which island

Hello Nate,

What job field are you looking for?? That might affect opinions of which island would work best for you - I recall on of your other post said you were moving with friends - what jobs are they and you looking for?

--Islander

Nate: I was reviewing your posts and wanted to recommend that if you are in a hurry and if you think things are going to be too expensive, you might want to rethink the idea of a move. You might need to come down and visit- see all the islands and find out what they are like, what fits with your needs. The Virgin islands are more expensive than where you live now, unless you live in mid-town Manhattan. You would not want to rent an apartment here without seeing it in person first. If you can't afford a few months to get settled and find a job, you are setting yourself up for disaster... This is, of course, my very humble opinion....

ISLANDER-

My friend and I are coming down not really sure where we are going to work. I have experience in many fields(restuarant, hotel, lanscape, construction), but I want to get into the golf industry and am strongly considering going to a golf acadamy. This of course would be after my hiatus in stt. My friend just graduated with a business marketing degree, and also has restuarant, legal office, and hotel experience. We are not as worried about getting jobs as we are about finding a place to live.

EAST ENDER-

We will be coming down with enough to get us by w/o a job for a couple months, but are mainly concerned, first of all, about having a villa or something short term when we get there. The only thing I have found was Villa Fairview and some pretty expensive villas. Secondly, there are concerns about not being able to find a place after a month or so, and having to pack up and go home. When we would realistically be looking for a place to live(depending on short-term situation) is April 10-15?

Any Help/Suggestions

Hello Nate,

Although you said you aren't overly concerned about finding a job - I would say that you could find the lines of work you mentioned on either St. Thomas or St. Croix of course with different levels of ease... St. Croix has 3 golf courses, St. Thomas has one.

As for finding a temp. accommodation and then an apartment; Villa Fairview is called Villa - however I would consider it more of a small hotel or inn. The reason you are finding really expensive villas - is because in general Villas are expensive - they are luxury homes some with swimming pools, tennis courts, fantastic views, maid service ect. You should be looking at small hotels and inns for lower rates for a temp. accommodation while you secure an apartment. So look at some of the small inns and call and make a reservation for a few nights that way you have somewhere to stay when you first get here and then get the Island Trader and start your apartment and job search.

--Islander

Some suggestions for short term places to stay.
Villa Blanca, Flambouyant Manor, Villa Fairview, Bolongo has a guest house. I have a two bedroom apartment fully furnished which can be rented short term. Special monthly rates. Look at stthomasvirginisland.com

Look in Island Trader for apartments when you arrive. There are always apartments listed. If you give yourself 2-4 weeks to find a place you should be able to find something.

Hello-

To get a little more specific we want a short-term, one month lease so that we can get a feel for the island and see if it is going to be a place that we want to reside at. About two or three weeks in we are going to try to make a decision if we like it or not. If we like it we are going to look for jobs/apts. If not we are going to blow the wad and have a good time before we leave. That way we don't put ourselves in a situation that we can't get out of. That is why I am specifically looking for a one-month rental.

Thanks

Nate Woldtvedt

Nate,
I don't think you can make an informed decision about the islands in a month. We are on St Croix and it is a very diverse island. We are taking a year to make the same decision you want to make in a month. What if the month you are here is a bad month? We had absolutely horrible weather on STX in November. If I used November to make my decision, my butt would be back in Kentucky real quick. Similarly, what if the month you are here is an unusually good month?

Island life isn't for everyone. You are wise to give it a trial period before locking yourself in. I just don't think a month is nearly long enough for such a serious decision. That's just my opinion.

Ric