Safe areas to live

Hi Amy

Not sure, but I'm trying to figure out the same thing before we move. I'm going to order the Settlers Handbook from the site here, I've heard that it has a ton of really helpful information in it.

So, you're moving with a friend then? Where from? When? Me and my girlfriend are moving in July and we're really excited, its hard to wait now that we've made a decision.

Lookup my email and get in touch so we can share notes on housing and stuff. Maybe my girlfriend could answer some more of your questions on safety from a different point of view?

Dave

I have been living in St. Thomas for 4 1/2 months now. Most relocaters, like myself, from the states live on the eastern part of the island. This is the safest and most desireable part of the island, which also makes it the most expensive. Rents in this area can run $650-$1000/mo for a one bedroom or $1000-$1800/mo for a two bedroom house. The Western end of the island is sparsely populated and not too many jobs. Most jobs could be found either downtown in Charlotte Amalie on the Southern part of the island, or the Eastern end of the island in jobs like restaurants, hotels,shops, boating, etc. Hope this info helps.
good luck.
Mike

The east end is good for those with out a car, by far the safer areas are the north side and west side. The west side can be really far to town where many jobs are, the north side is not too far from town as compared to the west side. The east side is more prone to crime. But as most will admit, most crime comes from those who would be involved in crime "actions" such as drug deals and the such. I have friends who would state the es is better and some who would state "their side" is better, but taking a look at the news papers and seeing where crime happens it is clearly down town and the eastside. Hope this helps a least a bit.

I don't live in STT, but I'd offer this based on my visit and by reading the newspapers there.

If it is in your budget, definitely DO NOT limit yourself to where you can live based on lack of a vehicle. Buy a car, buy a motorcycle, buy a scooter if you have to (although it might be tough climbing some of those hills on a scooter).

The West area of the island looked very serene, but also was quite isolated. In other words, it seemed relaxed, but it might also be a scary situation for two females to be out there alone.

The North (ie. Peterborg area) is probably too expensive to really consider right from the start, but maybe after you live there a while you could decide to relocate there.

The East is nice. Many more people and businesses. Sure, there may be more 'incidents' there, but that is only because there are more people and businesses there... I think that you would feel very much at ease in the East (probably my recommendation to you).

The Central/Southern area would be most convenient for a job, perhaps (Charlotte Amalie area), but personally, I would not want to live there. Too busy, too many pure tourists, big housing projects, lots of noise, horrible traffic. A nice place to visit when you want to (as with all parts of the island), but not a nice place (for me or my wife) to have to come home to late at night.

Most likely you'd be safe no matter where you go, but if it is a big concern and will worry you, as I mentioned, I think you'd like the East End best.

Chris

To all of you: You really, really need to come for a visit, look around and see the housing available. Because it is so small (13X 3 miles) and because of the way that planning is(n't), there is not the "safe area/unsafe area" that you all think of from the states. You could be on the Northside and have a shanty with pit bulls next door or you could be in Tutu and have a lovely oasis of flowers and green grass. You cannot plan from a map, except in general. P.S. Some people are reporting a housing shortage right now. Between the EDC folks and "season", rental property seems to be in demand.

I tend to agree with Eastender when it come to safe areas. Many time when I read the different post and that question comes up I have to remind myself that many places in the states are divided up into subdivisions bad and good over the track the upper east side the west side etc, It just happens that in the VI as East Ender stated you could actually have a Mansion somewhere and a shanty next door. That's just the way it has been for years. good luck

Amen to East Ender!

You *really* need to come see each area (and see what's available!) before making any decisions. We live "somewhere in the middle" and love it. Every area has its own microclimate- it can be raining in one area, and blazing sun in another at the same time. East Ender is completely right- the island is what people have made and make of it---your neighbors could be slack-jawed yokels or great folks- and it makes a difference in your quality of life!

Now to sound off on the related topic- transport----
I know people think scooters are "neat"- and I even know folks who have them!- but Chris is right on- you're going to have a hard time climbing hills on a scooter- and I wouldn't trust my life to one on these winding roads!

Hope you find a good place to stay- enjoy the island!

I liked this one since so many people agreed with me! wink, wink 😉