why is anyone living on stt?

Yes, it's just a short boat ride to STX. LOL

50,000 plus people live there, so they must like something about it. You won't know if it's for you unitl you get here.

STT is totally different to St Croix a big percentage of the population is not native so you don't have the problems that you may have in St croix. Also STT is the most cosmopolitan of the islands with a good size affluent community of business people that live and work in the island.I was really surprised at the amount of entrepreneurs on the island Developers, Doctors, engineers and businessman. There is a large population of indian origin business people in the island and they own allot of the Duty free shops on the island. As you can see St thomas is probably the most important shipping port in the Caribbean and you see the world retailers trying to have a piece of the market. I live in the Peterborgh area actually i have seen no locals living in this area as well as Mahogany run i am not saying that is good but most residents in this areas near the hotels are mostly from the Mainland.

It just seems that way because the dominant posters are currently Crucian. A year or two ago, the board seemed to be more heavily used by St. Thomians.

Perhaps in a few years Love City will take over.

So you are saying that we have more problems on St. Croix because we have a more West Indian population and less mainlanders and other continentals than St. Thomas? I wasn't aware that we had more problems on St. Croix. Sounds a bit elitist to me.

Jules and Rokipatel, you seem to be implying that the only ones on this board saying bad things about the VI are from STX and therefore the negative comments only apply to STX???? That is just not true--there are plenty of Thomians doing their fair share of complaining...don't try to pass off this board's negative impression of VI as being solely the fault of STX. Both islands have their problems and their positives but try to be fair. Last time I looked, we had a lower violent crime rate, friendlier locals on STX (maybe I'm biased because I married one:)), less expensive cost of living etc etc...And there are lots of STX residents on this board who do enjoy living on STX (hmmm, look at the giant "life on stx thread,") as there are lots of STT residents who enjoy living on STT.

crazy4now, just come down for your pmv and check things out for yourself. Yes there is crime, grime blah blah. there is everywhere you go. Only you can decide whether you can live comfortably and happily in a certain place. Different people have different opinions on standards of living. Trash on the side of the road (which, yes, you will find here) may be "acceptable" for one person in the sense they they can deal with driving past it everyday (perhaps it may even inspire them to do a beach cleanup or volunteer with the local environmental society) but another person used to pristine roads and perfectly manicured lawns may find too much offense with said trash to live here. I personally could never live in STT because of all the cruise ships, too many tourists and crowds and prefer the much more mellow vibe of STX. But some people thrive in the hustle and bustle of STT and would get easily bored with life in STX. As for the addiction to rum and drugs...if you already have a propensity for addiction to drugs and alcohol you may have a problem in the VI (as you might anywhere) since both are easily available if you seek them out. But many people here are perfectly able to live moderate or sober lives (myself included) as they would anywhere else in the world.

I also don't know of any deadly insects in the VI. Someone can have a serious allergic reaction to a centipede bite here but just as easily have an allergic reaction to a bee sting on the mainland...

You go, stxem. Yea St. Croix.

So why has this become a bash STT & STX is wonderful thread?

"I live in the Peterborgh area actually i have seen no locals living in this area as well as Mahogany run i am not saying that is good but most residents in this areas near the hotels are mostly from the Mainland."

We know you're rich, Rokipatel. You've told us often enough but that's just not true as far as Mahogany Run or areas near ANY hotels. There are many wealthy West Indians living in all areas of the island. The north side does have more Frenchies.

STT is awful if you don't like living here & wonderful if you do. There is no contest or competition with STX in my opinion. Only you can decide if you like it or not. We can't tell you.

Trades right on that one, i did'nt like STT at all but my sisters mother loves it over there,the islands pick us more or less. Thats why PMV's are important

Well, I guess this is supposed to only be a cheerleading STX forum where Crucians can sneer at those of us living on STT? Have I got that right? Have at it.

I don't know about living on STT, as I live on STX, but I can tell you that irrespective of the island I am on, I really like the weather and the opportunity to be outside so much of the time. I don't know if you are in a warm climate now, but I came from an urban environment in the Northeast and really didn't spend a lot of time outside. I like the fact that I can wear shorts all the time, not have to struggle into a heavy coat and boots, and enjoy incredibly sunny, beautiful days. I also like the lushness of the islands--particularly the flowers. That's not to say that it won't be hotter than heck in the summer and I haven't been here during the rainy season, but on average I'd say it's pretty nice. The other thing that I hope never changes impacting me are the incredible views. Even after months of living here, I still am amazed by the beauty of the ocean. There's nothing like driving around a curve and being hit by beautiful sea views. KJ

We got off the track somewhere here. I live on STX and like it. Others live on STT and like it. The original question was basically not true, at least as far as this board is concerned. We've never trashed either island -- or at least we trash them equally.

One this we all agree on, you have to come and see for yourself, STX or STT.

When I lived in Florida many years ago, I swore an oath to a gang of crackers I fell in with, that we would bad-mouth Florida living at every opportunity to do our part and stem the flow of immigrants. It did not seem to work, but "Think Globally, Act Locally" is my motto. I think this board is to help those who are moving here, even against our accumulated sage advice. Mine is: it is probably not for you! I recommend: Stay where you are comfortable and use your money to subscribe to another premium TV channel for entertainment - big rocky mountains poking out of a vast salty desert of ocean are no place to live - there is nothing to do or see. We who are here are off our rockers and not fit role models! 🙂

That thought did cross my mind. You all do love it very much and are trying to keep it a secret!

I come from Northern Michigan where it was an hour ride to the nearest Kmart, then I moved to Florida and have lived here for the past 10 years. I am used to the heat, bugs, fires, storms.....ect So, I figure I have a good chance of being able to blend in with the natives.

Thank you all very much for reminding me that no matter what you hear, It's not like being there! My relatives are all still in Michigan, and they "could never live in Florida"....

ps. I didn't mean to start a civil war

It wasn't to long ago that rockipatel was asking questions about STT, You know newbie on the block stuff. Now he has all the answers, it must be in the water that makes him so smart. Maybe he should run for Office? NOT!!!!

maybe the rockiposter has such lucid insight because she has not met the neighbors, what with all the dogs, gates and all.
Back to the original question:
STT or STX are fine places to live if you can enjoy what is here and live without complaining about what isn't here. The warm climate, clean ocean, pace of life, and multicultural population and customs can only satisfy you if you take the time to enjoy them to your advantage.

STT is more cosmopolitan than any other Island in the Eastern Caribbean the amount of People of the Mainland and Expats from other countries is the highest in STT and STJ than STX. STX economy is a mixed based on the refinery some manufacturing and some tourism. Tourism in STX lags in comparison to STT and STJ that received nearly 85% of the tourism of the USVI. According World Tourism Organization the USVI received nearly 4 million tourist 2006-07 over 2 million in cruiseship passengers and another 2 million regular visitors, only Puerto rico in the caribbean beats that number with nearly 5 million tourist arrivals. This is the news ranking of Cruiseship ports in the Caribbean according to World tourism: 1- MIami ( HUB) 2- St Thomas 3- San Juan4-Nassau 5- Cozumel 6- Grand Cayman 7- St Maarten. Also St thomas is consider the Best Port for Shopping in the Caribbean. The main problem with the crime in the USVI is the high Unemployment rates in the Island and the high Percentage of people on Welfare and receiving Federal assistance in the territory. In Comparison the BVI that has 50% less population to the USVI even thou they belong to the UK as a british crown colony they are self reliant on the revenues the island produces to maintain themselves. The UK does not give the same $$$$$ to the BVI as the US Federal government does to the USVI. You could simply see the Infrastructure of the BVI comparing it to the USVI and you see the difference. The lack of Federal Aid and Entitlement funds have obligated the BVI for self reliance that is why the development of Offshore banking and finance center that they are creating in the BVI also with a very low population there is also a low unemployment and that comes less crime. STT may have their problems i myself rely in getting some information from this forum but quickly when you are here it does not take long to know the inand outs of the is land. Yes there is crime, yes there is bourocracy but as long as i see the Star spangle Banner flying in STT is still better than the rest......

I humbly bow out after reading that well written and carefully edited information.

Just keep in mind that no matter what or where, by nature, people will complain about something before they will praise anything.

Yesterday, two youths about 15 years of age helped an elderly woman across the road at a busy intersection.
Yesterday, two youths about 15 years of age robbed a man at knifepoint, getting away with roughly $40 in cash.

Which story is newsworthy? Which is printed?

Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > Bad news is printed, so... > People want more sensationalism, so... > ...

The country and the world for that matter are stuck in a negative downward spiral with a self-fulfilling feedback loop. Things are as bad as what is reported. The media is the most powerful influence in modern society.

Guess what? The housing market is crashing! The housing market is crashing! It wasn't, but they kept on keepin on and before you knew it what happened? People stopped buying because they believed it was a bad time to buy, and if people stop buying, the housing market crashes. Show me that trick again! (here comes gasoline, food, water, energy, ... )

The media, unchecked, is the Leviathon of self-fulfilling prophecy. The more they can shape your beliefs, the more they can run the globe. They are on the brink of bringing the whole world to its knees.

It's actually quite simple and effective. Sad who's at the reins.

crazy4now...come on your visit to STT. It's great. The people are nice. The area is beautiful. The weather is exquisit. There may be crime, but I haven't seen any in the year that I've lived here. There may be racism, but I've been treated wonderfully by the local West Indians. There may be too may tourist, but I enjoy chatting with people from all over and telling them about the neat things to see on STT. There may be a few Crusians (people from STX) who talk trash about STT, but I bet you can find a few people from Florida State who talk trash about the University of Florida.

Bottom line is...it's all about you and what you like. I LOVE the beach. My husband HATES the beach. My husband LOVES deep water diving. I HATE deep water diving. We both love and hate different things about STT. You just have to find out for yourself what you like or hate and if you want to live here.

hey simkiss
great comments and OH so true! The media conglomerates indeed are brainwashing America....sad but true!

rokipatel, to the best of my knowledge, the U.K. has not had any "colonies" for many years now. A few of the islands are British "protectorates" (I used to live in one), this equals some government advisors and a little financial aid. Please, anyone from the BVI's, clarify that for me. The island that I lived on had almost no crime, the power etc went off maybe a few times a year, the Government was less corrupt than most I can think of, and there was no "star spangled banner" flying there! What you are insinuating is that the US is the only government in the world that knows how to run a country. There is no government that is making all the right decisions, least of all right now.

I found this thread so funny. I've been reading the relocation guide for several months now and I find it generally positive about all the USVI. Mostly, the posters seem to like it here and like sharing their experiences and advice with newcomers. Sure, there are beefs but we wouldn't stay here if we didn't love it. I've been here almost 10 years and have had only one incident of crime and it was just something stolen out of my car. whoopee. So... I thought the negative slant was funny odd.

Then... when it turned to STX bashing STT I almost died laughing. It seems to me its always been the other way around. When we were house hunting here in 98 we almost didn't come to STX at all cause no one in STT had anything good to say about this flat, economically deprived, crime ridden, boring big sister island. No one recommended even going there to look. .... I hadn't heard that the coin had flipped and it was the other way around now. I guess STX has been discovered and is coming into its own.

Each island has its plusses and minuses and each person that is interested in making a life in these islands will gravitate to one or the other for their own reasons. They are all good. I love it here. I'm glad I wound up on STX but if I hadn't I'm sure I would have loved STT or STJ too. What I love most, besides the obvious weather, laid back attitude, beautiful vistas, etc... is the people. There is such a great mix from every walk of life and the ones that last here are usually worth knowing. I've made more friends and had more fun here than any other place I've lived.

Sure.. human nature likes to sensationalize the negatives... but... buck it. Don't follow the trend. Don't believe everything you read. Be an optimist and you'll probably live longer and smile more often.

Just my opinion., of course. but... crazy4now.. I agree with smilekl... come on down and find out for yourself.

as the song says.... No worries. Be happy.