Reality check

Before we start yet another thread on this topic, let me first say that given your description of your lifestyle, "We are not young partiers...etc.etc" , I dont' think you'll have any problems here.

Next I would refer you to a recent post by East Ender referencing a Year End Review article in our Daily News - in it you can find a very insightful overview of this topic. Here is a link to the orginal post:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?f=4&i=27286&t=27286#reply_27286

Once you read it - perhaps you'll have a specific question or two that we can answer to help you understand this issue.

Very insightful, thanks.

I think you just need to be smart while living there as you have to be anywhere. When people visit our nations capital, I give the same advice. Don't wander off the beaten path looking for things that you really don't want to find! Best of luck with your decision process and plans. We are on our way down again in June to make a final decision. (mainly wether dh wants to move) I like your wife would be packed by now. But our move is not projected until '06.

I have been doing an immense amount of research about the Virgin Islands in total as well as living on an island in general. There are many costs associated with such a move and not the least of these is the emotional cost. Life is not the same (no big secret) as on the mainland. Daily expenses can be a bit higher, life moves a bit slower, and "things" can a little harder to come by. All these things are pretty much a given, yet trying to assess the emotional/comfort factor is not as simple. I have gleaned a great deal of data from many websites and individuals.

I asked the questions above because they directly effect a persons daily life. How safe do you feel? Are there areas that scare you? Can you sleep with your windows open? Will your kids be safe? Does the general populous get along with and like the Police force? Is it a good relationship between the two? These are tough questions, but ones that indicate the true nature of daily living.

These are things that help gauge how well a person would adjust to daily living in an area as compared to where they live now. If you live in a war zone, then it's probably a mute point. But if you live in a quiet, well-adjusted community it is very important. Conversely, it is important that the new transplant not become an additional issue or add to any existing issues. Paradise is only paradise if you live freely to enjoy it. To be in a virtual jail even paradise is still jail.

Thanks to all that have responded, the end result seems to indicate that St. Thomas is peaceful island with happy residents that enjoy good relationships with all those around them.

Hi Jeff,

My fiance and I recently moved to STX. In the week that I've been here, this is what I have assessed. BTW, I'm a tiny, defensless (in the sense that I'm a little weakling ;-), woman and I come from what I consider a "secure" area of Tampa, FL, and have always enjoyed the freedom to walk about beaches, shopping centers, business buildings, etc. without fear.

I've walked through some areas that some people would not consider safe in order to get to downtown Christiansted, but that's purely subjective. I only do this in the light of day, I'm watchful of what is going on around me, I don't carry a lot of money, and yes, I carry mace. Not that I expect to use it, except maybe on a wandering mongoose! I have been approached by panhandlers, but I walk right past them. I'm consciencious and feel pretty safe. I live high on a hill and sleep with my windows open. (I think this all depends on the area you find to live in.) I don't know about the general populous getting along with police - there are some posts about that, which you can search for.

I've been to a few beaches (yup, in only a week!) and enjoyed them very much. I felt safe. I've encountered friendly and helpful people along the way, but I've also encountered some who aren't so friendly. I just smile a lot! (Community is what you make of it, but I do feel like I have to try a little harder here - no worries.)

IMHO, some of the area reminds me of parts of Mexico. Some poverty and places that may appear scarry (like a couple of the grocery stores). Other areas remind me of Northern California (believe it or not) and "feel" safer to me. But mind you, this is purely subjective and I've only been here a week.