Why did you move to the Islands? And how is it working out for you

Also I find that people who have colluded with other transplants have better experiences. As well as people who move with their families. I on the other-hand moved there single, with no family and friends, I do believe living there alone with no support system can dramatically effect your stay. Even though I did eventually make friends both stateside and crucian and was able to find a decent boyfriend, unfortunately my workplace was not the nicest environment. Most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants. It is not the same if you do not. By the way...TOURIST are treated with caution...once you live there for so long what is the "caution" about.

You may want to check the definition of "collude"! I moved here single knowing only two people who had lived here for six months. My first job was a bad experience but then I fortunately found a position which I loved and where I stayed for ten years and where the employees were 98% local. Following that I worked for another local operation for a year until I decided to open my own business which I had until I closed it last year after 16 years. Ergo your blanket statement that, "most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants" is erroneous both from my personal experience and that of countless other people who I've known over the 28 years I've lived here.

The "cautionary" aspect has been discussed many, many times over the years on this forum alone. Briefly, employers/residents are very well aware that the attrition rate of newcomers is huge and this does affect one's acceptance of them and the time it takes to form viable, firm relationships. I don't know how many times you've moved into a completely different community but this "cautionary acceptance" is true of most but very much more accentuated here for the reason I already noted.

I remain confused about your "unconstitutional" comments about WAPA and being charged for services not received.

You spent a very short time here and it didn't suit you for a variety of reasons. So be it. Enjoy the Starbucks and I hope the road ahead is a fair one for you wherever you settle. 😀

And, by the way, I've never opined that living here is a bed of roses, nor have I ever denied that there are pros and cons. The same can be said of anywhere in the world.

Also I find that people who have colluded with other transplants have better experiences. As well as people who move with their families. I on the other-hand moved there single, with no family and friends, I do believe living there alone with no support system can dramatically effect your stay. Even though I did eventually make friends both stateside and crucian and was able to find a decent boyfriend, unfortunately my workplace was not the nicest environment. Most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants. It is not the same if you do not. By the way...TOURIST are treated with caution...once you live there for so long what is the "caution" about.

You may want to check the definition of "collude"! I moved here single knowing only two people who had lived here for six months. My first job was a bad experience but then I fortunately found a position which I loved and where I stayed for ten years and where the employees were 98% local. Following that I worked for another local operation for a year until I decided to open my own business which I had until I closed it last year after 16 years. Ergo your blanket statement that, "most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants" is erroneous both from my personal experience and that of countless other people who I've known over the 28 years I've lived here.

The "cautionary" aspect has been discussed many, many times over the years on this forum alone. Briefly, employers/residents are very well aware that the attrition rate of newcomers is huge and this does affect one's acceptance of them and the time it takes to form viable, firm relationships. I don't know how many times you've moved into a completely different community but this "cautionary acceptance" is true of most but very much more accentuated here for the reason I already noted.

I remain confused about your "unconstitutional" comments about WAPA and being charged for services not received.

You spent a very short time here and it didn't suit you for a variety of reasons. So be it. Enjoy the Starbucks and I hope the road ahead is a fair one for you wherever you settle. 😀

And, by the way, I've never opined that living here is a bed of roses, nor have I ever denied that there are pros and cons. The same can be said of anywhere in the world.

Collusion was probably not the best term. I'll admit. So how about cohesiveness...that better. And you still prove my point...lol...you did work for YOURSELF for a majority of your life there. How is that erroneous? And the key term is MOST not All therefore it is not a blanket statement. Although you worked somewhere else for ten years before and it worked for you congrats. But I'd like to hear more about that first job...what made it bad? Never-mind I can take a wild guess. I never said YOU opined anything nor was it directed to anyone in particular and I already pointed out that there is good and bad living anywhere else...so thank God we agree on something.
Cautionary due to attrition OK maybe however I'd like to point out that islanders do the same thing in the states. Many of the people I have met while living there, also lived in the mainland and moved back to STX. Many did not like the "fast" way of city living and did not stay very long either. I am willing to bet that mainlanders are not THAT cautious towards islanders moving to the states afterwards. Thus I cannot accept that as a plausible reason for their behavior. {Still not stating ALL of them are that way.} I did also live in Germany and my experience was better I guess due to the lack of attrition in that community:~) WAPA Explanation I only used $20.00 of electricity but I was charged $75.00; my most expensive bill was $162.45 for one month in which I only used $34.68 of electricity. The explanation from WAPA was because of oil in Hovensa...which is a crock. I guess I am the only who reads my bill. They charge triple sometimes quadruple what you actually used in electricity. So maybe unconstitutional is not a good term how about corrupt? That better...

You have spent many years living there and enjoy it for various reasons so be it...I hope you continue to love it but if not I have got an extra cup of Starbucks and its all yours...lol:P

Totally agree with OldTart!

LET ME BE CLEAR....uh uh uhm (clears throat).....

I DID MY RESEARCH!!

Nowhere is it mentioned that people from the mainland (stateside) are treated with PREJUDICE!! Where has anyone besides myself stated this about living in this island? NOWHERE because everyone has disregarded this detail and it would have been a deal-breaker for me. I as a person of color were treated with discrimination from others of color. I am being honest so someone can make a decision with ALL things duely noted. I don't feel attacked at all by the way.....and you have a point it is a no-win.

No need to shout. I simply happen to disagree with you on this very faulty generalization. New arrivals are treated not with prejudice but with caution. If you come here with an attitude you'll get a cold shoulder because of that, not because you're any particular color or race or because of where you come from. Exactly the same reaction you'll get when you move from any community to another (and particularly to a small one).

Fine. No shouting....I did my research. I think like others who absolutely love living there, you believe that what you put out is what you receive, and I would agree if I personally did not experience otherwise. That is not what happened to me and other transplants who do not have accounts on this site. "Attitude". Really? When I researched the island I knew it would be more simplistic and did not mind but to make it appear as if crucians are ALL welcoming and are NOT blatantly rude despite saying Good morning. afternoon, night is a faulty generalization as well. Not because this behavior doesn't exist but because they don't want to "SCARE" the newcomers. I think it is misleading to not inform the newcomers, as I once were, what they will be dealing with.
Also I find that people who have colluded with other transplants have better experiences. As well as people who move with their families. I on the other-hand moved there single, with no family and friends, I do believe living there alone with no support system can dramatically effect your stay. Even though I did eventually make friends both stateside and crucian and was able to find a decent boyfriend, unfortunately my workplace was not the nicest environment. Most people that have lived there for many many years and still do probably work for themselves or other transplants. It is not the same if you do not. By the way...TOURIST are treated with caution...once you live there for so long what is the "caution" about. And don't let me get started on being referred to as a yankee...no matter where you are from. Everywhere you live there will be different experiences for each individual but most people would agree there are PROs and CONs. Too many people are nonchalant when it comes to pointing out the negatives. Again I am giving someone an opportunity to fully understand that living in the islands...ain't all roses;) Not angry at all as a matter of fact I'm headed to Starbucks lol

I respect your opinion on how YOU were treated when you were on the island. It's good info on a specific experience. Do you think it had anything to do with the way you are? BEFORE you go crazy lol that's a valid question. Are you more of an introvert, or the type that has to have Internet and strabucks every day? Can you find beauty and relaxation snorkling for hours or driving throgh the rainforest, or does that bore you? I'm just trying to get a picture here as we're heading to STX shortly.

Here was my experience: AWESOME. I'm still floored that people say that VIers are rude and by insinuations; rasist. I did my PMV for 3 weeks currently dont live on island so no padding the situation. Granted it was only 3 weeks and when we get on island i will report again. I made some fantastic friends, was offered two jobs and saw big Crucian smiles every hour of every day. I didn't experience ONE person who wants friendly... And we're white. As we sat at Mahis we talked to everyone who came to the bar. We told people we were on out PMV, they bought us drinks and told us what to do and what not to. All in all I feel that island life will suit ME fantastically. Then again my body and soul has been telling me this for years, ive just recently conceded lol.

You just have to ask yourself: Is the juice worth the squeeze? For me it definatly is. Good luck to all who move to and off de rock.

First off, I don't think that "virgin islanders" or 'residents" or 'west indians" or 'black" or "whites" or "frenchies" or "crusians" or "whatever" are rude by nature. Nor do ithink that they/us are uber-friendly by nature. I DO believe that generalizing an entire popution segment is ridiculous. I know some pretty nasty folks and some super sweet folks. Yes the culture is different. Less "overt" agression, more "passive" agression. I am a bid fan of direct and productive comunication. So, the passive agressive dismissive 'tude bugs me. To call it "island time" is a cop-out excusse for bad manners, especcially when delivered by transplants....

And to add, bassing your opinions of a population upon "virgin islanders" that you encountered at a bar is not realistic. Unless you plan on spending a great deal of time drinking in bars and living a "bar-centric" life style..... Many transplants do, so you're likey to meet many like-minded "buddies".

Personally, I don't treat "new arrivals" with a "cold shoulder" or "caution". I actually like meeting new people and I'm not alone. However, I do realize that there is certain group (mostly folks who work in tourrist realated occupations) who feel threatened by "new arrivals". There is also the group who think that they know everything, and get a kick out of bla bla bla to anyone within earshot, but unfortunately don't spend much time engaging in meaningful interactions outside a limited, contrived social circle.

The more people you encouter, the more varied your interactions, the more places you frequent, the more rude and sweet people you'll meet.

As a qualifier, some of the rudest, most entilted, biggest a-h@!*$ people I've ever come across in the whole wide world (malibu and east hampton included) frequent STJ....Like a big 'ol "good morning", followed by a "get the f out of my way", or "get off my side walk", or "get your paddle board off my sand"... Like they own the sand or the sidewalk or the barge. This high and mighty behavior is distributed by stj torrist and property owners and "residents" alike. I suppose dishing out all that cash earns them the right to lord over us "little people". For the past 7 years, when I visit I stay out of the towns and stick to the beaches and trails and bays.

"I respect your opinion on how YOU were treated when you were on the island. It's good info on a specific experience. Do you think it had anything to do with the way you are? BEFORE you go crazy lol that's a valid question. Are you more of an introvert, or the type that has to have Internet and strabucks every day? Can you find beauty and relaxation snorkling for hours or driving throgh the rainforest, or does that bore you? I'm just trying to get a picture here as we're heading to STX shortly."

A&A-
Q1-Yes, I think it has something to do with the way that I am....I am direct and communicate my feelings clearly. Some not all individuals I encountered are what is termed as "passive-aggressive" and "two-faced". People like that and I do not mesh well because when you do me wrong I tell you to your face and I don't talk behind your back. Some people may think this is an attitude but somewhere in the world outside of my own reality I might add it is considered assertive and even mature. I reported the behavior to administration and their attitude was nonchalant because it is the "culture" to not express yourself and at least give the other person a chance to explain a misunderstanding. I think it is irresponsible to talk about people behind their backs and the culture answer is just an excuse.
Q2-No. Not an introvert I went to the beaches and island celebrations. Q2.5-No if I needed the internet and Starbucks everyday I would not have lived there for a year without it. As a matter of fact I never would have moved there.
Q3-Yes-I find beauty in that but I have to work to pay bills so that cut down my ability to snorkel "for hours". The rainforest are nice too and No that never got boring.

So before you go all "naive honeymooner" on me lol this is a valid question...Are you more drawn to the beauty of the surroundings and limiting your exposure to beaches, pubs and eateries? If so you haven't a clue about life there. AGAIN in my "original" post I did note POSITIVE things as well. Funny how most people are replying only to negatives I encountered and calling me crazy.:D

Thank God there are straight jackets in the states...and you don't have to purchase them only in Sunny Isles lol

You people have been fun I wish everybody luck no matter which island or state in the mainland you live...Deuces

First off, I don't think that "virgin islanders" or 'residents" or 'west indians" or 'black" or "whites" or "frenchies" or "crusians" or "whatever" are rude by nature. Nor do ithink that they/us are uber-friendly by nature. I DO believe that generalizing an entire popution segment is ridiculous. I know some pretty nasty folks and some super sweet folks. Yes the culture is different. Less "overt" agression, more "passive" agression. I am a bid fan of direct and productive comunication. So, the passive agressive dismissive 'tude bugs me. To call it "island time" is a cop-out excusse for bad manners, especcially when delivered by transplants....

And to add, bassing your opinions of a population upon "virgin islanders" that you encountered at a bar is not realistic. Unless you plan on spending a great deal of time drinking in bars and living a "bar-centric" life style..... Many transplants do, so you're likey to meet many like-minded "buddies".

Personally, I don't treat "new arrivals" with a "cold shoulder" or "caution". I actually like meeting new people and I'm not alone. However, I do realize that there is certain group (mostly folks who work in tourrist realated occupations) who feel threatened by "new arrivals". There is also the group who think that they know everything, and get a kick out of bla bla bla to anyone within earshot, but unfortunately don't spend much time engaging in meaningful interactions outside a limited, contrived social circle.

The more people you encouter, the more varied your interactions, the more places you frequent, the more rude and sweet people you'll meet.

As a qualifier, some of the rudest, most entilted, biggest a-h@!*$ people I've ever come across in the whole wide world (malibu and east hampton included) frequent STJ....Like a big 'ol "good morning", followed by a "get the f out of my way", or "get off my side walk", or "get your paddle board off my sand"... Like they own the sand or the sidewalk or the barge. This high and mighty behavior is distributed by stj torrist and property owners and "residents" alike. I suppose dishing out all that cash earns them the right to lord over us "little people". For the past 7 years, when I visit I stay out of the towns and stick to the beaches and trails and bays.

Thanks Blu4u I agree someone needed to state that...the more interactions "outside your social circle" the more varied of experiences you will have. I tried to but....I still do not believe ALL of any population is a certain way however I DO believe no population is always mannerable or sweet. To give all this praise about manners just because someone says good morning, afternoon or night is outrageous. Manners is also pulling someone to the side and telling them what is on your mind in opposition of talking about the person to someone else so loud that they can hear you. Anyways good luck to you:)

Southerngirl.
I like Duken Donuts coffee over Starbucks any day!That's one thing the mainland has over VI choice.

I agree applepie 🙂 choices are always good

4) RIDICULOUS electricity bills that are by the way unconstitutional (charging $40 for $15 utilized)
5) Crime - you will hear gunshots often and screams too (That was in Christiansted)
6) PREJUDICE against people who are from the mainland (Lets be honest here not all crucians welcome stateside ppl)
7) P*O*W*E*R*O*U*T*A*G*E*S!!!!! This was by far the biggest inconvenience living in STX

Not everything was bad about living in STX but people throw the term "island life" around as if they have lived on several islands.... I have read about other islands and no one mentioned the previous list as NORMAL on their particular island so maybe just maybe it isn't the "island life" it is just THAT island in which you live. So do not say island life was not for me...thankx

Hi Southerngirl I have some questions:

4) Is it possible you read the power bill incorrectly? In the states (Illinois) we have "peak usage time" where the normal rate goes up 3-4x the normal rate. I believe the peak time of day is around dinner time when power is used most. Powering the peak hours of the day are the most expensive for the power company to provide power and they try to curve usage and offset costs by charging more during these hours.

5) Do you feel as if the crime was everywhere or concentrated to certain area's & times of day? In other words, is it avoidable if you know not to be at the wrong place at the wrong time? For instance, there are certain places in Chicago I wouldn't go....

6) Where/when did you experience the prejudice? Do you have any memories that stand out to you?

7) Were the outages long? Would a backup generator have solved this problem? I have noticed quote a few houses/condo's listing Backup Generators with automatic switching.

What islands have you read about that don't focus on the negative aspects you experienced?

Thanks for sharing your experience!

I'm doing this move simple for an adventure. I'm sure there will be stresses, ups and downs and major obstacles. I have NO room to talk lol as I've not lived there like you have Southern. I think everyone has their reasons for loving/hating the island. Hell I have Absolutly no idea if I will hate it or live it, but for me it's totally worth trying. Rarely in life have I ever heard, damn I wish I hadnt tried something new. I will say this: I live in Arizona and work in retail Management. I meet on a daily basis some of the rudest, sense of entitlement types here, more than I would like to. Az is a melting pot of so many types of people, not much different than VI but it seems that no one here respects and or tolerates the differences within the community. It's exhausting and for me, living on top of one another makes it all worse. Like you southern, I've very much direct, hopefully that doesn't prove to be a downfall lol.

I appreciate all the info I get on this forum. I take it all in and then decide for myself. It's so hard to tell inflection sometimes and in a forum lets face it, we say things and snip when we wouldn't do that face to face. I think knowing the "bads" is actually really helpful and let's you be more aware and cautious when on island. It's good info no matter what.

I'm excited about my adventure, whatever happens I will be able to say that I did something that many people never get to do.

I found your post to be very helpful! My fiance and I have been talking about moving there ever since we came back from St Thomas and St Croix nine months ago. The one that that struck us as odd, was the complaint that everything was so expensive? Yes it is an expensive area we did notice, however coming from us living outside of NYC and living on the ocean in New Jersey, we really did not notice a huge difference from the cornerstore in NJ. While we were there, the place we stayed at had a full kitchen so we actually cooked the whole time. In addition to the groceries, we couldn't believe the rent either! Rent in our area for a one bedroom starts at $1,200 for a decent place not even a great place. You can easily pay $1,800 for a one bedroom. In your opionion, do you think with the cost of water and electricity that would push the rent over $2,000 for a 1 bedroom in St. Croix?

Your electricity bill can seriously bump up your basic rent but of course that depends very much on your usage of such as A/C, electric clothes dryer, etc.. One big factor to take into consideration when you're comparing basic COL is your income. Salaries here are considerably lower than in your area.

Employment is definately a concern we both have. Do you think it is very difficult finding work there? Both of us have a very diverse work history. I feel like a lot of people told us they found work the first day they started looking. We are thinking if there is a will there is a way. Can I ask you...do people have generators or solar power generators? My finance grew up in new Hampshire and is a country girl she grew up in difficult weather conditions at times. Just wondering it people use them since power outages sometimes are a problem. Thanks!

I can't tell you whether or not you'll be able to find work easily. Some do find work right away (and much depends on time of year) while others don't. Our unemployment rate right now is over 10% and St Croix is also dealing with the closure of the Hovensa oil refinery which has had and will continue to have a negative impact on the economy for a while. Best to come with enough money to get you by for a few months (which is a pretty big chunk of change).

There are certainly more generators around now than there were 10-15 years ago but I wouldn't say they're the "norm". Most resorts, many condo complexes and many upmarket private homes have automatic generators; many people keep a small portable on standby in case of any prolonged outage; and many have nothing. Outages are frequent but of short duration unless there's a major catastrophe such as hurricanes Hugo (1989) and Marilyn (1995) when current in some areas was out for over six months.

As far as solar, it's been steadily coming down in price now so several homeowners have taken advantage of both that and VI Energy rebates but only a very few places are totally reliant on solar. Some homeowners, for instance, install a solar roof panel just to heat water. Good luck with the research!

Don't know anything about rents but electricity is an issue. More than occasional outages of an hour or so and the highest cost per kWh in the country. So we have a generator and just contracted to install whole house PV solar. I can't imagine a better investment. Rate of return fr exceeds anything Romney could get from a leveraged buyout. Lol.

Don't know anything about rents but electricity is an issue. More than occasional outages of an hour or so and the highest cost per kWh in the country. So we have a generator and just contracted to install whole house PV solar. I can't imagine a better investment. Rate of return fr exceeds anything Romney could get from a leveraged buyout. Lol.

Curious about your whole house PV solar plan. I assume you own your home which is on the grid? Are you planning on selling back to WAPA any excess power and, if so, what's been the response? How many years will it take to recoup your investment based on your current electricity usage via WAPA? I think a lot of contributors to this forum who are homeowners would be very interested in the details as the general plan goes forward.

Just for the sake of good order, diesel fuel (which most generators run on) is very pricey and there really are no savings where using a generator versus WAPA rates are concerned - just the issue of having or not having power where extended outages are concerned.

Good night, OT. Yep we own and are planning to do net metering. Dont know how much extra we'll have to send to WAPA but we'll know In a couple of months. We'll keep you posted. Projected payback is beginning of third year. That's if rates don't rise. I expect payback mid second year.

Good night, OT. Yep we own and are planning to do net metering. Dont know how much extra we'll have to send to WAPA but we'll know In a couple of months. We'll keep you posted. Projected payback is beginning of third year. That's if rates don't rise. I expect payback mid second year.

Are you familiar with AC off grid solar power systems? I have been researching these systems online and they sound fantastic.

we are trying geothermal A/C....will let you know how it works. have it here in the states and just installed unit in St. Croix.

Good night, OT. Yep we own and are planning to do net metering. Dont know how much extra we'll have to send to WAPA but we'll know In a couple of months. We'll keep you posted. Projected payback is beginning of third year. That's if rates don't rise. I expect payback mid second year.

Smart move. I suppose you calculated payback assuming your usage remains constent. When electricity is "free" folks tend to be less viglant about conservation.

we are trying geothermal A/C....will let you know how it works. have it here in the states and just installed unit in St. Croix.

How is the the new system working for you? Someone just asked me about the same thing this morning.

Did you do your own install?

Or can you recommend someone?

Thanks for all your input!