St Thomas good/bad areas

Jill: One of the many different things about St Thomas is that it is not neatly planned/zoned like stateside communities. That means that the "good" and "bad" areas are blurred. There is currently public housing very near Peterborg and we have a legislator who wants to put public housing on Water Island. People will tell you in general that "Northside" or "East End" are good areas, but within those you will find houses in all stages of construction and destruction, chained and free-range animals, abandoned cars, etc. The only way to really know is to see it for yourself. Recommend that you take a look-see visit and rent for 6 months to a year before buying.

I'm seriously considering moving to USVI this Fall and starting my acupuncture practice in the Islands.
I am looking for a place to rent/live to get started. THinking about St. John.
If anyone out there has good reputable contacts, please advise.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Dr. Quinn

Jill,

I have lived on island about 10 months. It is very difficult to explain the areas of the island. What I did find was that moving closer to our kids' school worked better for us. We lived in Frenchman's Bay first and got the kids in public school in Mandahl at Peace Corps School. We moved to Mandahl and the drive to school is much easier! 😉 Of course, now we drive much further to work, but we found a large apartment which was better than the small two bedroom we did live in.

Schools and homes are both so important to see in person to judge for yourself. I think everyone will suggest a pre move visit. The main page on this site has some general info on schools. I have been satisfied with the public elementary schools thus far. I have heard great things about the Montessori school, All Saints private school, and Antilles private school. There are others that I have not researched. Antilles is in Frenchman's Bay. The Montessori is on the East End, and All Saints is in Charolotte Amalie.

A little info on areas that I have gained: The West End, while beautiful, has very limited cell phone, internet, phone, and cable access. The East End has heavy traffic of tourists, workers, taxi drivers, etc. heading to the ferry docks for St. John. However, in Red Hook (East End), there is a lot of night life. It also has a post office, restaurants, grocery stores, laundry, shopping, doctor's offices, etc. Frenchman's Bay has (from most homes) a view of the cruise ships coming and going. We enjoyed that, but many want to get away. I have found that there are more homes on the South side of the island that have easy access to beaches, whereas on the North side there are more cliffs and less beaches other than Magen's Bay and the resorts. The higher on a hill you go the more the climate changes and the further you get from all the conviences (sp?). Usually more of a breeze and 'cooler' and wetter higher up, but for all my observations, every single one has an exception. You really must see for yourself. Don't eliminate or buy in an area until you see it in person.

Well, I hope my rambling helps you a bit. I did a lot of research before moving and thought I had covered everything. I moved here and everything was completely different than I imagined. Such a strange beautiful place.

Teresa

Actually, the "East End" doesn't encompass just the busy Red Hook area. Nazareth is East and there are some lovely homes and areas right off the main drag which are very peaceful. Likewise Smith Bay which has a lousy reputation which is based on but one small area of the main road. Soar up into the hills on either side of the Smith Bay Road and there are lovely residential areas, replete with nice homes and nice people. Have to stick up for "my 'hood" once in a while!!!!

So sorry STT Resident. I didn't mean to not show the positives. I always hesitate to give opinion of areas, because you can't adequately describe each area. I understand what you mean about Smith Bay. Never judge a book by it's cover, no? I actually like the East End, but it wasn't near work nor school. I do hope that everyone understands that I was just 'talking' about areas I have lived in or researched. There is so much to this 31 square mile island that you just can't get across in a post. I also understand being in the states trying to get as much done online before moving or visiting. Good or bad areas are one of the first things you think about. On this island, it really is a must see before eliminating or choosing. Good luck to all you newbies. Buy the guides and keep asking questions and just remember to keep an open mind. You will enjoy your time here better that way.

Teresa

Here is a response I'd wrote a few months back to a similar question...

St. Thomas is referred to by Northside, East End, West End, downtown. Within the Northside there is Dorothea, Caret, Hull Bay, Mountain Top, Mafolie, Mandahl, Wintberg, St. Joseph and Rosendahl and a few others. I'd say all those areas are fine to look for an apartment/home. East End has Sapphire, Smith Bay, Red Hook, Nazareth, Great Bay, Bovoni... and most of those areas are fine, except some areas of Smith Bay and Bovoni are depressed areas and its visible and others are ok. The West End is good as well, a bit far for some people in terms of the drive. And then downtown... it’s the 'town' and some people like it and others don't. Also in the downtown area you have some visibly depressed parts like Hospital Ground and Savan. Frenchman's Bay area is good. Tutu is ok, it has some residential and also commercial (the main grocery stores, mall, gas stations, banks). Contant and Solberg have some nice and not so nice within the same area. Your best bet is to drive around the island see which parts of the island appeal to you, what’s close/far from work, close/far from the beach or other recreational activity that interest you etc. and then try to see if you can narrow down apartment/housing availabilities to the locations you like.

--Islander

Thank you so much for the information you provided! You've been so helpful, and we will definitely come down and scout the island before buying anywhere in particular. You've made it much easier for us to let a realtor know where we're seriously looking, and this is invaluable information to us!! 🙂

Thanks again