St Croix has a larger amount of space and a wider variety of options. Pros and Cons of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Summary St. Thomas is the second home of the Americas St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has an amazing weather Is It easy to get around in St. Thomas? and Cingular all operate here. operates here and both land line and cellular phone However, compared to St Thomas, St John is also the most expensive of the US Virgin Islands, and that included being a permanent resident. The island follows US law, so the same rules and regulations generally apply, making it a safe spot for US Citizens to travel and live. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are Does St. Thomas offer a Tax-free shopping experience? The Rent Control Act freezes rental levels at what they were in 1947. In particular, the poverty rate in St. Thomas is the highest of any of the United States Virgin Islands, with almost 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line. St Thomas is located east of Puerto Rico in the eastern Caribbean sea. a trip to the St. Thomas is exciting, fun and so easy.. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The isolation of St. Thomas is due to the expensive nature of arriving there in the first place. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Hurricanes:- St. Thomas is in the hurricane belt, and the island can be subject to devastating storms. If that sounds like life for you, St Thomas can be a great place to live. St. Thomas is located in the United States Citizens can drive with their regular license in St Thomas for 90 days, then youll need to secure a St Thomas license, which you can get at the USVI BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You can also go with the luxury option if your budget can afford it. living in st thomas pros and cons . Pros of Living in St John 1. However, you give up a bit of convivence to live this slow life. As a general rule, the pros of living in St Lucia are the rich culture, stable currency, easy access to international cities and beautiful natural scenery. Youll be able to find all your basic necessities at grocery stores and hardware stores, but youll pay a premium to get them. With its perfect climate, St. Thomas is an ideal spot to enjoy nature. 9. Home prices are not as bad as you might think. St Thomas is an unincorporated territory of the United States and abides by the United States laws. That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is the seat of the Kenora District. Great location for getting away. is important in both business and personal matters. While the overall crime rate in the city is still relatively low, certain areas have seen a significant uptick in criminal activity. The USVI monitors hurricanes closely (read on for hurricane info!). But despite the challenges, this city is still a great place to call home. Youll need to start paying attention to the weather report in June each year. While the islands main hospital is well-equipped, there are a limited number of doctors and specialists available, leading to wait times that can be lengthy. + A variety of cultural experiences:- St. Thomas is home to an interesting mix of cultures, offering a wealth of experiences and activities to explore. A 3-bedroom house in a good neighborhood on the island will go for about $250,000, and that usually includes a view of the water. This makes it the perfect place to enjoy the warm sunshine and take part in various water activities. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are excellent spots with stunning views in St Thomas. You are still using U.S. currency for every purchase, and debit or credit cards still work there as they would at any other location. On a whole, crime on the island is related to domestic issues and not directed at visitors to the island. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. Many of the experiences that you will have are the same as any other destination as an American citizen. The pros of living in St Thomas are that the island safe, has easy access to international cities and amazing beaches. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. If youre concerned about the hurricane risk, living in Aruba, farther from the hurricane belt, might be a better option for you. However, St. Thomas also comes with a high cost of living. Facilities such as next day delivery that apply if you live on the Mainland do not apply in St Thomas. Embrace the winter: Embracing the winter can be as simple as enjoying the snowfall from your window or taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of an icy tree branch. 2. Lets take a look at everything you need to know about living in St Thomas pros and cons. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. The city is also growing, which means there are plenty of job opportunities for residents. Incredible Weather in St Thomas 5. It has good schools and hospitals, and a variety of amenities and activities to keep everyone busy. Pros and Cons of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Summary, St. Thomas is the second home of the Americas, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has an amazing weather. 2. 7. Getting around in St. Thomas is a breeze! This has been a cause for concern for many residents, especially those who live in or near the affected areas. share the event by showing the video and photographs at an US Citizens can bring home $1600 worth of duty-free items back to the United States every 30 days. Furthermore, the islands population of just over 50,000 people limits the potential size of the job market. Last update: January 2023 Sources and References Moving to St Thomas? St Thomas is home to the capitol, Charlotte Amalie, and therefore has more commercial brands than the other US Virgin Islands. The incentives are meant to bolster the economy, where over 30% of the residents live below the poverty line and the per capita income is $13,000. On the other hand, if youre looking to head out of the US, consider living in the Cayman Islands. St. Thomas above others? If you can find the beauty in winter, it will be that much easier to get through it! Some of the top activities include hiking and biking trails, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The island is known for its excellent customer service and the locals are always friendly and welcoming. St Thomas is similar to any US city; there will always be some amount of crime and youll always have to use your best judgment to be careful in some areas. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. I hope you find this post helpful and make the right decision about moving to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. On the other hand, living in St. Thomas has its downsides: the high cost of living, cold and long winters, and crime in some areas of the city. Downed powerlines, felled trees, and general havoc occur whenever one blows through. Even when there is a right to repossess the property, the court system allows for a delay of up to six months to allow someone to find a new place to live. Both are very beautiful, and the cost to get to the islands in the first place means that only the people who want to be present tend to hang around. During the winter months, the temperatures can be a bit cooler, but the weather remains pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. With a pronounced fitness culture and multiple major sports teams, Colorado is a great place to live and breathe an athletic lifestyle. However, the cost of living in St. Thomas is high, and the winters are cold and long. 2. The average temperature in January is -8.6C, and the average snowfall is 108.8 cm. Nevertheless, if you are taller, shorter or in need of specialized products you may find it difficult finding what you require on island. 2. So, I decided to gather all the information you need here to help guide you through deciding if living on St Thomas is right for youand me! 5. 6. The streets are lined with trees, and the community has a lot of paved walking trails, making it a truly picturesque place to live. St Thomas has a rich history and culture of pirates, the slave trade, and structures dating back to the 1660s. On St. ThomasMore Info, So many wonderful events and things to do in St. Thomas. Its also good to know youll be in a territory with a stable currency. You can start a lower price if you search for options that might limit a little of your convenience. money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. 3. St Thomas is a great place to live due to its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. A direct impact by one can be enough to wipe entire neighborhoods off of the island. 2-3 bedroom apartments range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000, on average. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea and the gentle breeze make it the ideal holiday destination for those who are looking for a great place to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun. the unique underwater world. While St. John is doing much better economically and socially than St. Thomas, it is still facing some drug-related issues. A major pro of living in St. Croix is the abundance of fresh fruits. When it comes to beautiful natural scenery, St Thomas has a lot to offer. St. Thomas offers visitors a wealth of cultural experiences and a unique mix of cultures. Get outside: Despite the cold, getting fresh air is important for your health. The island life offers so many beautiful benefits, being steps away from the beach, so close to breathtaking scenery, protected nature, and wildlife all around. Most beaches hold easy-access parking, restaurants, picnic spots, and rentals for snorkeling, scuba diving, watersports, sailing, and more. This includes rental cars, bike rentals, and private shuttle services. And, the lesser-known island in USVI, Water Island, is also a boat ride away! Join a gym, take a fitness class, or go skating at one of the local outdoor rinks. It is a truly green community. If living in St John is on your bucket list, its probably time to start saving! Then youve got the cost of housing, groceries, home goods, and everything else to manage upon your arrival. beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery 3. There are a million things to do every day. Required fields are marked *. Depending on what youre looking for in your new home, this could be a pro or a con! If you live in the U.S. Virgin Islands, then you are going to have a governor that oversees the administrative tasks of being a territory. 4-wheel drive vehicles will definitely make your rides easier and smoother to get around rough roads and steep hills. The island is known for its beaches, shopping malls, and resorts. Diverse economy. Because the cost of shipping is high on St Thomas, generally, stores will only carry the most common items. There is an overall lack of goods availability. Quinte West is a city located in the province of Ontario. Traffic can become unbearable during these visits, where it takes you a couple of hours to drive less than a mile. USVI warns its citizens and travelers about theft, assault, and drug violence. + Tax-free shopping:- With no sales tax and reduced prices on many items, St. Thomas offers a unique shopping experience. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. St. Thomas is the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tasty regional foods to try. Getting from St Thomas to St John or the British Virgin Islands is as easy as hopping on a ferry! The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. Even if you only get a close shave by the outer edge of the cyclone, youll be dealing with significant storm surges that can cause plenty of flooding issues. Court approval is required for evictions. Even though it is an American territory, the IRS treats USVI as a foreign country. The island also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from music festivals to art shows. Overall, living in St Thomas has its pros and cons, as does any city! "The Settler's Handbook" is highly recommended as an informative source for those considering moving to, or investing in, the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas or St. John. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. Are drug and poverty big issues in St. Thomas? St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather. There is something for everyone to enjoy and explore in St. Thomas. St. Louis offers unique experiences, cultural attractions, and beautiful landmarks to explore. If you want to be even closer to Virgin Islands National Park, consider living in St John! gives you all the answers. Is St. Thomas, Ontario, a great place to live. The costly part of living on the island is the cost of general resources and materials. However, there is limited public transportation available. Unbeatable Scenery and Views 6. A rental room in St Thomas will range depending on the location, but you can expect to pay roughly $1,200 for a room. Most rain storms pass through the island quickly, so just keep an umbrella on hand and dont let it ruin your day. St Thomas is Full of History 7. If youre thinking of moving to St. Thomas, its important to factor in the high cost of living when budgeting for your new life here. Commercial development is the priority along the beaches of St. Thomas. The island has a much lower poverty rate and crime rate than its neighboring island. Along with the natural beauty, St Thomas also boasts a variety of stores and shopping malls to satisfy any taste. Planning A sandwich that would cost you $5 outside of city limits might cost $10 within. On the other hand, living in St Thomas has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, the high cost of shipping to the island, power outages and traffic congestion. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and businesses, theres something for everyone in St. Thomas. Cons of Living in St.Croix 1. Of course, I cant forget to mention the high weather risk during hurricane season. Theres no sales tax in St Thomas! Living in St John is great for a variety of reasons. Living in St Thomas, youll also be incredibly close to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and other popular Caribbean destinations. While tourism is an excellent source of revenue for the local economy, it also impacts the lives of residents, increasing traffic, waste, and the cost of living. Higher expenses, longer shipping times, and being farther away from family and friends are all sacrifices island dwellers make. One disadvantage of living in St Thomas is the threat of natural disaster in particular hurricanes. With all these advantages, You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. In addition to it's long and rich As such, the citizens of St. Thomas have grown accustomed to the hurricane season and are well-prepared each year to face whatever storms may come. The average rate of taxation for a company on the island is just 3.37% and that was before the Republican congress passed sweeping corporate tax cuts with the blessing of the Trump Administration. Living in St. Thomas CONS 1. There are also multiple hopper planes to get between islands like St Thomas and St John. Does St. Thomas have frequent Hurricanes? This makes the heat bearable and cooling sea breezes provide a nice change in temperature. Warning: Illegal string offset 'skip_featured' in /home/joshuafoss/urbanthriving.com/wp-content/themes/mercina/single.php on line 20 Warning: Illegal string offset . There is an average of 3 to 4 inches of rainfall during the rainy season, but the days are usually sunny with occasional showers. St. Thomas is known for its warm, tropical climate and its picturesque beaches and resorts. With its stunning landscape, St. Thomas is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. 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