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We are considering moving to St. Croix but have a few questions I'm hoping you can answer. The first one has to do with shopping. Allow me to explain.
My husband and I LOVE to remodel homes. It is one passion we both share and get a great deal of joy from. He can build and fix anything and I love to design. As anyone that does this type of work knows, it involves a lot of shopping. The people at Lowes and Home Depot know us by name.
Does St. Croix have a Lowes or Home Depot? We'd be shopping for stuff like flooring, cabinetry, windows, doors, appliances, furniture, fixtures, area rugs, lighting, etc. I'm assuming they have hardware stores that carry the disposable type stuff like caulk, paint, tools, etc. But what are our options for variety and quality? Make trips to the mainland and have everything shipped? Where do people go for "the good stuff"?
Also, I noticed a lot of the homes for sale have window unit type air conditioners. Is central air uncommon in the Caribbean? I know you have great weather and a constant breeze, but what about humidity?
And thirdly, but not leastly (is that a word), will I be able to get a DSL or cable internet connection on St. Croix? I run my business on the internet so it's pretty important. I know there is dial-up, but are there other options besides satellite (which can be flakey)?
Thanks for you help and advice,
Jennifer
Posted : January 27, 2005 8:35 pm
I have seen a Home Depot. I am not sure if there is any other store. It does not get as hot on STX as it does on the mainland. The tradewinds do wonders to keep a house comfortable. I would assume that is why you do not see as many homes with central air.
Posted : January 27, 2005 9:16 pm
There is no Home Depot or Lowe's on St. Croix. The Home Depot Irisi is referring is probably the one on St. Thomas. However, the largest hardware store is Gallows Bay Hardware which should have everything you need. There are two DSL companies there VI Powernet and Choice. VI Powernet does DSL through the phone line, and Choice is wireless. Choice is more reliable, but more expensive and it does not cover much of the island. VI Powernet is not the best DSL in the world (connection speeds widely vary at different times), but it covers much of the island and is less expensive than Choice.
Posted : January 27, 2005 10:11 pm
You also have two other wireless internet providers to consider.
SurfVI and soon to launch on STX ComTech.
Both somewhat expensive and the speed is faster than dial up but not like the 3 or 4 mbs you get stateside with a cable modem for the same price,
Installation is also costly $495 SurfVi & $125 ComTech.
The Gallows Bay Hardware is excellent, but nothing compared to a Home Depot. Can't always find what you need. I often travel with a suitcase full of hardware and other do dads when I am bound for STX.
As for AC, electricity in the VI is very expensive. If you want AC for a couple of rooms consider a split unit. Installing central AC is somewhat un economical because you don't have any need for heating ducts and cold air returns. Split units get around this by eliminating the need for duct work.
Jim
Posted : January 27, 2005 10:30 pm
