Relocation

Chip,
My wife and I did in August what you are talking about doing. Some suggestions before you go much further. Buy the Settler's Handbook. You can order it here. Memorize it. It was one of the most helpful books on moving to the USVI I have seen. It will answer a lot of your questions. It will also raise some that you haven't even though of.

Read this message board. Read the "What to expect" stories that are here. Ask all the questions you think of that aren't answered in the other places. The more you study and plan, the easier the move will be. As the folks on this board will attest, we pestered them a bunch for a long time asking lots of questions. The people here were a great help.

Your money situation sounds pretty close. Keep in mind that you will probably want to work at least part time. It keeps your mind sharp. My wife and I are both 56 and found that after 3 or 4 months we needed to put a little more structure in our lives.

Don't hesitate to email if you think I can help at all. Just planning the move to paradise is soothing to the soul. Good luck.

I been reading the message board for several months now and also bought the Settlers hand book. Both of these seem like great sources of infomation.We have not moved there yet but have made several visits and purchased a condo on our last visit.
My wife and I plan to move in a couple of years after the last 2 kids get out of college. We have visited at least 6-8 islands in the Carribean to live and found USVI the best. We bought on St. Thomas and plan on coming there at least a couple times of year until we move there part time or hopefully somewhat full time. I may be helpful other than the sources that have already been pointed out to get to know some of the locals that have lived there some to get their experiences.

Hello,

Cisterns/water expense - you have to use water in moderations - ie. If you are showering, turn the water off while you lather up rather then leaving it running the whole time. If your water runs out then you have to buy trucks of water which on St. Croix average about $95-$155 for 3000 gallons

Arts community - there are quite a few artist/galleries. There is also a theatre which has performances throughout the year. There are jazz shows and other music venues.

--Islander

The cistern is merely the receptacle which holds the water. Getting it into the cistern can be expensive or FREE.

If the water truck has to come out and fill up your cistern, Islander is right, it's expensive.

We have been here since August and have paid NOTHING for water. And we don't even smell (well, not too much.) Our roof collects rainwater and deposits it into the cistern. We are up in the hills where it rains frequently. We are careful, but have never had any water issues. And, because our cistern is well built, we can drink the water that comes out of it.

This is among the reasons you should come down and take a look at places to live, jobs, etc. before you sign anything!!

Good luck.

Thanks, we will definitely come down. Thanks for all of the info so far. Still trying to get as much a feel for STX as I can from afar. So far it sounds like a beautiful place without the hustle bustle of St Thomas. We were in ST Thomas about 14 yrs ago and were surprised with the crime. I know STX isn’t as wealthy as the two other islands and the hurricane sure took its toll, but we aren’t looking for metropolis, just a place with a warm climate, turquoise water, tropical, Friendly, where a couple can relax, make friends, make art. and enjoy life. We're kinda both ex hippies looking for a tropical dream and it looks like a small early retirement package may facilitate it. Thanks and I'll post more questions as they come up. See ya Christmas break.