We got to get out of this place... NYC that is.

Hi Chip, I love living here and feel safe but others will give you feed back on crime here. Private school is pretty expensive and if your children are out of elementary school you will probably need to put them in private school. Good luck.

I've been here on STT for 27 years as a single female & I've had no problems. I've never been one to be out & about bar-hopping or partying & when you've been here a very short time you learn where NOT to be when it gets dark. That doesn't mean crime can't happen to you but you take precautions & use common sense & you should be fine.

For private schools you have some choices. The most expensive is Antilles but there's also Montessori & Sts. Peter & Paul. Being an interracial couple should cause NO problems whatsoever. Check out the moving stories at the top of the page. Employment may be a problem since the bad economy in the States is really affecting STT at the moment. Best of luck to you!

Thanks dougtamjj and Trade.

Based on what we're read, private school looks to be an unfortunate given. We're figuring the cost as a trade off for the lower property taxes.

When I was a kid my family traveled a lot, and entertained guests from out of town. I always got a laugh when non-New Yorkers would look at me wide eyed and ask questions like "Is it true you can buy a gun on every corner?" Even more recently, with NYC being rated the safest big city there are still a lot of misconceptions about the "dangers." Universally there are just some things you don't do, and some places you don't go at night unless you mean to tempt fate. We thought that might be the case given all we've read, but wanted to be sure.

Peace

Much (not all) crime you read about is 2 druggies fighting, domestic abuse, etc. Occasionally, tourists will be drunk or looking for drugs in all the wrong places & get mugged.

Chip,
Have you read "Don't Stop the Carnival" Amerigo is a lovely island (LOL)
Where is Norman Paperman now?

"Based on what we're read, private school looks to be an unfortunate given. We're figuring the cost as a trade off for the lower property taxes."

Yes, we have low property taxes, but our insurance is extremely high!
Figure 2.25-2.75% assessed value.
And. if you end up with any insurance company who uses Crawford VI for their claims adjusting, you wont get a cent for your valid claim(weasel factor).

Funny, it`s this very subject that made me find this forum!
I incorrectly typed in Bad Worth, when I meant Brad Worth(the horrible claim adjuster) explaining how terrible (and expensive) Mariam Mathis (now 1st VI) insurance is!
If I`m not mistaken, i think it was East Ender that pointed out my mistake!

I have a customer who sells insurance for many years(in Puerto Rico)who tells me not to use any insurer whom uses Lloyd's of London as the syndicate.
I really don`t know about insurance, but I do know who to steer you away from!!!
Bottom line, you need to account for outrageous insurance premiums here!

Only if you buy a home. Rent instead. Insurance for a home here is going to be at least 3% of the home price.

DUN: Must have been someone else. I would never, ever point out someone's mistake! 😛

3%! OUCH! I wasn't aware of that. Thank you for letting me know. One question though: how does assessed value typically compare with replacement cost, purchase price or market value? I ask because here in NYC it is not uncommon for assessed value to be 1/10 or less of market value.

From what I've seen in the real estate listings the average home costs about $500K. So, what should one anticipate paying in insurance for this average home? Are there variables for things like location, age, or construction methods/materials?

As far as renting goes, I think we'd plan on doing that first as suggested by many on this board. I'm curious though, about what we should expect to pay per month for a three or four bedroom home in a nice, secure family area? What do you think that same house would cost were it for sale?

Thanks.

Peace

You can check the classifieds at the Daily News by area by clicking on each area on the left side. That may give you a general idea.

http://classified.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.php?Active=Search&c=1&Categories=Houses+for+Sale

I can't help you with house insurance costs since I own a condo but a realtor should be able to help you.

It would be around a thousand a month.

Tam, it's going to cost more than a $1000.00/month on STT for 3-4 bedrooms. I think this is the link to the free paper given out every Thursday, the Island Trader.

http://islandtrader.vidaily.com/

A 3 to 4 bedroom in a nice area on stx is going to cost $2k so stt it will probably cost that or more.

If the house is assessed at less then the market value the chances are good the bank will back out. Getting a mortgage here is harder. You usually MUST have 10 to 20% to put down to get a mortgage, actually just to put a deposit down here. Sellers do not usually accept a small deposit here. You better have good credit. There are no fancy or high risk mortgages either, no ARMs.

500k x 3%=$15000.00 Yes location and building materials can increase the 3%. For example a wood house is going to cost more to insure.

Sorry, I misread. I was saying how much insurance would cost each month would be for a house around the 500k range and I was actually a bit low.