Relocating from Chicago

hit enter to fast----

I am 21 and from Chicago, I really won't have a big move because I don't have a house and don't need to move a lot of things. Coming from a big city, my question is what is the nightlife like? and are their a lot of 20 somethings my age that live in St. Thomas.

also-

Cellphones, should i get a new one, how is the coverage?

and I am going to need transportation, how are used cars? and would a motorcycle be smart?

Dean,

Congrats on the job promotion!! Never been to Chicago so can't fairy compare the nightlife... but have been to other big cities (to name a few so you get the picture of what I am comaring to - San Fran, LA, Miami, New York, Seattle and others..) nightlife in the VI is not the same - at all. We have nightlife on St. Thomas - a lot of it is small bars, bars/restaurants, nice-fun restaurants, bars/music, bars/live bands, ahhhh plays, concerts once in a while, hotel entertainment maybe. The going out scene once you do it over and over - well you get to know the bartender by first name, the wait staff too, the regular drinkers and potentially where they sit at the bar, the dj becomes a pal also and maybe even the owner knows you by first name, you will see these people sometimes at your job or on the street... its fun but not big city party scene.

Yes there are people your age to hang out with. In terms of dating - If you are very particular: ie. I had a young man tell me he couldn't find a devout Seven Day Adventist white female to date.... well if you are narrowing it down that much - your luck with be tough. Overall yes there are young folks to hang with.

Cellphones - getting a new one - well what service do you have now. If you have Cingular Wireless or Sprint PCS then keep it and see about changing the plan so you have a local number rather then breaking the contract if you have one. If you have Verizon or something else that isnt an option in the VI then buy a Cell phone when you get here that has a nationwide plan so that long distance calls back home are free/included (Sprint PCS is a good option for this).

Yes you will need a car. Motorcycles are not good ideas as transportation - if you want to get it as a toy - for Sunday drives or something - sure... but overall its not a good idea - roads aren't 2 wheel vehicle freindly, drivers aren't used to them, tropical showers come unexpectedly so you are going to get wet, you can't carry shopping bags or purchases, you can't pick up friends if you guys are all going out together.... Used cars are available - but be aware used cars here are more expensive then the same car would be in the US.

Hope that helps.

--Islander

Dean:

I live in the Chicago area, but have a second home in the VI. The Chicago metro area has a population of 7,000,000 vs. 50,000 for St Thomas. There is no Rush St or Lincoln Ave on St. Thomas.

The bars are fine, and as the Islander said, there are places to go, but the number of concerts of any type is very limited. During the off season, when the toursist are fewer, your entertainment options are even less in the VI. The good news is drinks are cheap and bartenders pour them strong

If you are looking for an extensive night life, fancy shopping, museums, major league sports (Go Cubs!) and all the other cultural activities of a major metropolitan area you will be disappointed in the VI.

What the VI offers is lots of sunshine, a great climate, fantastic beaches, great places to dive, relaxed life style and friendly people.

Don't risk your life riding a motorcycle on St Thomas.

Can't help you out with the dating scene.

Jim

Thanks for all the help! GO CUBS! doesnt look like they are playing today 🙁 rain. I really wanted to see Prior Pitch. I expected the nightlife to be toned down, it will just take some getting used to. I am willing to give that up for no more snow and freezing temperatures!.

Dean -
Just my two cents... YOU ARE SO LUCKY!! My husband and I would LOVE to live on St Thomas!! And you have a great promotion!!! Please, live it up for both of us - appreciate the water, the sun, the beaches, the laid back culture, the people, the zillions of stars in the night sky, the 20 mph max speed limit on St John, the uniqueness of it all. I've just wanted to throw in the towel, sell everything, and move. (Yes - I've read these boards religiously).
We married on St John and think that area is the greatest place on earth. But shhhhh - don't tell anyone!
I'm envious of you!!
~ Mandy
29 and stuck in Dallas

PS - My husband proposed to me after a Cubs game. We had second row tickets for a Spring Training game in Phoenix.

GO CUBBIES!!!

🙂

THEY WON!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIRST TIME IN 95 YEARS, WE ARE GOING ALL THE WAY!!!!! YEAH!!! I was down in Wrigleyville when they won, which is where Wrigley Field for those of you that don't know chicago, there were at least 10,000 people on the streets partying untill the early morning hours!! it was like nothing else i have ever been apart off, i can only imagine if we go all the way