Relocating and Housing Authority

Unfortunately, there's already a surplus of Section 8 people already living here and waiting lists to get into this type of housing. Folks here live in the projects for generations and pass the units down to their children. That's probably one of the reasons they don't bother to call you back. Its very expensive to live here as you may have read.

I choose not to respond as per your request.

Thanks for your reply. How much on the average does a decent (safe neighborhood, clean, well run management) 2 bedroom rent for in USVI? according to this site the prices listed were similar to the overly priced housing in my city. Perhaps the difference being social services are well funded and social welfare is not as much stigmatized from the sounds of things?

Check with a realtor.

Thanks for your reply. How much on the average does a decent (safe neighborhood, clean, well run management) 2 bedroom rent for in USVI? according to this site the prices listed were similar to the overly priced housing in my city. Perhaps the difference being social services are well funded and social welfare is not as much stigmatized from the sounds of things?

$850.00

How old are your kids and what do you want for schooling for them?

Probably best to look at "for rent ads" on Craig's List, the online version of the Island Trader, or possibly subscribe to the online version of The Virgin Islands Daily News to get idea of rental costs. Beware of scam ads on Craig's List - if it looks too good to be true, advertises heat, parking garage, low price (scammers seem to like a $700 amount), if they're missionaries living in another country, need all your info and want you to wire them money- RUN.

Depends what you can afford.

As sunshinefun stated, there's a long line of people who live here already on a wait list for section 8 housing.

You'll find everything more expensive from rents to electricity, gas, groceries, etc. so you'll need sufficient funds to move, pay rent, set up utilities, get all the things you may need in terms of furnishings, cleaning supplies, a car will be necessary get kids to school or bus stop, grocery shop, go to the beach, get to your job, etc.

Good luck.

You'll find everything more expensive from rents to electricity, gas, groceries, etc.

Rum is cheaper but the governor is going to fix that.

There is no individual health insurance policy available here, only group through employer and ACA does not apply either.

Hello Jaxpdx,

Average for "decent (safe neighborhood, clean, well run management) 2 bedroom rent in USVI"...

It depends a lot on which island.

Average.... St. Thomas.... $1100-$1400...

You mentioned management, which brought to mind, apartment complex management offices. In the USVI, all the islands, there aren't any of the big apartment complexes found in some towns and cities in the U.S. mainland. The type where they have 50-100+ apartments in a development; and might own several such apartment developments around the area.

There are a few small apartment buildings in St. Thomas, where there are multiple apartments; and I think St. Croix might have a few small and medium apartment buildings but still not a whole lot of them. The majority of rentals are houses or apartments that belong to an individual. The rental apartment might be part of the person's home; they are on one floor and the rental apartment on another floor of a two story house for example. Condos are also popular.

Regarding contacting VI Housing, phone is generally better than email when trying to reach any government office. Just keep trying until you get a hold of someone, http://www.vihousing.org/.

Thank you for using VIMovingCenter.com to research living in the USVI.

I made an account just to reply to you. I have been reading here for two years but never felt I had much to contribute to the conversation. My significant other use to live on island. We visit often and are seriously considering relocating there. (With in six months, maybe less depending on job offers).

Everyone saying not to move to St. Thomas without $10,000 in the bank is absolutely correct. Moving twenty miles is expensive. Moving to an island is extremely expensive. $1,500 at least to get your car there. $1,000 to get us there with luggage. That is not including out animals or house hold items.

Last time we were there (a month ago) we ran to the Pueblo to pick up steaks and potatoes for dinner for four.

Our list-
4 steaks
2 large potatoes
Butter
Sour cream
12 pack of Bud Light
1 12oz Coke
1 2 liter ginger ale
1 pint of vodka
Total- $54 (and the alcohol isn't the expensive part)

I tell you this because, it isn't cheap. Food is at least 25% more expensive and not always the things you would expect. Hotdogs are pricy. OJ too.

Power is very expensive and not reliable.

If you want to move somewhere warmer, I get that. There are plenty of places stateside that are warm. There are many states with better social services than the USVI.

Culturally it isn't the US you are use to. It sure isn't the PNW. You will either love it or hate it. What if you hate it? What will you do for employment?

Like everyone here says do a premove visit. If you cannot afford to visit, you cannot afford to move to St. Thomas. I hope you do not take that as me being unhelpful or mean. I wish you the best of luck in making your decision.

every now and then i see ads in the local paper for section 8 rental units. i understand wanting to move somewhere warm. but not sure if the virgin islands are the right choice. i know you want the replies to be positive, i understand that but you must also be realistic.
with 2 school age children, you have education and health care to worry about also. things are more expensive here than a lot of places in the states.

have you thought about arizona, florida southern texas?

i dont want to dash your hopes but those places would be cheaper

Are you aware that public schools in the VI require uniforms? That's another little expense to deal with.

I believe that they also have charges for various labs.
You might wish to check out costs there.
Your kids may not be happy in our public schools.
The best public grade school (IMO) is Sibilly School on northside, STT.

http://www.vide.vi/our-schools.html

If nothing in the VI, you could always consider central or southern Florida. We have numerous places that accepts Section 8 and even quite a few stand alone houses accept section 8 and even have lists at the housing authority. I know it may not be paradise like they show on HGTV of the Islands, but it's nice and warm at least 8-9 months out of the year and most public schools are great. Then you could always consider a more southern move in a few years and at least Florida would put you a lot closer to the Islands than where you are now and cost of living is probably cheaper in Florida than where you are currently living and we have the Affordable Care act here as well.

To me, I wouldn't consider a move to the VI without having at least $10,000.00 cash to fall back on until you got here and on your feet. But then again, I have heard of people doing it for less. Good luck on which ever way you choose to go.

mike