Notifications
Clear all
Topic starter
Good evening. I have a couple of questions that I haven't seen asked/answered. DH & I are toying with the idea of retiring in USVI. We would probably try to get stateside a couple of times a year to visit grandkids and make sure we don't get "rock fever" (is that what its called). We would probably both like to find some work as well. We currently live in a tourist area - so that part is not a problem to us. It seems like most of the folks that post here are younger and I have seen at least one say that while they live in USVI they plan to leave to retire. What are your thoughts? We are not invalid and are quite active. We have vacationed often on STT and it seemed like a good choice. Also, I have heard mention of cars and scooters - anyone ride motorcycles? Seems like motorcycles may not be the best option on the roads, but I could be wrong. The other issue that is of concern is crime. We have had absolutely no problems when we have been there. Any thought on that? Certain areas on the island to avoid? That's all the questions for now. Thank you!
Posted : May 31, 2011 11:56 pm
Many retired people in the USVI including retired continentals. Many retired continentals are snowbirds and spend 4 -7 months a year here. It is not a low cost area to live. Medical care is OK, but the islands lack many specialists.
If you come from a state with state taxes there can be a tax advantage to moving here.
Search the board and look for answers to your questions.
Jim
Posted : June 1, 2011 1:34 am
We came down when we retired from jobs in the states. We were about 55 then. We had no trouble finding jobs in tourism, both at the same hotel. But we did have additional income, my pension. We could not have lived here without that income. Read the board, you'll find others like me. Good luck.
Posted : June 1, 2011 2:26 am
I sent you a private message.
Posted : June 1, 2011 1:03 pm
My wife and I are looking to sell our two homes in texas and move to the islands. I am in the mortgage/ real estate business and my wife is a nurse. What are the employment opportunities in those fields? Are there other sales jobs available on the islands ? We are not ready to fully retire yet? Thanks
Posted : June 1, 2011 3:37 pm
Speaking from St Croix only -- this island has a lot of real estate people & agencies. As for nurses, the local hospital probably needs them but I don't know if there is still a hiring freeze or not.
Jumbie -STX
Posted : June 1, 2011 6:06 pm
Topic starter
Thanks everyone! The snowbird thing might be a possiblity as well except that we have pets (currently two dogs, a cat and several birds) so taking them back and forth would not be easy - but do-able I guess. I think we would end up bringing one dog, the cat and our two parrots. It would also maybe be difficult as we are not ready to fully retire yet - well maybe DH is, but I am not quite - so snowbirding with a work schedule may not work.
To those of you who did move down from the states, did you buy something right away or rent for a while? House or condo? Did you bring a car with you or buy an island car? What has been the most difficult adjustment?
Posted : June 1, 2011 6:42 pm
I am retired and now occupy my time in keeping up my rentals on STT. The issue is you make what you want to have. There are plenty of opportunities for old people. Most of my tenants are older people. Everyone is happy and think they made the right move.
Good luck!
BillD
Posted : June 2, 2011 12:22 pm
