work happens every day of the week.   And I also know how to be a good neighbor.    I do quiet work in the early mornings and evening/late night.  

 🤔 As I am not fond of yard work, I had imagined I could rent a goat and tether it areas I want cleared. Probably not going to happen in a HOA. 

Again, thank you Ms. stjohnjulie. The VI property tax website is a wealth of information. 

SG