Starting to Panic!

Amy,
There have been a few women who have vacationed and PMV'd the islands on their own. Just be smart about your surroundings. When I was there on my own, I let my B&B hosts know where I was going and my expected return time. They would wait up for me to return. I was respectful of their advice and if caught out at night would return in a taxi or walk with other couples from the same B&B. Its amazing how many times you see the people you are staying near. Do NOT get so intoxicated that you lose your ability to make smart decisions. Express your concerns to the concierge or hosts and let them give you the advice that has kept thier guests safe... I am still alive and kicking after my experience. I had a great time, did a lot of things, enjoyed meeting the locals, saw a lot of the island. In that time I was never uncomfortable or scared.
Go... Have a wonderful time...
EVE

Amy, you have some legit concerns. The worst thing you can do is be reckless in your decision to live in the VI, it is expensive to come down and then leave. You need to make a "pro's & con's" list and weigh it out - what is important and what is reality. Research this forum on the topics you develop and then THINK SMART.
Good Luck!

Amy,
Asking what is "fairly safe" is very subjective and sometimes hard to answer. Many times, being safe is as much a matter of your awareness and behavior as it is the environment. No doubt, we all are concerned with safety. IMHO, alot of the concern is that while there is some crime here, you are simply not familiar with what and where it is at. You may have only heard the tales of victims which can amplify your concern, and rightly so. I have not yet found a place that is completely safe and secure. There are places everywhere I've lived that you must be careful about, and if you checked, they likely have more crime than here. Familiarize yourself and seek the help of those that live here, as advised above, and you will soon find where the boundaries are... meaning both times and places, and you'll learn where you are/are not comfortable. Whatever you do, don't panic! and you will have a memorable stay.

I appreciate all of your responses. I don't drink (no, not at all) so I don't have to worry about drinking myself stupid. As for being subjective, let me try to clarify: I currently live in Memphis, TN and have a loaded .38 in my nightstand. Would you consider the islands safer than that?

Thanks,
Amy

Jusat stay away from town at night. I cover crime for the paper, and if ou stay up in the mountains at night, you should be OK. I moved here from NC - get ready for a big change from TN.

I live in town and am often by myself at night and haven't felt scared or threatened at all. I can't really think of any reason to be afraid. Memphis is way scarier in my opinion.