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Senior Moving to USVI in Spring 2014

 BB
(@BB)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello, everyone. I have really enjoyed the communication and assistance you have provided to the previous writer. I hope to get some help as well. I am "planning" a move in the Spring of 2014 to one of islands, probably St.Thomas or St. Croix. I have done a lot of reading and research recently. I visited St. Thomas on vacation in 2008, but, spent a lot of time immersed in the culture and in the community so that I could get a real feel for the place. I've wanted to retire there ever since. However, I know a lot can happen in a few years to change things, so I am considering another brief stay in the upcoming months to check things out. Can someone recommend a clean and inexpensive place to stay on either one of those 2 islands while I search the area for housing? I would not mind relocating somewhere near public transportation so I won't need to bring my car. Looking forward to the sun instead of the snow. Help!
Thanks!
BB

 
Posted : November 3, 2013 2:26 pm
(@billd)
Posts: 1085
Noble Member
 

Welcome and I am sure you will find what you are looking for. If you want to be near public transportation you should get on the safari route. There are two main routes. One on the east end that connnects to town and one on the west side of twon to the UVI. Apartmens are costly. So you need to look here in the VINOW or in the trader. When you get closer let me know and I'll help you out the best I can.

billd

 
Posted : November 3, 2013 2:51 pm
(@east-ender)
Posts: 5404
Illustrious Member
 

BB: Welcome! When I first read your subject, I thought you meant a college senior. LOL. I am not sure what "inexpensive" means to you. Housing, both short-term and long-term, is fairly pricy compared to Big America. You might check with Ronnie on St Thomas: http://www.crystalpalaceusvi.com/. People do live here without personal transportation, but I do not understand how, so won't get involved in that side of the conversation. 😉

 
Posted : November 3, 2013 4:19 pm
(@rosesisland)
Posts: 703
Honorable Member
 

The two islands you mention have vast differences. If you've been to STT, I'd spend this up coming time on STX where you will find prices for renting a much, much better deal and coming down even more if a new Hovensa deal is not worked out.

I'm retired and much prefer the easy-going pace of STX over STT where, IMO, is just way too touristy for me and my retirement. You can easily rent a downtown C'sted location where you are in walking distance to anything you need.

 
Posted : November 4, 2013 11:23 am
 BB
(@BB)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks much for your reply. I'm sure I will be in touch. Safari route, huh? That sounds interesting. I am getting some information sent to me from Settler's and some classified ads to help as well.

 
Posted : November 4, 2013 3:11 pm
 BB
(@BB)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Haha, okay, I guess I will really have to reconsider bringing in my car as I have read that purchasing a car in the islands can be pricey as well?
Thanks,

 
Posted : November 4, 2013 3:13 pm
 BB
(@BB)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Btw, I guess I should have made it clear that I am a senior citizen. However, I am interested in continuing college courses at UVI. So, one day, I can be a senior senior:-)
BB:-)

 
Posted : November 4, 2013 3:17 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 12365
Illustrious Member
 

STT is the BEST!

 
Posted : November 4, 2013 4:17 pm
(@rosesisland)
Posts: 703
Honorable Member
 

STT is the BEST!

Only in your opinion, Alana! IMO, STX is best! Not as pricey and not the continued influx of the multitude cruise passengers!

 
Posted : November 5, 2013 10:50 am
(@speee1dy)
Posts: 8873
Illustrious Member
 

i hope you really enjoy your time. just read here for info on dr's and hospitals, health care in general

 
Posted : November 5, 2013 1:15 pm
(@alana33)
Posts: 12365
Illustrious Member
 

STT is the BEST!

Only in your opinion, Alana! IMO, STX is best! Not as pricey and not the continued influx of the multitude cruise passengers!

We all think our island is the best but it seems those in STX tend to put STT down way more often when they have no experience with living here.

 
Posted : November 5, 2013 2:19 pm
(@JulieKay)
Posts: 1341
Noble Member
 

STT is the BEST!

Only in your opinion, Alana! IMO, STX is best! Not as pricey and not the continued influx of the multitude cruise passengers!

We all think our island is the best but it seems those in STX tend to put STT down way more often when they have no experience with living here.

Or maybe the STT folks are more sensitive. 😉

We all can say our island is the best. I don't see the big deal. It's human nature to enjoy where you feel at home.

 
Posted : November 5, 2013 2:35 pm
(@ronnie)
Posts: 2259
Noble Member
 

IMHO for what they need, St Croix is the best thing for someone planning to retire. I will always push St Croix as the retirement capital of the Caribbean!!

 
Posted : November 5, 2013 11:04 pm
 BB
(@BB)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

That sounds great!!!! Thanks

 
Posted : November 8, 2013 3:51 pm
(@islandpuma)
Posts: 25
Eminent Member
 

St. Croix is not a good option for retirees. I am a healthcare professional. Please think about how you are going to get medical care? Do not think you are going to get any kind of decent care here. This has been a serious and sometimes fatal problem for some of my friends here. It is not a joke, especially if you are older, or have health conditions. Also, no one ever mentions the ever increasing crime on St. Croix. Just meandering around town is not a good idea. For example, Seaborne had to call an emergency meeting because the pilots were getting robbed constantly trying to walk through C'std or to their home. St. Thomas has alot more activities as well.

 
Posted : November 17, 2013 3:16 pm
(@ms411)
Posts: 3554
Famed Member
 

Sapphire may be the best place to stay along the safari route. Check Craigslist and budget on paying $950+ for a studio. I saw some listings on Craigslist for Pineapple Village which seemed too good to be true so inquire with caution.

The cruisers have minimal impact unless you live in town. They do flock to Sapphire during the day, but we don't get many ships most days and few during the off season so for most they're a minor inconvenience.

Banco Popular had a seminar on security a few weeks who, and they advised attendees to not have a predictable route or routine. I think that advice applies to all islands, because you never know who's watching. I know store managers on St John who didn't want to be seen going to the night drop every night.

If you don't bring or buy a vehicle, your night life is very limited unless you get to know so.e taxi drivers who are willing to transport you at night. The safaris are scarce after 6 pm.

 
Posted : November 17, 2013 9:18 pm
(@mtdoramike)
Posts: 955
Prominent Member
 

Haha, okay, I guess I will really have to reconsider bringing in my car as I have read that purchasing a car in the islands can be pricey as well?
Thanks,

Not really, if you factor in taxes or fees from shipping and registering. You just need to take a good mechanic with you upon checking out a vehicle and figure about $6.000.00-$8,000.00 for a good vehicle.

 
Posted : November 18, 2013 12:39 pm
(@speee1dy)
Posts: 8873
Illustrious Member
 

and bringing your own vehicle is only about 2,000.00 . i always recommend bringing a car you now above buying one here that you know nothing about.

the person above was a bit over dramatic about things here. sure for a lot of things you have to fly to stt or pr. crime is bad on both of the main islands.

 
Posted : November 18, 2013 3:25 pm
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