STX with family for a month!

I'm wondering about differences between Christianstead vs East end vs. Frederickstead.

Frederiksted is smaller, less commercial, more sleepy, more impoverished, less touristy, more native, better beaches, and less expensive.

Christiansted is larger, has most of the "transplants", better infrastructure, more expensive, more vibrant, more crowded, and feels less Caribbean.

You can rent a car from the STX airport. Ask for a monthly rate. It would probably be from $1200 an up per month, depending on the size (sound like you'd need a large SUV). Book in advance, as supply may be limited.

I need to put some space between me and that world

USVI will certainly do it.

You will want a car on STX regardless, and you will very most likely be driving to whichever markets you decide to shop, even if it is only a short distance. You will likely want to visit a few different markets for the pros and cons of each during a month stay. You can get a monthly rate from the rental car companies but definitely check rates because weekly could actually be less. Also know that your current car insurance will likely not cover more than 21 consecutive days of car rental, but credit card insurance may.

North shore, C'sted area and East are good general areas for vacation rentals and will be closer to more markets. Whether you want a place on the beach or one in the hills with a view is up to you, we have it all. On or across from the beach with a view sounds like it may be better for the kids. Also know that US VI is part of US so there are no ex-pats from US here (but are some from the great white north eh)

You should apply for jobs as well! The "escaping drama in the states" types tend to do very, very well here. You should be picked up quickly.

The "escaping drama in the states" types tend to do very, very well here.

What are the other types?

The I don't have a job in the states so let's find one on an island instead types.:D

I hope you've read all the information in the drop-down menus top of this page. They're as applicable to you and your questions coming for a month as they are to anyone anticipating a longer stay. I rather think from your questions that you've not fully absorbed that vast amount of information.

I would point out that there is no "St John's" here (simply St John) and although there are a few "expats" in the islands, I think you're referring to people who've moved here from the US. They're US citizens who've moved here, not expats. Good luck.

We have been really happy with Judi's at Croix ([url= http://www.judiofcroix.com/p/welcome-home-to-st-croix.html ]). Much less expensive than at the airport and they will meet you there. Dennis is great to work with.

If costs are a consideration, then you'll find off season rates May/ Nov. much more practical for vacation than winter/high season rates.
Best rates are generally during Aug.- Sept. - Oct.

If you wish to be here in the VI during high season, then be prepared to pay the price. There'll be a scarcity of car rentals if you don't have a prior reservation, especially in Feb.

Short term rental owners are less likely to negotiate rates in high season.

Mid Dec. - end of April command higher rates.

Call centerline car rental on St Croix. Cheapest on island ! They will also meet you at airport.Last I checked...centerline was $800 for the month verses Judi for $1200.

St Croix, St John - is St Thomas not a consideration? Just curious.

I completely agree about Centerlne but don't rent a car from anybody at the airport.

You'll get hit with an 8% AIRPORT CONCESION FEE. When I rent from Centerline's C'sted location and then drop it off at the airport, I'm charged a $10 "foreign drop fee" but no 8% fee.

If the rental originated and ended at the airport, I'd be charged the 8% fee and the $10 drop fee so I don't know if the $10 drop fee is another airport fee or Centerline's pricing structure. If you go to their website and play around with the pick up and drop off sections you'll see what I'm talking about.

Hopefully my post doesn't take this thread in a completely different direction.

The "escaping drama in the states" types tend to do very, very well here.

What are the other types?

Why wanderer is the best, exhibit A.

These fine broads remind me of east St John.

You're all wonderful, thanks for the variety of observations and suggestions. We'd love to hear more about the relative benefits of East end vs. Christianstead vs. Frederickstead. Do cruise ships really affect quality of life in these places much? Part of the attraction of St. Croix is the relatively light traffic vs. St. Thomas.

And thanks for the ex-pat corrections, I didn't mean to offend. The distinction is understood, it just parlance I'm used to outside of US territories, and generally not derogatory at all. 😉

Reasonable on St. Croix is going to be different from reasonable on St. John. And beach side living will be easier on St. Croix as well.

And thanks for the ex-pat corrections, I didn't mean to offend. The distinction is understood, it just parlance I'm used to outside of US territories, and generally not derogatory at all. 😉

There's absolutely nothing derogatory about the word, "expat" but US citizens moving to a US territory aren't expats.

We'd love to hear more about the relative benefits of East end vs. Christianstead vs. Frederickstead. Do cruise ships really affect quality of life in these places much?

Strictly speaking, Frederiksted (that's the correct spelling) is a very small town, 7 blocks wide and 7 blocks long, with a population of about 1,000 people. When the cruise ships stop in Frederiksted (about 3 times a week at the peak of the season), the tourists outnumber the locals at about 3:1 ratio. However, the tourists tend to cluster around the historic landmarks, shopping areas, and nearby beaches, which are in the immediate vicinity of the peer. So, if you are not right in the middle of these areas, you'll see very little impact. Furthermore, a much larger population (about 10,000 people) live in the West of STX, surrounding Frederiksted, and in there, you may not even see the cruise ship tourists at all.

So, in summary, unless you chose to rent somewhere right in the middle of the tourist attractions, don't worry about the "quality of life" changes caused by the cruise ships. I'd be more concerned about other factors, such as proximity to high crime areas, privacy, and noise disturbances. As everywhere else, the normal rule of "you get what you pay for" applies. When you select a candidate for a rental property, read the reviews from the previous guests.

I actually like cruise ship days on st croix. They are far and few between and fredriksted comes alive With local artists, music , food, vendors , dancing ,etc... If it was like that everyday, I wouldn't like it but every so often is good for the economy and fun. Brings a little excitement into the town.
And its only one ship verses Stt....Im not sure 10 ships in a day?

Check out cottages by the sea if you want to be out west....its on the beach and family friendly. close enough to wAlk into town. A great place just to sit and relax. Amazing sunsets and a good , calm beach for kids.

Check out cottages by the sea if you want to be out west....its on the beach and family friendly. close enough to wAlk into town. A great place just to sit and relax. Amazing sunsets and a good , calm beach for kids.

I'll second that. Nice place.

Don't forget to factor in the airfare in your travel budget. Unless you're lucky to have a direct connection from where you live, you're looking at $600-800 r/t pp. We have friends (a family of five) that came very close to buy a vacation property on STX, but is now looking in Mexico instead in large part because of the airfare.

You'll get hit with an 8% AIRPORT CONCESION FEE. When I rent from Centerline's C'sted location and then drop it off at the airport, I'm charged a $10 "foreign drop fee" but no 8% fee.

If the rental originated and ended at the airport, I'd be charged the 8% fee and the $10 drop fee so I don't know if the $10 drop fee is another airport fee or Centerline's pricing structure.

I've never paid a $10 drop fee with Centerline (or any other) when picking up from and returning to the airport.

Both Centerline and Budget have off-airport locations as well as Judi.

If you have a cheap/free way to get out of the airport to the off-airport rental location then go for it and avoid the 8%. Otherwise you may end up paying just as much or more. Centerline may also come to your hotel or other location you are staying at. But they can't "meet you at the airport" for off-airport rental now that they have on-airport rental location.

Don't forget to factor in the airfare in your travel budget. Unless you're lucky to have a direct connection from where you live, you're looking at $600-800 r/t pp. We have friends (a family of five) that came very close to buy a vacation property on STX, but is now looking in Mexico instead in large part because of the airfare.

Yes, traveling to STX is prohibitively expensive.

Don't forget to factor in the airfare in your travel budget. Unless you're lucky to have a direct connection from where you live, you're looking at $600-800 r/t pp. We have friends (a family of five) that came very close to buy a vacation property on STX, but is now looking in Mexico instead in large part because of the airfare.

Yes, traveling to STX is prohibitively expensive.

Maybe there are some cheap rates on the cargo ships from Miami (for those not in a super hurry to get here)?:D