Why did you choose the island you are on?

It matters little why I chose the o
Island where I live - it only matters what is important to YOU. Everybody thinks differently about what've aspects they want in an island home.

Some people want "guiet" others want a more vibrant life style. Some want a rural environment others prefer more mountainous terrain. So live on an island simply because that's where there job is located.

Make a list of what YOU want then choose the island that most closely fits your desires.

And for some of us it is our ancestral home.

it was chosen for me

I chose St Croix because it is not quite as mountainous as STT. It has more of a rural feel and seems more wide open spaces. Even though I'm a sailor and STT has more destination options (it takes me 8-10 hours to get to the BVI's), STX feels more like home to me but it is up to each person. Visit all three and decide.

I bought a business nobody else wanted to buy. 12 years in, we couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Ditto on ancestral home here, too.

Really they are incomparable. All 3 are so different. I believe I would be happy on any of them. But definitely think about the above post by Afriend. Remember the people that have ancestral roots here think about the island they are from just like you think about your home." It's better here than the two towns over."

I vacationed on a crewed yacht charter, fell in love with sailing and eventually moved to St Thomas because I could work here, go sailing, and enjoy warm weather all year around.

We chose St Croix for several reasons...
Largest island with more terrain diversity. No tourist crowds and more laid back old carribean feel. Much more affordable housing market - probably best value in the carribean. Local farming community for fresh vegetables and even a ranch for local beef. Great restaurants rated best in the carribean. Good snorkeling and great diving. Gosh, I could go on forever...

If you like more action and night life, look at St Thomas. For scenic beauty and best shore snorkeling, try St John.

The views can be better on STT and STJ and BVI options are closer but....

We chose St Croix for several reasons...
Largest island with more terrain diversity. No tourist crowds and more laid back old carribean feel. Much more affordable housing market - probably best value in the carribean. Local farming community for fresh vegetables and even a ranch for local beef. Great restaurants rated best in the carribean. Good snorkeling and great diving

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and

great diving

(tu)(tu)

.

We chose St Croix for several reasons...
Largest island with more terrain diversity. No tourist crowds and more laid back old carribean feel. Much more affordable housing market - probably best value in the carribean. Local farming community for fresh vegetables and even a ranch for local beef. Great restaurants rated best in the carribean. Good snorkeling and great diving. Gosh, I could go on forever...

If you like more action and night life, look at St Thomas. For scenic beauty and best shore snorkeling, try St John.

Exactly same for me! The 3 islands are what I liken to "the three bears." For me, STX was just right! Same reasons as stated by lescooper above.

Keeping in mind, I say good-bye to at least two or more people per month that leave because for whatever reason life didn't well here for them. It's not a vacation to live here unless you have millions in your back pocket. If you don't have enough money or a decent job, life can be more difficult here. Just my opinion.

Still in "a version of" the good ol' US of A, where the people speak "a version of" English.
STX is far enough removed to feel like other Caribbean Islands with a European flair (especially around historic Christiansted & Fredricksted), but also has familiar outlets like Home Depot, K Mart, Sears, Ford & Jeep dealer, even two Mc Donalds.
The local government has its issues, roads and electric supply could be far better. Schools and hospital needs more funding and more/better employment opportunities would certainly help.
But, the people are some of the best I've ever met, the weather is outstanding, and there are simply no better views of sea & sky & countryside anywhere I've ever been.

West is best.... so... ST CROIX!

(plus all the other pro st croix stuff in this thread).

oh, and the roads on STT are terrifying

I've lived on both STT and STJ, visited STX for extended periods of time.
I like STT because of all the amazing views, the diversity it offers from laid back northside to busy town. Our high season is pretty short and summers extremely quiet. There's nightlife if you want, lots of restaurants, fabulous beaches, (some busy, some quiet), a short ferry or barge ride to visit STJ for the day or weekend, ditto ferry to Tortola, great sailing with numerous islands and cays to explore offshore, great diving and fishing, numerous events to attend throughout the year.

It's easier, I believe, to find jobs than on STX and has more flights back and forth to mainland.

Each island offers its own flavor.
You just have to find which you like and suits your needs best.
I grew up on STT and it has quite suited me.

Two great points made about STT,
" Terrifying Roads" = true
"Amazing views" = true

I didn't choose St. Thomas, it chose me. I followed my Step dad who moved to St. Thomas because he got a job as the head of maintenance at Blue Beards Castle back in the mid 60's. I came down a few years later with my mother and also working at Blue Beards. I then married an Island girl whose family has lived on St. Thomas for generations.

mike

I came to STT because my job transferred me here. I couldn't be happier, I love STT, but you definitely have to be flexible, and able to go with the flow. If little things get to you, island life in general may not be for you.

Good advice Idlewood4
Above all, have some Patience.

What island? What business?

Wow.
Thank you all for sharing.
A wealth of information indeed.

Lots of STXers I see.

Can't wait to make the decision ourselves.

My original intention was to move to STJ after several visits/vacations, however, in all of my job searching, we (myself and my now ex-husband) got a caretaker job on the West end of St. Thomas (Botany Bay, to be exact) and so, STT it was! I agree with Alana33 on her feedback. I am now on STX (due to my 2nd husband's business being here)...I prefer STT, but that is SUCH an individual thing! You have to come and experience it for yourself in order to make the best decision for you...

They are all nice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54aPmBnAj00

There really is no comparison. Its it 100% personal preference.

I've lived on STT and now STX and worked doing island tours often on STJ.

I love and miss STT and looking forward to moving back next year. There is just a ton to do and the BVI's are so close. I lived on the northside - and I believe many that bash STT or say how they hate it, have never ventured outside of CA on a 3 ship day. Northside STT is like west STX - small town feel where you're neighbors all know you but on you also have a zillion restaurants and things to do within 15 min. Not so much on STX. I will miss the local meats and produce and the pier diving and cane bay diving of STX.