Time to be alive again

You will find it very relaxing here. You have many relaxing things to do.

You can relax standing in line at the bank.

You can relax standing in line at the supermarket.

You can relax standing in line at most government offices.

If you eat fast food, you can relax for 15-30 minutes in line at the McDonald's or Wendy's drive through.

I would list more, but it is time to relax my brain.

Haha - relaxation, check
Thank you so much for the smile also

Have been watching videos of the Caribbean, listening to the people and I've began to respond to their outlooks and come back to life again.

Have you also read the mass of general information in the drop-down menus top of this page? Have you given thought to which island would best suit you?

One point which has been repeated many times on this forum but bears repeating in case you're unaware of it is that the territory doesn't subscribe to the Affordable Health Care Act and there is no affordable individual health insurance to be had.

Good luck with your research!

Oh thank you for the reply.
Kinda feel St Thomas might be best place for me, even tho I don't drive, I can, I just don't, these roads are like race tracks anymore, a bit much for me. I need to consider proximity to work and groceries.
Yes I've began researching, that drop down is good. Been looking on craigslist and a site called, indeed, for job listings, so far, need to look at any news paper that might be on-line as well..
The tourism season gets going in November I take it, til May or so?
Not really affected by the affordable healthcare act in my case, but yes I had found a report about that, seems they went back and forth a couple years ago, on several territories I guess.
Oh also read that BVI is going to be streamlining their work visa's or something to that effect, to open up growth?
Umm trying to think what else I've read. Living costs actually aren't that different than where I live, looking at food prices, rent etc. Guessing fewer places for rent in winter?

You're going to have to reconsider not driving here. There's no reliable public transportation to speak of and not driving is a real limitation. The speed limit on St Thomas is 35MPH and most of one's driving is in the 20-30 range. No "racetrack" highways here. Online newspapers are the Virgin Islands Daily News, the Source and the VI Consortium. The latter are free, the News is via paid subscription.

Suggest you follow the well-worn advice to make a PMV (pre-move visit) before going too far with decision making. Lots of good cautionary advice contained in the threads here to better prepare you for the difference between the dream and the reality. Good luck!

Thank You
I will do as you suggest. It would be nearly a year before I could come.

from all i have heard, stt is easier to get by without a car. it has been know to work here on stx too. they were young and in good shape also.

do you have serious health issues? while i have o real complains at the health care i have received, others do and they might not have certain specialists?

cost of living for some is the same, others find it higher.

pets? kids?

Thank you
No pets. My son is grown and an, engineer/ex navy. No serious health issues except for old injuries from decades of pick and shovel work, bad knee that I hope to fix before coming.
Just watched a You tube of driving on St Thomas, yeah I get it, car for sure. Same as the mountain town I called home as a kid, not big but everything was uphill, small roads. Difference is we only had 600 people, so scooter is out, too many cars on small roads.
Looks like plenty fixer uppers there from my generation of vehicles, I can probably get one running..maybe..food for thought.
I'll look into emission/inspections/registration and insurance laws next.
Anyways good stuff, thank you so much folks. You are all getting me thinking about the details, and I appreciate it.

There are no emissions laws.

Inspection is pretty much making sure lights, horn, wipers, turn signals, parking brake work.

No heavy tint, bald tires or broken glass.

Thank you
That is good news.

Its quite possible you may find what you are searching for. My suggestion is to keep a clear mind and your expectations reasonable. There is much peace to be found. A year will give you time too figure it out. If your happy after a year, it only gets better. If you roll on back home, you will still be glad you came most likely.

Thank you, I really do appreciate the help.

As for racetrack highways, I have seen people do 80-90mph on the Melvin Evans highway on STX.

Do yourself a favor and make a trip to the VI BEFORE you really commit, because if you have been looking at the Caribbean Life on HGTV and I must say, what you see or what they depict isn't really what you get or at least not what it seems. Yes, Island life can be tranquil, fun, uplifting, but spiritual is questionable. Don't talk yourself into something that you may regret just because you saw it on TV and you think that is all there is to it. Because Island living can and will be challenging especially if you are on a fixed income or have limited funds. Not to be blunt, but trying to break into the tourism or hotel industry when you are in your mid-50's would be quite a leap since there are tons of folks here and coming here that are a lot younger in age.

What is your past experience in the work field? The Islands are always in need of good mechanics, air conditioning repair, electricians, handymen, jacks of all trades and masters of none are always welcome. It maybe hard for any place to fulfill your dreams even paradise if your dreams are too lofty and when you describe your dream as spiritual and "must come", they maybe a bit lofty. Also, if you think driving in the states are bad, you haven't seen anything yet, come to the Islands my friend and you will see what driving is all about, piss poor roads that twist and turn and then up and down, it always reminds me of a roller coaster ride. Now even though the speed limits are a lot less, doesn't make driving any safer. Blind driveways around every corner, switch backs steep and I mean steep roads and driveways that would make most suck up some car seat for a while until they get used to it. Heck, when one of my relatives drives my wife and I around, my hand is always on the hand break.

mike

Mike, he's already figured out that a PMV is necessary. Also, while you understandably may find being driven here traumatic, thousands upon thousands of visitors on vacation and new residents quickly get used to driving themselves around. When you live here and drive yourself it becomes second nature to be a defensive driver always on the lookout. Frankly, after over 3 decades driving here even I don't particularly care for being a passenger and my foot presses the imaginary brake often! Much prefer driving myself.

Thanks Mike I appreciate it.

I have a fair amount of experience in many fields, but to be honest whatever I was feeling is gone, like it was never here.

You all have a great day

You may want to see if your health insurance covers you here.
No individual policies here unless you work for government or a company that provides it.

There is Medicare.

Already noted yesterday.

Mike, he's already figured out that a PMV is necessary. Also, while you understandably may find being driven here traumatic, thousands upon thousands of visitors on vacation and new residents quickly get used to driving themselves around. When you live here and drive yourself it becomes second nature to be a defensive driver always on the lookout. Frankly, after over 3 decades driving here even I don't particularly care for being a passenger and my foot presses the imaginary brake often! Much prefer driving myself.

Thanks OT, but the only accidents (3) that I have had in 45 plus years of driving were all on St. Thomas back in the early 70's. None were my fault but they still happened and involved ME. Now I have driven in the states for about 42 years without a bump knock on wood.

mike

Well I guess since you have a fear of driving here because of what happened decades ago then you'll just have to keep mentally reaching for that handbrake whenever you come to visit and are driven around by someone else! 😀 I've had 3 accidents here too but in over 30 years, none of which were my fault and none of which caused anything but minor damage.

Statistically, driving here is WAY safer than on the mainland.

I find driving on STX much less stressful than STT due to the flatter terrain in most areas.

I find driving on STX much less stressful than STT due to the flatter terrain in most areas.

I've driven on STX twice and drive on STT pretty much all day during the week and I agree. You can pull over on the side of the road too read a map and not get run over.

Hi,

We sound like we are in the same place in life. I am also in my 50's and am relocating back to St. Thomas after 25 years. I have raised my girls and it is now time for me to pursue MY dreams. As I said I used to live there and graduated from St Peter and Paul, but that was a very long time ago. I have booked a hotel room so at least I have a couple weeks to find a place to live, as renting site unseen is not for me. I have the names and numbers of real estate agents and am checking Craigslist. I will also be looking for a job so I am checking the VI Daily News and Craigsliist for employment. This would be my advice for you, to do your homework, and get the resources you may think you will need organized. I missed the islands as soon as I arrived at Sea Tac airport and it was 29 degrees, and have been regretting my decision to leave ever since. It is a big move but I really think you won't regret the decision. Good Luck on your Journey!

I find driving on STX much less stressful than STT due to the flatter terrain in most areas.

FOR SURE! Do not and I repeat do NOT move to STT and drive if scary driving bothers you. Even in safaris and busses it's so freaking steep you might have a heart attack. In fact I would never take a safari or bus on STT, I've seen the way they take corners. NOPE. Driving in STT is like friggin Russian roulette. Man I miss it so much!!! Haha! STX driving is like country driving. Definitely a benefit to STX. Some days I see only one other car on the "freeway" and never anyone on my road lol.

From what you described, I would suggest after you research of course - STX. East. Find something to do, volunteer, handyman whatever and relax. STT is much more fast paced.