Qustions about STT

I always recommend selling your vehicles in the States and buying something here that suits your needs. There are plenty of cars for sale here, and this way you don't have to deal with the cost or hassle of shipping your own. Most find that their needs here are slightly different than they were on the mainland and there isn't really a "Keep up with the Jones'" mentality here, so a lot of the vehicles here are more practical, than pretty. And this also means that you tend to spend less on a vehicle here than you would in the States. As far as finding housing, The Island Trader is a good place to start. But, since 'season' is about to start (12-15, officially), a lot of the prime places are gone already, but there will be many opening up in May. You can also try the real estate offices, as some rent thru there. You can check out the Trader at http://83.138.169.18/Openpagesuite.aspx?pubid=115 or you can go to www.virginislandsdailynews.com and click on the link to the left under 'Special Supplements'. For realestate offices, check the Yellow Pages at www.viphonebook.com As to which sections are suitable for living...well, only YOU can determine that. My standards might be higher or lower than yours. I'd LOVE to live on Water Point or Peterborg, but I can't afford it...but Savan or Contant is out of the question for me. It's just a matter of what types of conditions you are accustomed to. One thing that you should consider imperitive: A PMV! Come down for a week or two and live, not like you are on vacation, but, as if you were actually living here. Drive to work at the normal time, go to the grocery store, the post office, the laundry, etc. Get a real 'feel' for what it is like. Many people move here thinking it will be one way, only to find that it's another. Some can adapt and last years...others only last 6 months to a year...that seems to be the breaking point for the ones unable to adapt to island life. What's your timeframe for making a move?

My thought on cars always comes down different then that of Marty. The one thing I am absolutely thrilled that I brought with me on my move is my vehicle. It had low highway miles in the states, dependable and I knew everything about it. I had friends who sold their cars and purchased here. Some had mechanical nightmare stories of Island cars that they eventually had to sell to purchase another car. The new vehicles all have prices that are inflated so much that you could ship a new vehicle from the states and after freight and taxes still pay less. The only reason I could see purchasing a new vehicle here on the Island is if you know you are here for the long haul and need the security of the warranty.
For me I knew I would not be here long term and I wanted to bring my SUV and when I leave I will take it with me as a souvenir from my time on the Island.

As for where to move I agree 100% with Marty. I started out on the Northside and now live on the East End which I love. Northside was great, a little more secluded, more lush and longer commute for me. You will get a lot of different opinions on this one.
Big factors for you will be convenience, availability and affordability which don't all always meet your criteria and sometimes people have to start out in one location and slowly migrate towards where they want to be.

I guess that, being a mechanic, I have been one of the lucky ones. As have my friends, because they've always had me to check out the vehicle before they bought it. Every vehicle I've owned on this island, I've bought here, and I've always been happy with my purchase. I've always been in the right place at the right time and found someone leaving island who couldn't afford to ship their vehicle back to the States...their loss, my gain. But, I guess if you don't mind paying out the approximately three grand for shipping, then go for it....But, for me, I can find many other things to spend my $3K on! Haha!

Marty,
This is where people have to weigh their options on their vehicle. My vehicle shipping cost were included in company relocation. Even if they were not it would of been as you said around $3k to ship it. In the three years I have lived here I have had less then $500 in maintenance done on my vehicle. My two friends who bought cars here have both had more then $3k in repair cost in just shy of two years of driving here.
I have absolutely no mechanical skills so I did not want to run the risk of looking for a used vehicle with out the benefit of having a friend such as yourself who could tell me about a car.
Most folks moving here it does make more sense to sell their vehicle and buy one here but for some it will definitely make more sense to bring their vehicle. Each situation is different and they have to figure out for themselves what is best.

I've heard the same thing about buying island cars. That's why we brought ours with us. Good luck on your move!!!

Bring a good reliable car and if your picking STT one that can handle some hills. I'm glad I brought mine and wish i had brought a couple more to sell 😉 New cars are alot more. And if your not a mechanic its always a little bit of a gamble. Buy American if you don't want to pay alot to customs. That is definitely the way i would go but

the other school of thought is there are alot of people always leaving the island and selling their cars at a good price. And with a island car you may fit in a little better. And won't have to worry everytime you hug a curve and the overgrown grass and branches scratch the crud out of it.