Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA
Reload this Page >

American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Old Aug 3rd 2016, 8:24 pm
  #1  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Hi everyone,

We're thinking of perhaps relocating from California to St Croix - does anyone have any information, tips or insight they'd like to share? I'm a green card holder.

Admin: I didn't know where to put this - USA boards or Caribbean

Thanks in advance
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 8:35 pm
  #2  
SUPER MODERATOR
 
Jerseygirl's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 87,988
Jerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Trixie_b
Hi everyone,

We're thinking of perhaps relocating from California to St Croix - does anyone have any information, tips or insight they'd like to share? I'm a green card holder.

Admin: I didn't know where to put this - USA boards or Caribbean

Thanks in advance
I haven't been St Croix but I have been to several of the Caribbean Islands. Nice for a holiday...sorry but I wouldn't want to live in the Caribbean.

Two active members Ededed...lived in the Caribbean and Gordon Barlow has lived in Carribean for years. Might be worth PMing them.

Last edited by Jerseygirl; Aug 3rd 2016 at 8:38 pm.
Jerseygirl is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 8:48 pm
  #3  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
I haven't been St Croix but I have been to several of the Caribbean Islands. Nice for a holiday...sorry but I wouldn't want to live in the Caribbean.

Two active members Ededed...lived in the Caribbean and Gordon Barlow has lived in Carribean for years. Might be worth PMing them.
Thanks JG
Why wouldn't you want to live there? I have my own concerns, but would like to hear the opinions of others.
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 8:51 pm
  #4  
SUPER MODERATOR
 
Jerseygirl's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 87,988
Jerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond reputeJerseygirl has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Trixie_b
Thanks JG
Why wouldn't you want to live there? I have my own concerns, but would like to hear the opinions of others.
I'd get cabin fever...I would feel too isolated. Most things have to be shipped in from the mainland. Hurricanes, drugs and violence in many of the islands...don't know about St Croix. I suppose you could say the same about many places in the US.
Jerseygirl is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 9:06 pm
  #5  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
I'd get cabin fever...I would feel too isolated. Most things have to be shipped in from the mainland. Hurricanes, drugs and violence in many of the islands...don't know about St Croix. I suppose you could say the same about many places in the US.
I believe from my preliminary research that the majority of violence is between people who know each other ie Domestic violence etc - but it is higher on the islands. Its a bit like the UK - there are shootings but normally "contained" between the factions of the criminal element.

But thats why I wanted some first hand experiences!

I don't think the "rock fever" would get to me... I love islands and the sea - I'm always much more content by the water
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 9:12 pm
  #6  
 
Pulaski's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,397
Pulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Have you found this web site yet. It seems to cover a lot of generic questions about moving to and living in the US Virgin Islands.
Pulaski is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 9:13 pm
  #7  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Pulaski
Have you found this web site yet. It seems to cover a lot of generic questions about moving to and living in the US Virgin Islands.
Yes, thanks
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 9:21 pm
  #8  
In the pink
 
Mallory's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,324
Mallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond reputeMallory has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Only been there as a stop on a cruise ship, but it's very pretty. I wouldn't mind living there for a spell. It's not isolated, as would be Hawaii for instance. I would go for it if I were you. Are you taking the MIL with you?
Mallory is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 9:41 pm
  #9  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Mallory
Only been there as a stop on a cruise ship, but it's very pretty. I wouldn't mind living there for a spell. It's not isolated, as would be Hawaii for instance. I would go for it if I were you. Are you taking the MIL with you?
Funny you should ask................ NO
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 3rd 2016, 10:56 pm
  #10  
BE Forum Addict
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Charlotte,NC
Posts: 1,717
Orangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond reputeOrangepants has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

I lived in the Cayman Islands for quite a while. Loved it. Loved the small town feel and the water of course. Easy to make friends and a slower pace of life. Work environment is great there and there is definitely a work/life balance.
I haven't been to St Croix but it looks beautiful. Crime is definitely localised between the gangs and the more unsavory characters. Shopping cravings can be taken care of with quarterly trips to Miami.
I was ready to leave when I did, to follow BF up to the US, but visit regularly as I miss having good friends.

Will you be working? Unless you're a USC you'll have to be at the mercy of work permits - which is a bummer but workable. Have you read the book - Don't stop the Carnival?

Last edited by Orangepants; Aug 3rd 2016 at 11:01 pm.
Orangepants is offline  
Old Aug 4th 2016, 2:09 am
  #11  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 129
daveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond reputedaveincolchester has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

They drive on the left hand side of the road, which is strange for a US territory.
daveincolchester is offline  
Old Aug 4th 2016, 3:56 am
  #12  
Are we there yet?
Thread Starter
 
Trixie_b's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: 31 miles from Cool (California)
Posts: 2,467
Trixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond reputeTrixie_b has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by daveincolchester
They drive on the left hand side of the road, which is strange for a US territory.
yeah and most of their cars are American imports (ie left hand drive) so that will be fun!
Trixie_b is offline  
Old Aug 5th 2016, 2:03 pm
  #13  
BE Forum Addict
 
rpjs's Avatar
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Location: Sleepy Hollow, New York
Posts: 2,536
rpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond reputerpjs has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Apparently the just-retired chief of police for our town and his wife have moved there so I guess it can't be too bad.
rpjs is offline  
Old Aug 10th 2016, 1:08 am
  #14  
Grumpy Know-it-all
 
Steve_'s Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Steve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

I keep meaning to go as I have a relative who owns a restaurant there (or at least he did, been ages since I last spoke to him), his view from what I recall is that you don't want to live anywhere near the oil refinery, which is the largest employer on the island. And the weather he said is like Miami but a bit warmer and a bit more humid, which I take it means you have to swim everywhere.

Everyone drives around in 4x4s apparently because you have to go off-road or on non-paved roads frequently.

He never said anything about crime being bad.

The main advantage is the tax situation. Which is not as amazingly good as say, the Cayman Islands but there is no equivalent to a State income tax.

But it's a small place so I doubt the shops are up to much.

I shall have to try and get in touch, thinking about it.
Steve_ is offline  
Old Aug 10th 2016, 1:10 am
  #15  
Grumpy Know-it-all
 
Steve_'s Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 8,928
Steve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond reputeSteve_ has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: American Virgin Islands - Any info or pointers

Originally Posted by Jerseygirl
Hurricanes,
This is what puts me off, having been through a major one. If you live in Florida at least you can move north but on an island it's a nightmare.
Steve_ is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.