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Hi all-
Like many other folks on this site, I, too visited the VI on a cruise ship and found myself wanting to return before we were even back at port. I could go into a million reasons why, but I'm sure this audience can certainly relate.
So this is me switching from thinking about it to actually verbalizing (although in print) my thoughts on spending some time in the VI. I'd be grateful for any honest thoughts on my story.
Unlike most everyone else, I will NOT need to seek employment anywhere upon arriving. I am quite fortunate to only require a solid Internet connection for me to do my job. Most of the time my employer has no idea where I am! With this flexibility, I give in to my nomadic tendencies very easily.
So this is what I am thinking:
Rent a furnished condo/apt just for me Jan 15 - May 15. I'd spend the rest of the year with my family back here, but still escape the cold.
I'd need a safe place close to necessities (and the beach, of course) as I wouldn't buy or rent a car for that time.
See how it goes for 4 months and then decide on longer term plans. Return annually, etc...
So my biggest questions:
What is the view on part-time residents? I understand the constant stream of transients can be taxing on the permanent residents.
Is a 4 month lease that time of year doable or unheard of? It's somewhere between vacation and short term. I have a decent budget for housing.
Without a daily commute, where is the best possible place to live w/o a car and still reach a lot of things? I know it is recommended to have a car, but I just don't see how I could. I've been trying to relate neighborhoods, but it's tough to visualize.
Thanks to you all!
Chuck
Posted : May 24, 2010 4:27 am
Might be easier on STT - if the" No Car" is really a requirement - Smaller Island.
Posted : May 24, 2010 4:31 am
That will be high season so you should blend right in with the snow birds. You could probably survive without a car if you lived on a bus line.
Condo Row in Golden Rock could be doable the bus passes by and another passes by at the top of the hill on the main road. 2 grocery stores, fast food, a few restaurants, 2 banks and other amenities are within a mile or so.
Internet shouldn't be a deal breaker. A lot of the condo offer it. I know of one condo with it's own high speed T-1 based system. Prepare for frequent power interruptions.
If your good at limin then you'll be fine.
Posted : May 24, 2010 12:06 pm
close to the beach/no car-oxymoron
Posted : May 24, 2010 12:12 pm
You have the perfect set-up. I'm on STX so I would speak for that. In Christiansted there are a number of decent rental possibilities in Gallows Bay Area that are easy walking distance to town, restaurants, etc and which would have excellent internet services. Post Office, Grocery, Bookstore, Coffee Shop... all just short walk away. Decent beach not too far (but not one of the best). You could do this for several weeks before you got frustrated and wanted a car. Your new friends will eventually tire of picking you up to take you to the happening music and entertainment spots each evening. 🙂
This is a very social and friendly island and I don't think you need to worry about the whole transient 6-month thing. It is very easy to get to know people. I've never lived anywhere where it was easier to meet great people. Great people are everywhere here. It is most certainly the friendliest of all the Virgins. IMHO!
However... If you have any problem with over-imbibing, please stay away. The Virgin Islands are drinking islands. If you can't handle your alcohol and you have any chance of becoming/being an alcoholic... or even just a mean drunk... , this would not be a healthy place to come. However if you 'don't drink' by choice, or are a social drinker just wanting to have some fun and enjoy our beautiful weather... this place is paradise and full of really fun things to do. (Happy occasional drunks welcome ha ha). Same for drugs. Really... if you love yourself and you have or have had a problem with either of those substance abuse... save yourself (and us) and don't come here. Sorry if this offends anyone, but I have had several good friends succumb to the island party scene and wind up in re-hab... just don't do it. At your age and status you should know yourself well enough to know who you are.
Its expensive to live here. Groceries, rent, electricity. If you can handle the monthly costs... come join the snowbirds. But reserve your condo early cause you will have some competition. 🙂 Jan to May is when EVERYBODY wants to be here.
Good Luck.
Posted : May 24, 2010 1:00 pm
I can't imagine living on either island without a car.
Posted : May 24, 2010 1:09 pm
I can't imagine living on either island without a car.
I agree!
We are there for three months at a time and last time we bought a second one so we could both have one.
Posted : May 24, 2010 2:59 pm
i like gdm condos big gentrator kicks on with in secondes of power going out and a 500,000 gal. cestern is a good thing too rents there usualy around $1400.00 a month pluse utilitys that time of year
but as allways look before you rent there are a couple units there i would not rent
jerry
Posted : May 24, 2010 9:57 pm
They rent cars here on a monthly basis for the snow birds. It's not cheap though in peak season, but either is the hassle and the price of taxis. I can not imagine living here without a car, everything would be a hassle.
Posted : May 25, 2010 2:29 pm
