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My husband is a 45 year old 23 year veteran of the Chicago Police Dept and currently a commanding officer within the dept. For some time we have desired to relocate to the islands. As such we have spent quite some time monitoring the usvi police departments apparent hiring of stateside experience. We finally decided no better time than the present and have his employment application, training history, resume etc ready and will send it off Monday morning. I wonder how eager the USVI dept actually is though?
In the interim some questions, we live in Chicago which isn't exactly known for it's public school system however we have been very happy with the education all three of our still school age children have received thus far that said is there any public school within the USVI public educational system that is of a caliber similar to large city schools stateside? I can't seem to find any test score data for the USVI educational system... Surely some continentals are utilizing the public school system and supplementing at home as needed?
Crime seems to be a hot topic... Chicago obviously has a healthy dose of crime but the crime is concentrated in certain areas and in other areas one is relatively safe, would the same be true for the USVI? For instance, there are certain areas i simply would not go in Chicago after dark, however, I feel relatively safe walking down the block I live on at night. Could I expect to find a "relatively" safe area to live in the USVI.
Any island better for families with children (ages 13, 11, 7). St John seems to be cost prohibitive on the housing side and Water Island well probably too removed for us on a long term basis....
Healthcare? Is basic healthcare easy to come by? You know the typical kid stuff ear infections, stitches, strep throat? I realize for any high line specialized care (youngest kid is childhood cancer survivor) we will have to go to San Juan and/or Miami.
Sailing? Both husband and middle child are competitive sailors I know of two youth sailing programs one on St. Thomas and one on St. Croix, with much the same offerings as we have here though I gather you guys enjoy year round sailing while we are grateful for 3-4 months of adequate sailing weather? any further comment or advice? We haven't looked very deep in the competitive sailing (around the bouys type racing) in the USVI but I assume it's plentiful?
Cost of living compared to Chicago? Huge disparity? Or perhaps aside from electricity and perishable goods similar? I assume housing is the biggest cost and given that we virtually own our home in Chicago outright we should be able to afford a modest home without acquiring greater housing debt than we already have? I prefer smaller living arrangements than most, less to clean:) and prefer to stay under or around 1500 sq feet.
Any further input suggestions advice etc is most appreciated!
Posted : August 9, 2009 6:25 am
In my opinion your smartest (and cheapest) first step is to come down for a longish visit, maybe 4 weeks. Rent a house, shop in the groceries, visit the schools. Look for the kind of activities you and your children will want/need if you move here.
There is much information here. Read the topics at the top of the page, especially "what to expect'.
Good luck.
Posted : August 9, 2009 8:34 am
The St Thomas Yacht Club has a very strong sailing program for young people. They have been doing well in national and international competitions. Peter Holmberg (Olympic medalist and America's Cup helmsman) is our home grown celebrity. http://www.styc.net/
The VI Montessori School is close by and an excellent place for learners. http://www.vimsia.org/
Here is one way to look at the MLS listings: http://www.marshamaynes.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/PageManager/Default.aspx/PageID=2044918
I am going to leave the whole crime thing to others, but I want to make one comment about living here. On an island, it is difficult to find neighborhoods like you have in the states. Yes, there are gated areas, but for the most part you may find half-finished houses (unchanged for 10 years) next to beautiful waterfront properties, people with pit bulls next door to well-kept cottages. Heck, even folks who thought they had covenants and deed restrictions are finding that someone can come in and build a huge church/retreat in their neighborhood on a 1/2 acre lot.
Spend some time reading the on-line papers: http://stthomassource.com/ and http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/
Yes, do come down for a longish visit and check things out for your own satisfaction.:-)
Posted : August 9, 2009 12:59 pm
And here is a little bit about just how good the STYC junior sailing program is!
"William Bailey finished 3rd at the US Laser Radial National Championship with another club member, Max Nickbarg, finishing 20th
Tyler Rice finished 3rd at Buzzards Bay Regatta, 3rd at Hyannis Regatta and 2nd at the National Team Racing Championship in the 420. Ian Barrows and Olin Davis finished 20th in 420 at Buzzards Bay.
Taylor Canfield won his 3rd straight Garde 3 match race sailing with Bret Clark and going undefeated in 11 races qualifying for the US Sailing National Match Racing Championship this Nov with just 9 other sailors. Taylor is now ranked 57th in the ISAF World rankings.
Thomas Barrows finished 2nd at Laser National Championship in full rig and is preparing along with Cy Thompson for the Laser Worlds later in August.
In Europe sailing at the I 420 Worlds, Alec coyle made the Gold Fleet and Nikki Barnes was one of only 4 female skippers had a solid performance in the Silver Fleet
Thomas Walden had a strong summer in Optimist with many top 10 finishes and a 12th in Blue fleet at the New England's with over 300 sailors."
These young people are competing on a national and international level- and succeeding!
Posted : August 14, 2009 8:38 pm
Kids thrive in a Tropical environment. The schools are for the most part not up to state side standards but there are some better ones. From my perspective as a parent of a son who finished high school here is that there is so much opportunity for learning be in or out of "school". If you are thinking public school and you live in Chicago the kids probably are comfortable in a multi-racial experience. Sailing is year round with many opportunities for racing and training. Usually a constant 10-15 mph trade wind, generally from the east.
If you develop a relationship with a local Doctor you will be well served. The hospital care is just adequate. There is a cancer center on St. Thomas and a heart center on St. Croix..
The advice that you spend some time on island or just rent until you find your place on island. The classifieds of this site can give you a feel for rents.
It seems like a good time to be looking for work as a peace officer in the islands. Your husband is definitely needed, it would be a question of his learning to deal with the island way and island time.
The cost of living is definitely higher but if you factor in no heat in the winter and a lower income, property, no sales tax I bet it is close to what your used to. All the crazy inconveniences are paled by the VI's beauty and weather ( unless your a type A, then all of the above doesn't apply) I live on the east end of STX.
http://www.chrishanley.com/index.htm some maps of St Crux.
Posted : August 14, 2009 10:21 pm
