Safe Neighborhood?

Thats an area I would choose. Be careful to not commit to renting something you have not seen in person though. Somehow what landlords think is modern and clean is not quite what most Americans percieve as modern and clean. I dont think their trying to fool anyone, its just what folks are used to.

You really, really must see the place before you sign on! There are individual houses within the "best" neighborhoods that are not fit for one reason or another.

Thanks for the tips - I'm coming over to see the place on Saturday (I currently live on STX.)

Looking forward to life in the comparative "fast lane"...

Hi EJB,
Please let us know what you think of STT compared to STX. Most views are of just one island. Thank you!
Teresa

Hello EJB,

St. Joseph/Rosendahl is a nice area. Its a residential area quite close to Magens Bay.

How long have you lived on St. Croix? Good Luck on your apartment looking trip on Saturday!!

--Islander

Hi Teresa and Islander -

I've only been on St. Croix since December, but have spent a few summers on St. John and Virgin Gorda as well. I do marine conservation, so this is the area for me.

First, I found an amazing apartment in St. Joseph/Rosendahl. $1000/month for a one-bedroom (as compared to $800/month for the 2-bedroom I have here on STX), but it was huge and had an amazing view! It even has a great yard for my dog. I definitely lucked out on this one. (And anyone interested in a nice two bedroom in STX, let me know...)

I was very pleasantly suprised by STT. As you know, there is a bit of rivalry between the two islands and I had been told that STT was overdeveloped, crime-ridden and basically not such a great place to live (which of course, very similar to what people on St. Thomas probably say about St. Croix!). I had been to STT a couple of times, but only to Red Hook, Charlotte Amalie and the University. This was the first time I had the opportunity to drive around and see other parts of the island. The north shore is breathtaking - looking out at it I am reminded of why I moved to the islands in the first place. I also went down to Hull Bay and around the west end of the island. It is not only a lovely island, but has the benefit of being a bit more cosmopolitan than STX.

I have really enjoyed living in STX. The people are great and I felt welcome as soon as I arrived. There are two K-Marts on island, plenty of nice restaurants and bars and a moving theater and bowling alley! I've found some great beaches (Isaac's and Jack's) with excellent snorkeling, been to many great dive sites and have had the opportunity to do research around Buck Island many times. It seems like it is a much slower pace than STT will be, but compared to STJ, STX was like a big city...

Thank you all again for your input on the neighborhood.

-EJB

Good luck on your "big" move north, EJB! *grin*

Ands thanks for the nice review of STX. You're correct, there are a few folks saying the same things you heard about STT (crime ridden, etc.) about STX -- watching this rivalry has been pretty interesting. But what's been most fascinating to me is that I'm already caught up in it -- and I don't even become a resident of STX for another week. *lol*

Hope everything works out on your apartment -- it sounds lovely. BTW, how does one move between islands during the low season? It seems logical that you could ferry your belongings over when the ferry is running -- do you have to fly your stuff over during the summer, or are there cargo ships on which you can send it?

Always curious,
HipCrip

Hello EJB,

Glad the apartment turned out to be good!! And Thank you for your review.

Your comment about the rivalry is a great observation. Yesterday I was told by a Crucian man that a particular Crucian women was a disgrace to St. Croix and that she certainly was not a Crucian but more of a St. Thomian (they had just met). I asked what was meant by being St. Thomian to him... He just said "There is a difference man" and added "but you are a cool St. Thomian so no hard feelings!"... and at that I just let it go.

Lots of St. Thomians say they would never live on St. Croix because they would be bored out of their minds with nothing to do there, then Crucians say they don't like St. Thomas because people are too hustle and bustle and don't have the time of day for anyone because its so commercial and then St. Thomians and Crucians say St. Johnians are weird and stuck up and St. Johnians say St. Thomas and St. Croix are dumps compared to their pristine island. But all of us would stick firmly together and defend the other island if an outsider was to say something untrue about our sister island!! Very interesting rivalry indeed.

Hip Crip - there are cargo barges running between St. Croix and St. Thomas.

--Islander

Interestingly, I'm getting a fair bit of (good natured) grief about leaving STX for STT. I think it's mainly joking because everyone understands that I'm leaving for a wonderful new job, but I do feel like a bit of a turncoat for going to STT.

HipCrip - You will love STX. I already defend "my island" from those who say it's a bad place, but trust me, it's a unique and wonderful place to live. As everyone has said here on this board, there is crime here, but be smart and you won't have a problem. I have never felt unsafe here (and I lived in a pretty scary neighborhood when I first lived here.) People really look out for each other here (as, I"m sure, they do on STT, too.) I hope you enjoy it!
-EJB

Islander -- thanks for the info about cargo barges running between the islands. That's very good to know.

EJB -- thank you for the encouraging words about our move to STX. We are already in love with the people and the island without being blind to the realities about crime and some of the other negatives that come with all of its loveliness. Am kind of sad that you're leaving STX right when we're arriving -- you have that "life is what you make of it - and it can all be good" attitude that I strive for. That's just the kind of neightbor love to have. I guess we'll just be happy that you'll be up there with Islander and East Ender, among our neighbors who are just a tad further away than the others. *wink*

I wish you great success in your new home and job (what an amazing career you've chosen -- I am delighted to know that you're out there working to preserve my great love, the oceans of the world). Thanks again for the nice note.

HC