My wife and I are considering moving to the Virgin Islands.?

Question

I've read a lot about the V.I. but I learned it is best to learn from people that actually been there. I am wanting to know what is it like to live there? What are good areas? The average rent amount and so forth? I already know it's U.S. Territory so we do not need a visa or anything but I am considering raising my family there...

Answer 1

Take me with you PLEASE!!!!! I'll be a baby sitter or something lol , sorry i love the water .

Answer 2

I have to echo the negative comments. The US Virgin islands are a nice place to visit, but you do not want to live here.

Answer 3

I would suggest that you re-think that move to the Virgin Islands for the following reasons:

First, living there is very expensive, because everything you take for granted where you live now, is brought in by boat. And with fuel costs now being criminally high, the cost of goods there is very high.

Second, it is not a safe place to live. If you are white, you will stand out. and you will be a target for street crime or burglary. The authorities keep most of this a secret, but the fact is - this is a dangerous place.

Next is racism. Sorry to be so negative about such a lovely place, but this is the fact.  Most of the natives you will encounter will discriminate against you only because you are white, or if you are black, because you are not native.  The population is small and everybody knows everybody else. They don't like it that you have 'invaded' their space.

And because of this, you will have a tough time finding a job and if you are lucky to be hired, you will not be paid very well.

One of the strangest things of that island is they drive on the left side of the road, but they use American cars. Pure insanity!

Lastly, you are in the Hurricane Zone. You can expect to be at the whim of a destructive Hurricane once or twice each year. You will be without water, electricity, and hot food and living through a hurricane, is a pretty scary experience.  

There are other places to live that are much better.

Answer 4

As a lifelong resident, there's no place in the world I'd rather live than in St. Thomas.  The air is clean, the ocean is clear and blue, and frankly the place is just beautiful.  The first thing you need to realize is that the cost of living is quite high here.  Think New York City.  The people here are generally friendly but keep in mind you have to give respect to get it (don't forget to start every conversation with good morning, good afternoon and good evening).  You'll also need to get used to a slower pace of life.  Visit the site listed in the source for more information on relocating to the USVI.

Answer 5

Being a Virgin Islander I naturally take offense to some of the comments made here thus far. We apologize profusely for being  like everywhere else.

I'll refrain from going on a tirade in defending our honor and refer you to a popular site populated by visitors, potential visitors and  foreigners who have made our islands their home. Read their comments and ask your question there also. I think you might get a little more balanced view there.

Visit www.vinow.com. Check the message boards and all the best on whatever decision you make.

Thank you!

Answer 6

I dont know what the average rent but check this site www.cariblot.com for an apartment or real estate

Answer 7

As others have written the US Virgin Islands are expensive. Mostly everything is imported. Unless you have a specific occupation that is needed, finding a job will not be that easy.

I don't know about the Virgin Islands discriminating against whites or outsiders. As a tourist, I have not seen this. There is a way to act when visiting the Caribbean, not only the Virgin Islands. Be respectful of the locals and don't go there acting like a "ugly American"  

I do know many of the people have come from other islands in the Caribbean and have made a successful living there.  

Aside from the expense of living in the islands, you have to consider many things are done on "island time" The pace is nothing like living on the main land.

Hopefully this link will help with some of your questions.

http://www.vimovingcenter.com

There is also a message board on this site to help with additional questions.

I wish you the best of luck)

Answer 8

NEVER go there!

Please read the following excerpt from the local daily news from Jaunary 16th, 2008:

Homicides and shootings

Last year, of the 46 homicides in the Virgin Islands, 27 were on St. Thomas, 16 were on St. Croix and three were on St. John. One of those homicides was the result of a police shooting on St. John that was ruled justifiable.

In 2006, there were 44 total homicides - 23 on St. Thomas and 21 on St. Croix - of which four were ruled justifiable, according to Daily News homicide statistics.

The 2007 total means the territory remains one of the most violent places under the American flag.

The Virgin Islands homicide rate per capita is 42 homicides for every 100,000 residents. The national rate is 5.5 slayings per 100,000 residents.