STX residents
Greetings STX residents
I’ve been digging through the archives and my interest has been more than piqued by some of the things I’ve read about living on STX.
I plan to come to STX for a visit in the next week or so and would appreciate your advice regarding some of the better areas to live.
A bit about me: I moved to STT last August from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. There are things about STT I love, things about it I like, and some things that are, shall we say, less than optimal. STT, from my perspective, has a city-like feel to it – houses stacked upon houses, busy roads etc. Some areas even have an inner city feel about them. Nonetheless, I’m pretty flexible and I have adapted well.
The area I’m from is a rural area – no neighbors, quiet, and an abundance of undeveloped land. The people there are largely independent and self-sufficient. I guess I’m a country boy even though I spent 15+ years in the Washington DC suburbs.
OK…more to the point. I think, based on the posts I’ve read, that STX may be a better match for me than STT is. I’ve even seen it described as “country-like.” Where are the better places to live if you’re looking for a house to rent with relatively few neighbors? Which parts of the island get the better breezes? Safety is somewhat of a concern for me but being surrounded by nature is much higher on the priority list!
I have many more questions but I’ll stop here for now. I look forward to your responses.
Jeff
Come see, it might be the right place. There is some country like places. The north shore and west end are more rural but there is a lot of open space on the island. That might be why it is considered, what you might like.
Jeff - all your questions will be answered within a few hours of driving around the island. There are large "rural" and sparsely populated stretches on STX. Breezes come from variations of East, so anything that isn't on the western slope of a hillside is going to have some breeze. You get more along the water or up on hillsides and knoll tops. There is usually less breeze inland in blind valleys, but you can get a good wind tunnel effect going between some slopes. There is less breeze in the rainforest zone since the trees block the wind effect down low.
Many people have found that one island suits them better than another. If you like STT but want more open space and less city, STX does fit that bill. There may be other trade offs you wouldn't want to make, though, so try to list as many differences between the two that you can find and think about how you feel about each of them. You should also check into job opportunities to be sure you can find something that would pay the bills. STT has a different job base than STX with a lot more hospitality positions. STX has some other opportunities not offered on STT, depending on your job skills.
Many thanks for your responses aschultz and Alexandra.
Perhaps that is the right order - look first and ask second. Will do.
I'm quite confident in my skill sets. I'm able-bodied and able to adapt easily. I have strong people skills and a wide range of experience. I just can't imagine any location that I couldn't find work rather easily. Presently, I'm a Realtor. I'd like to explore that possibility a little further with you , Alexandra.
Thanks again. I'll post again after I've had a look at your little piece of heaven.
Jeff
Jeff - Are you a Realtor on STT? Or still licensed in Virginia? If you want to meet for lunch while you are here to discuss the industry on STX, I'd be happy to sit down and chat with you. If you're not yet licensed in the USVI, I can outline the process and where you would go on STX to apply and acquire the various documents you need for the application. If the timing of your visit works with my schedule, we might also go for a drive to tour the island. There are some interesting pocket neighborhoods in some tucked away areas that might spark your interest.
Alexandra, you have sparked my interest. Can I have an example of one of the interesting pocket neighborhoods you would suggest. We are always looking for new areas of STX. Thx C
lisailortoo - From aussie's description of the type of environment he prefers, there are some rural zones with larger lot sizes where you have elbow room between neighbors and not much deveopment yet. One example is Long Point in Carlton. Another is Grange Stock Estate. St. George appeals to some. Much of the hillside of the north shore is like this. Hard Labor, where aschultz has bought land, is another option. Little Princess Hill up above the McDonald's on northside road is an option for people who want privacy but also to be close-in to the action. There are some other secluded sites in the rain forest and northwest sector of the island, but there may not be the quantity of breeze that aussie was requesting. For east end afficcionados, Solitude has some secluded properties as does Grapetree, etc. Not many people are aware of the brand new spec homes being built in Spring Gut. A drive around the island usually reveals which sector of the island a person finds most appealing to them personally. Within most quarters, there are possible locations for privacy coupled with a breeze. If you are OK with a rough road into your property, you have even more options. Finding an available rental in your preferred neighborhood can be a challenge or you might just stumble into something ideal to your tastes and preferences.
If you want to go driving with me for an island exploration tour sometime, we can set that up. I have explored a lot more of the island than the average resident and might be able to think of a place that you would really like once I get a feel for what gets your attention.
Alexandra
Once we sell the house in Canton MI I want to talk with you as well. Don't know if we will be giving that house away or not yet....
Marlene
Alexandra
I'm a licensed Realtor in Virginia. I have not yet applied for a VI license.
Your offer is most gracious and I'd love to meet with you. I plan to be on island either this weekend or the following weekend. I'll check with you as soon as I know. I look forward to meeting you.
Your descriptions of some of the pocket neighborhoods have very much sparked my interest!
Jeff
marlene - I'm glad you finally get to come back to STX! Your husband will be glad to have you back. I'm sorry your house is proving to be difficult to sell in your local market. Hang in there...
Jeff - this weekend is booked up tight for me but the following weekend I could find some time, or the weekend after that.
Here is where I will call home and so much for the local market in Michigan. It seems we will start fresh again and be positive with what we walk away with. No matter what.
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