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hello all, I'm curious about what time of the year is best to move down to the islands. I know the on season for tourists is november-april, and prices go up for plane tickets and hotels. Do housing costs go up? Are apartments for rent less available or more expensive in the winter? Is it better to move in the fall when everything speeds up or is it better in the spring when prices go down? Also, is it foolish to think about a mid-winter move if your on a budget?
Posted : August 9, 2009 4:34 pm
Are you going to be looking for jobs or will you already have jobs? This is an important factor in when you should come.
Posted : August 9, 2009 7:28 pm
Topic starter
I will be looking for a job when I come down there.
Posted : August 9, 2009 7:35 pm
Which island are you talking about? There are fewer apartments to rent in the winter. In the late spring/summer there are more available due to seasonal workers returning to the mainland.
Posted : August 9, 2009 11:20 pm
Topic starter
St. Thomas.
Posted : August 10, 2009 2:10 pm
Check the Classified portion of this forum by clicking on Forum List near the top of the page to get an idea of rental costs. Don't rent sight unseen, though. People like different areas of the island for different reasons one of which is where you might wind up working. Are you going to do a Premove visit? There are a lot of rentals listed in the Island Trader which comes out every week & is free.
Posted : August 10, 2009 2:51 pm
I would definitely do a pmv and do as much homework on the islands as possible BEFORE you make up your mind. While all the positives are quite obvious, warm weather, gorgeous water, etc... The negatives are not so obvious from stateside or a vacation.
You didn't specify what type of work you're looking for and that matters because few job types are in high demand here. The economy has always been harder here and generally its much harder now. I would come in Oct or Nov and start looking for work before season. Housing will be cheaper because any unrented units should have landlords desperate in the slow season. Depending on what career you're looking for I would plan for enough money to carry you for 4 to 6 months. If you're a flexible person and a GOOD people person you may land something your first or second month. Unless you have a highly desirable skill, jobs on the island are about networking and that takes time unless you have lots of charm. Take the first job you can get and then take your time looking for a good one. Because your first or second here is generally not one you want to keep.
Posted : August 11, 2009 11:41 pm
