St. Croix island living info wanted

Well, you came to the right place. This website has the most honest answers and information you will find (keep it up)...First of all buy the Settlers,Handbook...STX has many people like you who want to live a "less intrusive" life. Whether or not you can support yourself on that level is another question. People try and people come and go...

You can learn a lot about St Croix as you ask more questions. Crime is often mentioned, but it really is not an issue. Crime on St Thomas is much more of a problem. Of course, that is not discussed because that is where the USVI economy is...but crime follows the money..we all know that.

I admire your goals...reality is another thing...

good luck

Hello Eva,

Welcome to the Board. As bd said it helps to ask lots of specific questions - you will get more feedback that way. Also do a search of this board for crime, business, apartment ect to read old post that have good info. Also read the "what to expect" stories in the moving guide - they were written by folks who moved there and have real life experiences and opionions so might help you get a perspective on what others who did what you want to do thought. Take a look in the yellow pages http://www.viphonebook.com and check out if you have compeition or how many people offer the same business you do and also to see who your market would be and sort of do some research that way. You might plan a pre-move visit to check things out - its a good idea to do this. As for the topics you mentioned as suggested ask specific questions - it works better and you will get feedback.

Again welcome to the board and happy planning for you potential move.

--Islander

I would definately recommend a visit, not only to St.Croix, but to St. Thomas and St.John as well. All three appeal to each of us that live here for different and oft times very personal reasons.

As noted in the posts above, specific questions will get more specific answers.

If however, the sweing and embroidery you mentioned is what you plan to do for extra income, and is a critical factor in your making the move, I'd think the economy of each of our islands would be something you'd definately want to understand before choosing which island you'd eventually call home.

Eve -What kind of items do you sew & embroider?

My wife and I are planning a trip to St. Croix to look into the aspects of moving to and starting a buisness that I've been told by a real estate agent that doesn't exist there and would be good for the island. I have been doing research off and on for about three years (since our cruise to St. Thomas) about the island and it's offerings; but this is the first time I've been to this site and the first I've found where the comments aren't dressed up for the sale of a home or for commission.
My question to all of you is what kind of insurance is required for most buisnesses dealing with tourists and what proccess would I be looking at to get this fulfilled?
We would like to get out of the hustle and bustle of the "mainland" time lines to get things done; although we have been infected by the same thing we want to get away from. What do you all feel the transition time is (for a late 30's city couple) to truely adapt to the slower pace?

Thank you for your time,

Wm. Scott....

Welcome Bill,

You would certainly need a business license to start off with. The insurance factor would depend entirely on the sort of business you operate - a business dealing with tourist could be anything from a hotel, rental car, walking tour, booking agent, massage, wedding service to a restaurant, bar... a hotel would need a different insurance package then a automobile rental place which would be different from a bar... I suppose if you are thinking your business would need a specific type of insurance your best bet might be to get a attorney on island that is in the know of businesses and ask your questions concerning insurance matters and legalities for your business. You could also contact some insurance companies locally.

A transition time for adapting to life here - some never adapt and some adapt from the moment they set their toes in the sand. Really a difficult question to answer. If I had to just make up a number - I would go with that it might take a year or two to get used to the joys and quirks of island living.

--Islander

Hello Bill:

I stumbled onto the Virgin Island Economic Development Commission while doing my own research. Check out http://www.usvieda.org/general_info/eligibility.html, their site lists the business activities that qualify for tax incentives and other business development support. Hope this helps.

Brigitte