Smith Bay

Smith Bay is not a great choice. It is relatively inexpensive for a reason. You do not want to rent anything here sight unseen. Plan on spending a few days in a temporary place, like Villa Fairview, and then checking out available rentals until you find the one you want. There are no "best places" here; you'll have mansions next to hovels. Tell everyone you meet that you're looking for a place and a job because word of mouth is still where the best of both are found. Good Luck!

Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I appreciate all of your responses. I'm actually already booked at Villa Fairview too.

Chad

You're going to warn Chad about Smith Bay but your not going to warn him that walking up Garden Street to Villa Fairview can be far more dangerous?

when ii am in town, which is freguent, I'll see all of my friends soon,, This is a direct call for help.

Above Smith Bay is an area called Emerald Hill that overlooks Sugar Bay & Red Hook. This area offers reasonable rent and gorgeous views. Consider that as well.

Am I making a mistake staying at Villa Fairview? I'm not worried about myself, but I don't want anything happening to my girl.

GW,

Villa Fairview is only for a few days, there are other people staying there, and safety is discussed when they check-in. Signing a lease entails a longer commitment, they will be on their own, and people tend to become complacent about safety when they're home -- something unwise anywhere but riskier in some places, like Smith Bay, than others.

You will be fine staying at Villa Fairview until you get your feet on the ground. Go see Smith Bay for yourself and decide whether or not you like it. There are plenty of areas around St. Thomas that can be considered sketchy or unsafe and Smith Bay often gets a bad reputation. I know plenty of people who live in and around Smith Bay and they have the same concerns for their safety as in other places on island. Be smart, lock up your valuables and lock your door... no matter where you are living on St. Thomas.

If the directions say to turn at the old mini-golf, then be sure they also say to go way, way up. Also, do a drive by the area at night, maybe Friday night, before making a decision. I doubt a landlord would advertise a Smith Bay address if they weren't in the "heart" of SB, but remember SB is a large area. Red Hook is in Smith Bay. Also Pillsbury Heights (I think), and it has some really nice homes, as well as a few sketchy areas.