Water Island

How long are you planning on staying? Does your budget provide for any short "weekend trips" to other islands? I'm assuming you're the type of person who doesn't need alot of "cosmopolitan" interactaction. Are you married? Does your spouse feel the same way?

The only advice I'd give is to a have plan in place to combat "rock fever", especially since you work from home. I suspect, it'll take a month or two to really settle into a routine.

There are many children of Water Island residents/parents so you will be in good company. Water Island is very safe and quiet environment for families and children. You didn't mention where you will be staying but if you're not close to the ferry landing, you'll need to confirm with your landlord if a golf cart or "island car" is included. If not, by word of mouth you should be able to find cheap island car for transportation on Water Island after you arrive - PM me if you need the name of the WI mechanic who may be a good source. You'll need to consider cost for tranport on the Water Island ferry for those times you'll need to go to STT for groceries, doctor appmts and just normal goods and services. We are not on WI full time but are there for 2-3 months at a time and our usual "mode of operation" is to rent a car once a month (or take a gypsy cab ) and go to Cost-U-Less, Plaza Extra or other places to stock up on stuff we need. Then, from time to time we make a run over to STT/Pueblos or Gourmet Gallery to pick up incidentals or things like milk that we've run out of.

We are staying at least a year. I do have a budget in place for trips to the other islands, the BVI, and maybe Puerto Rico occasionally. I am also planning several trips back to the states for different holidays. We also have family/friends coming in for a week or two at a time at different times of the year. I am good with a beach bar and good neighbors. Looking for a slower pace of living and warm weather for my son to enjoy nature. I want him to have experiences outside of his bubble and meet diverse and eclectic people. Thank you for your input!

When my kids were young, we lived in STT full time. I can say, without a doubt, the unique experience of growing up in the west Indies, is a principle force behind shaping them into the couragous young women they are today. Depending upon your attitude and level of enthusiasm ; and, if you choose to stay on through elementary school, your son will gain a deep understand of what it truly means to contribute to community and live in harmony with his eviroment. Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

That is what I am hoping for! We, here in the states, seem to have this entitlement to all things comfortable. I want him to know that there are other worlds, other people, other adventures outside the US. The USVI seemed like the perfect place to start our journey. I hope that we discover and explore many amazing places and meet many amazing people along the way. I am lucky enough to have chosen a field that I knew would allow me to work from home when he got to this age. So, let the adventures begin!

Not to dampen your spirit, but at 3 his "world" basically consists of his immediate family, his immediate household and his every day routine. Doesn't really matter where you live. BUT 3 turns 4 turns 5 turns 11 and goes to college in a blink of an eye. He will watch you evry minute and absorb all that surrounds him. You can never get those precious years back! Make the most of your time with him. By the time he turns 15 you will have very little influence (except economic) over his choices. Raising kids is by far the best part of life.