Safe place to rent

The crime here is real. There is a revolving door justice system. The murder rate is very high, mostly among local youth who are involved in gangs, drugs, and the culture of retaliation. There are also murders resulting from domestic violence. Occasionally people are murdered during robberies. Burglaries are frequent, so put up layers of security: a community gate, neighborhood watch, fence, dog, camera, lights, alarm, etc. When looking for a place to live, ask the neighbors about crime in the area. Don't leave any valuables in your car or on the beach. If you know what to avoid, you can enjoy living here in reasonable safety. Generally speaking, there is more crime near housing projets, and less crime in gated communities.

In re-reading what I wrote, it's not nearly as bleak as I made it sound. I'm just answering your questions directly.

There is some racism here, but based on what you wrote, you should have little trouble. Be friendly and respect the local culture.

Finally, transplanted police officers usually have a difficult time serving here.

Out of the last group of lateral transfer officers on St croix, I think only 3 of 12 or so are still here after a almost a year. One is from Jamaica, and two statesiders (but one statesider was born here) Your husband should request a ridealong with the night shift, in the least. Culture shock/protocols maybe? Not sure why the retention wasn't there. A gated place is better to rent, so it is advertised more. I have noticed a bad atttitude from SOME locals towards white continentals . It's like a "what are u doing here , I'm not going to be nice to you" vibe. If you are easy going and friendly, it shouldn't bother you. I laugh about it with other locals, but it is there . If ppl know u live and work here, vs. Just visiting , it gets better.

If ppl know u live and work here, vs. Just visiting , it gets better.

That is SO true. Although I have yet to run into anyone who was blatantly rude, on the few days when I went out to the grocery store or whatever in my scrubs after work during my PMV, people were even more friendly. One Cost-U-Less cashier even warned me to pick up my wallet when I put it down on the conveyor belt. She was worried about the two touristy-looking girls behind me in line. It also helps to say, "Good morning," "Good afternoon," and "Good night" and make a little small talk, as has been pointed out on this board numerous times. My (Crucian) employer was a little skeptical when I mentioned that I think the people of St. Croix are warm and friendly. He asked if I had ever been to KMart! (And yes, I have, several times.) I think he just couldn't believe that no one had been rude to me yet. Maybe I've just been lucky so far, but I'd like to believe that if you don't act like a tourist or a know-it-all mainlander, people will treat you well.

Yes, a tangent: I accept it as a given that the checkers at St croix kmart are rude! 🙂 I don't know what the issue is. Maybe no ramifications for a sour puss attitude in a customer oriented profession. This was to me, never responding to a good morning and having the old crucian lady behind me even say something to the checker when it was her turn that she must be mad at the world!

At the kfc drive thru there is a photo display called "rate the smile" wherein 1 is a frown and 5 is a toothy grin, with varying degrees via actual photo! Kmart=-2!

Is there crime here? You bet anywhere from 3 - 4 times the main land rate. Is there a bias against white people? I never felt that way. If you treat each person you meet with respect most islands will give you the same back. Yes there are people that are racist but that goes both ways. So there is no set rule. Again, respect is the best way to earn respect.

I will echo some of the comments made above regarding transfers to the VIPD. It is not all that simple. Things are done different down here. There is a special way to go about VIPD business. I would be very careful about making a move without doing a PMV and get you husband to ride with some officers to see what it is all about. Look at the actual day to day stuff as well as the political environment that the VIPD lives in.

If you determine that that the move is right for you then I am sure that you will enjoy the islands and the great people down here.

billd

I'm renting at Ocean Terrace on Estate Orange Grove. It's gated and not near public housing. Rates are reasonable. Units are well furnished. The Manager is attentive. Give him a call: Dale Muir, (340) 773-6901

Do unto others...

Thank you all for taking time to respond to our questions. This helps us immensely.