Relocation / Employment

Start out researching and narrowing down which US Virgin Island you are most interested in. There are 4 islands (STT, STX, STJ and WI). Definitely let your fingers do some surfing on this VINOW Relocation Message Board with keywords of topics such as the ones you've mentioned in your post. Lots of great information already posted that won't cost anything but time - and it sounds like you have plenty of time right now. Its great that you're doing your homework early. Those fine VI residents that offer their experiences, words of wisdom, and advice will all tell you to do a PMV to explore first hand. Good luck with your search and best wishes to you!

Dear Jeff,

Three years down the line is a very long time down the road in these islands. Various realtors can give you listings of the present housing market but that can wax and wane. For example, property values fell after hurricane Hugo in 1989, recovered and then sunk again after hurricane Marilyn in 1995 and then recovered again.

Who knows what might happen here in the next few years?

You absolutely should do a PMV as FL Barrier Islander advised, if only to familiarize yourself with the islands and get a feel of each island and what it has to offer. The USVI islands are quite different from each other in many respects. Hope this helps.

Jeff: The boating industry is mostly concentrated on St Thomas. There is a new marina opening in the next couple of years (or sooner?) Good mechanics are usually very busy!

And thank you for your service to our country.

There is a serious need for good boat and/or aircraft mechanics (car mechanics, too!) on St. Croix. The homegrown mechanics available don't always have the full breadth of knowledge that you have likely picked up in your years as a military mechanic.

There may also be a strong need for your skills at the Hovensa Oil Refinery. They pay pretty well, provide benefits, and will even pay to relocate some contractors who have special skills they need and then also pay them a housing stipend over and above their wages for a period of time. They also pay to relocate some contractors back to the mainland if they elect to leave after their first year's contract expires. Some contractors with school age children get tuition to the private schools paid by the refinery, also. It all depends on how badly they want someone!

Housing prices have been rising over the past year on St. Croix and are expected to continue in that trend for at least several more years. You aren't the only prospective retiree who has set his sights on the USVI! Many are purchasing NOW so they won't be priced out of the market in 2-5 years when they can retire full-time. The rental market is very strong also, so it's not too difficult for future retirees to keep their properties rented to cover expenses until they are ready to retire and live in them personally.