Taking the leap

Have you read all the information in the drop-down menus top of this page?

If you also use the search engine you'll find threads on numerous subjects which you may need additional information on.

There's been recent discussions on the VA hospital facilities. There is a VA clinic on STX but the closest VA hospital is in Puerto Rico.

Have fun researching and planning!

We love boating, water activities, fishing and cooking (mainly me cooking) How easy will it be to purchase a boat?
Malena

You can buy mine!

Yes I have absorbed as much info as I could through the site but just kinda wanted to hear other stories of people who made the choice as well. Nothing like experience:) I appreciate your input as well. I should be receiving my settlers book soon too.

Awesome! What kind of boat is it?

All of these topics were covered recently - as in literally first two pages of this site. I think that's why OT reiterated that.

All of these topics were covered recently - as in literally first two pages of this site. I think that's why OT reiterated that.

Thank you

Finding a boat in the islands is easy. There are always deals that float by. Fixer-uppers are common, but if you have some rudimentary skills then these can be the best way to go. You should have no problem finding something that meets your needs. Keep an eye on craigslist to get a general idea, but most boats are posted on boards at the marinas and parts stores - or just word of mouth.

i'll answer some of your questions:

1) Getting employment on St. Croix is not much different than getting a job where you now live. It depends on your qualifications and experience level, how many others with similar abilities apply for the same position and, most of all, how well you handle the interview process. Yes, there are carpentry jobs on the island. And, yes, there are usually multiple applicants for those jobs. Lastly, while there are carpentry jobs available, it remains to be seen whether or not they end up being "good jobs" or you'll have a "good boss". One thing to keep in mind, is wages for comparable positions on St. Croix (or any island in the Caribbean, for that matter, will probably be lower than they are where you now live.

2) Can't really answer this with authority.

3) There are lots of boats for sale - both new and old. So yes you can purchase a boat if you are willing to pay the price. remember the old adage, "the two best days in a boat owners life are the day he or she buys the boat and the day they sell the boat. Caveats Emptor!

4) Meeting people on St. Croix is much the same as meeting people anywhere. Friendly people find it easy to make friends but you'll probably have to make the initial overtures rather than wait for others to make the first moves.

Ok I will definitely do that! Thank you!

That is good to know about the jobs. I will try to find more on the VA stuff. Just wanted to make sure that we will not have a hard time interacting with people. I do pretty well here. Lol

Malena, the VA Clinic here is pretty good. I see an actual MD, never a long wait, they even call the day before to remind me I have an appointment. Prescriptions come from the San Juan VAMC, usually faster than I ever got them from Cheyenne. I've had to go to San Juan once for a re-evaluation, they pay for the flight and pick us up at the airport. In Colorado I went to a satellite clinic of the Cheyenne VAMC, and the clinic here is every bit as good as that one. Nothing like the nightmare stories I've heard from Phoenix , SLC and some others.

Omg thank you sooooooo much! That is what I needed to hear. I want to be sure the VA hospital is good. I was stationed in Cheyenne too! Soooo cold! Lol. Is there a military base nearby?

Only National Guard units, and a Coast Guard Detachment; no Medical, PX or Commissary facilities as far as I know. Nearest anything of that sort is Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico.

Carpenters and handymen or handywomen are always a needed commodity in the Islands. So enjoy your adventure, but make it a safe adventure and talk to a lot of locals about where to go and not go especially alone.

mike

Thank you all for the input! I really appreciate the ones taking the time out to address my questions and concerns. My husband is really excited about getting a boat and being able to work with his hands for hobby and work.

i thought stx had a px, did it close?

I haven't seen or heard of a PX here, speee1dy, but maybe at the NG complex? I'll have to check around.

There was a PX several years ago but they mostly had appliances and no groceries that I remember. (td) It closed quite awhile ago, I went once and that was enough! 😮

It was reported in the media that it closed in 2013 but would re-open "in about a month" but presumably that never happened. It was reported at the time that it was getting very little traffic so was planning on reorganizing to attract more customers.

yeah, I don't think that ever happened

Oh, the excitement of taking the leap ... makes me giddy just thinking about it.

Yes it is very exciting! The preparation is a lot but it's going to be worth it. Are you there?