St. Thomas land/real estate

what: I fear you are putting the cart before the horse. You should spend your 2 weeks searching for a short term spot, work (if you need it) and getting a feeling for life on the Rock. Then after you have lived here awhile, you will know if you even want to buy...

Jeff - yes, I only work on STX. It isn't logistically realistic to commute between STX and STT. If you do come to visit STX, I'd love to go diving with you, though!

Thanks for the caution eastender. But trust me, I don't plan on buying anything until I know it's for me. I'm planning my pmv fairly soon. Still am finishing remodeling my house here in Ft. Worth and realistically can't think about moving for 6 months. I'll only be looking for short term rental, employment/bringing my resume, scouting employers, living necessities, etc.

I do want to talk to a broker about real estate though. Suppose everything is great (short term rental/employment) only to find out that the real estate market is too much headache or outta reach----after you've already moved there? I'm gonna have 2 horses pullin' my cart.

Alexandra, that's what I thought...only stx. But on my pmv I'll be heading over to stx if possible (ferry working now?) to do some diving and to check out your "rock". And since you're a divemaster...I'm very interested in taking more classes. I consider myself an advanced diver, just haven't physically gone to any other classes than o/w. My divemaster here in Tx, Manny Montoro--Lone Star Scuba, said he would sign off on any qualifications if needed. The wife is trying to get off for 2 weeks to come also. Since I'm self-employed...it's easier. My boss and I get along pretty well 😉 (www.tricecustompainting.com if you get reeaaaaally bored).

Have a good day mates...........Jeff

Jeff - I am a PADI instructor. I was a divemaster while still in Seattle and completed my instructor rating in the islands. It sure is wonderful diving in warm, clear water!

Yea, I'll second that. I remember when I got certified in 1998....first trip was to Cozumel. Later was jonesin' to go diving before the next vacation so we headed up to an abandoned rock quarry for divers in Denton for our fix. That was my first and last "fix" here in Texas. After you've had steak it's hard just to eat bologna.

So how long ago did you leave Seattle. That's dry suit country for sure!

I left my 2 drysuits in storage in Washington when I moved to STX 2-1/2 years ago. Some friends tried to get me to dive with them in Puget Sound when I was back for a visit, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Maybe I'll go on a nostalgia dive sonetime.

Wish I'd had a drysuit in that rock quarry. It was pretty darn cold (by Texas' standards)....around 60 degrees, 55 at depth. Had my shorty, long johns, and gloves, but no hood. The vis was about 3-4 feet with lots of big catfish swimming around us. First time I ever experienced vertigo. VERY cold after 30 minutes in the water, no visibility, didn't know if I was right side up or what. Glad I experienced it........now.