Thinking of making the move

You can find a nice place for $1500.00/month. Check the classified section here on this forum. Plenty of dogs to be had here especially from the Humane Society but I hope you won't be one that will just dump it if you decide to leave after a few months. Some apartments will let you have a pet, more do not.

You can rent for a month or two from a poster here (Ronnie) who has Villa Fairview. You could live nicely on that pay & the tax rate is the same Federal tax as the US but the tax money stays here rather than going to Washington. No shortage of vegetables. St. Thomas has plenty of nightlife.

The Income Tax rate is the same in the USVI's as it is back in the Mainland US so whatever you paid in Federal Taxes "back home" you'll pay in the USVI's. The only difference is the money you pay in taxes stays in the USVI's rather than goes into the Federal coffers. You won't have to pay any state or city taxes (if you do now).

Regarding your car, if you have a loan on the vehicle check with your lender - they may not let you take the car to the USVI's unless you pay off the full balance owed. Check with your lender to find out the real answer as no one on this forum can tell you. Convertibles are no more prone to car theft problems and vandalism than any other car. I wouldn't leave valuables in the car no matter what the make, model or year. Take the same precautions you do now and you should be fine. FYI - the sun in the Caribbean can be very strong and you may find yourself driving with the top up more than with the top down.

If you plan on going "clubing" 4 or 5 nights a week make sure you have an adequate income as living the "high life" here can be costly.

Be prepared for power and/or internet outgages from time to time as those are common occurances in the islands.

Fresh vegetables are available throughout the USVI's - quality may be not the same as you are used to getting and prices will probably be higher but you won't go hungry.

This is coming from my limited experience with STX (visited, hoping to move in a few years), but here's my two cents anyway.

All over the island, there are roadside vendors of delicious fresh vegetables. That's where I got the majority of my veggies while I was there. I assume the same occurs on STT.

I don't know about STT, but if you end up on STX and you have even the smallest sense of adventure, don't bring your convertible.... or at least don't plan on making it your only car. I rented an economy car while I was there, and although that allowed me to go almost everywhere, there are quite a few unpaved roads that require 4WD... and of course they tend to lead to the most fun places. 🙂 I ended up doing a lot of hiking after parking the car at the farthest point it would reach, and that was fine, since I like hiking, but it would save time if you could just drive, especially if you find a favorite swimming spot or whatever and don't want to hike there every time you go. For daily living (grocery store, etc.), the majority of the roads are fine enough for any car.

I have a dog, and I didn't find any reason not to take her when I move.

As far as nightlife goes, I had a hard time finding anything later in the evening, but I'm told that you have to know where to go on any particular night, and that comes with time and getting to know people. I suspect that STT has more in the way of nightlife.

Income tax is the same but coming from CA to here you will not have to pay any type of state tax like you have to in CA.

There is a good chance the would rip the soft top to get to goodies inside or even break the glass. Don't ever leave valuables in the car if you can avoid it. If you bring the convertible, leave nothing in it and leave it unlocked at places like the beach, downtown, etc.. I would go for a more practical car myself. Jeeps are good for 4 wheeling but tend to be unreliable, so you have to ask yourself how much am I really going to go offroad?

There are veggies but what they have in the grocery store is probably not going to be as good as quality as what you get stateside. Also expect to pay for for groceries in general. There are little farmers markets and roadside sellers of veggies on both islands.

I've never heard of swing dancing on the islands, but doesnt mean its not there. STT will have more opportunites for dancing. But Puerto Rico is the best for going out dancing (swing, ballroom, salsa etc) as far as I know. That island loves to dance, and it seems like everyone is good at it too when we go out there.

Dog is a great idea here, for companionship and safety.

$1500 is a good amount of money to play with even having a dog (apt that allow dogs tend to charge more but not always). If you're lucky that should be your total monthly bills altogether for a 1 bedroom type apartment. But they can easily surpass that as well. Just depends on what you want.

I too think it would be a great idea to adopt a dog from the Humane Society. There are so many deserving animals on the islands. There isn't much of a late, late night life in STT either. There aren't really any traditonal nightclubs except Stereo in Frenchtown and Budha Bar on Full Moon Fridays. Most places are bars and most places close at 2am except Shipwreck which is more bar than club. They do have a DJ on the weekends though.

I agree with the veggies. Most of the stuff they had in the stores wasn't that good. Most of our veggies were purchased roadside. There's a great opportunity to try some that you've probably never heard of..at least for me it was.

There are several people who will rent out short-term. I stayed at Villa Fairview at one point but there are other options.

Having been to Okinawa myself, the Virgin Islands are a whole new experience. It's definitely not the same at all. Though they both have great diving. 😉 I'm glad that you say you're going to visit..I highly suggest it.

I think you'll be fine with $1500/month rent. You're money will go further on STX but I think that you might prefer the nightlife of STT better. Just be careful not to get too caught up in the party life. It does happen.

My experience is that there is some nightlife in STT specially on Fridays and Saturday nights. There is not much dancing but there is a descent bar scene specially in STT. Expect to pay 30-40% more for groceries that you do in the states. Expect to pay 100% more for utilities and also be prepare for Sporadic power outages but not long ones. In regards to the Beauty this is paradise if you are a avid boater this is the place to be. Shopping you find most stuff here specially liquor, Jewelry, perfumes and tobacco products are cheaper than in the states. In my case Veggies and Fruit i have been always able to find good quality for me i don't see the issue. Also bring allot of patience service in the Islands is very slow people here are very laid back but it is slowly changing for the better. To be completely honest and objective STT because is more touristic and Cosmopolitan that STX has much better Grocery shopping, Nightlife and in general services are a little better than STX. Most people in this forum are from STX and they get angry when you say that STT is more develop, but is true. STX is more isolated from the tourist scene as well less visited of the virgin islands so is more isolated and then less develop.

Hey roki,
I don't think anyone on STX gets angry when you say STT is more developed. It's true, and we love it that way!:) IMHO