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Hi everyone,
It's been about eight months since my wife and I visited STT and I sure do miss it. We usually try to pick our vacation destinations with 'retirement scouting' in mind, and STT was no exception. Our scouting has probably ended.
My question, and the deciding factor on IF and HOW SOON we will come down permanently really comes down to financial reasons more than anything else. I suspect that financial concerns are also at or near the top of anyone's list considering the increased cost of living relative to most areas on the mainland.
While the subject line refers to retirees/transplants, I suppose that it also applies to anyone who lives there and doesn't work (at least not full-time, to actually support oneself, etc.).
I am fortunate enough to work in a government job that offers a decent retirement plan (one of the few things about it that makes me say 'fortunate'). Basically, I can retire as early as age 41 or can elect to retire at 46 with more money, but less life left. I'm curious as to what kind of annual income is sufficient for an 'average' standard of living, by mainland averages (ie. middle-class type, not average as in per-capita averages). I know that 'average' and 'middle-class' are relative terms, but I'm hoping that some people can provide some basic figures. I've already looked at the web site and have the Settler's handbook; I'm looking for some real world people to tell me based on their own lives and experiences.
Armed with additional information, I can better determine if my additional savings and planning is on track for a move in the future.
Thanks for your help, and I look forward to my next visit.
Chris
Posted : August 29, 2003 1:48 am
chris we are leaving this sun am to permantly be rteried in stx it has been 10 years of research living theere for up 2 a mon th and many strong developed friendships we will both be newly retired teachers i feel there are a lot of avenues to persue in stx volunteer and part time employment..when all is said and done we fel we could possibly live a toiny bit cheaper than we could in new england.. no sales tax, no state tax and the federal taxes you pay go to st thomas back into the territory,..trade off hurricanes and ib surance is exprnsive found paper goods , cleaning supplies much more produce can be more depending on what you buy, and whats ih season, cheaper, GAS, MEAT,CHICKEN,AND FISH AND ALCHOHL..all in all in our minds if you know what the trades offs are and what you are getting into and if you WANT AND LIKE THE PACE OF LIFE TO ME THERES NO PLACE ELSE TO BE ps email me wiyh any more questions.. ps heres the reality we may be landing 1 day before a possible hurricane acoording to the latedt weather report..but , we have a generator and a friend with a hurricane sheltter thats LIFE IN THE LEFT LANE!!! a great book reafd it...
Posted : August 30, 2003 2:52 am
Hi Chris,
My husband and I both retired June 2002 and moved to St. Thomas. It has always been his dream to retire here and we're loving it. We knew what our income and expenses would be before we got here, so the higher food , gas, utilities, etc. was no surprise. We also accept the fact that this is not LA ----------- no smog, no traffic, less work. My husband works part time now because he bought a boat and that wasn't in the budget. All I can say is that we live a simple life and wouldn't think of moving back.
Rita
Posted : August 30, 2003 7:07 pm
Topic starter
I envy both of you!
I will be taking several more 'vacations' to the USVI over the next several years in order to get a better feel for it, but it seems perfect if we can swing it financially. I live a simple life, to be sure. Most days I am content to kick back with a good book, and there are enough of them to last a lifetime.
It would be great if you both continue to use this message board and give updates with how things are going, or even email me privately if there are any revelations that you think that maybe I should know about when considering to move there for good.
Part time work is fine, I just would work part time and/or volunteer as an activity though, not to support my wife and I. My wife is a registered nurse in an ICU, so she'd probably welcome a part time position at the hospital.
Well, unfortunately, we won't be in the USVI in 2003, but will most likely be back in 2004 either as a stop off on a cruise, as another week or two 'vacation', or perhaps both. I can't wait!
Thanks again,
Chris
Posted : August 30, 2003 7:38 pm
Chris: ICU nurse would be welcomed with open arms! Hurry up! Plenty of volunteer jobs, too. This is an excellent place to settle down with a reading list.
Posted : August 30, 2003 10:14 pm
Chris - My husband and I spent our annual vacations here before we finally moved. About 5 years ago, we bought our present residence and leased it until he (LOL) decided to retire. We had a great feel for the island before we moved and I'm glad we did, because life here is quite different than in the states. Not bad ---------- just different. Understanding the cullture has helped us to adjust quickly. If you have any questions, feel free to use our personal eamil too. It's never to early to plan.
Posted : August 30, 2003 11:01 pm
