6. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. Does St. Thomas have Limited job opportunities? The US Postal Department delivers courier and mail to and from the island, so it is easy to stay in touch with family and friends. These all come at an additional cost, but they provide a more reliable and convenient option for getting around the island. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. These were not as a result of factors such as natural disasters. It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Is living in St Thomas on your bucket list? Additionally, some roads in St Thomas were destroyed or heavily damaged during the 2017 hurricanes. There are numerous natural attractions for you to enjoy. With all these advantages, Although public transportation is limited, there are a variety of other transportation options available to get around St. Thomas. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel!! This limited job market is largely a result of the islands size. 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? If living in St John is on your bucket list, its probably time to start saving! Overall, St. Thomas is known for its great weather and its long periods of sunshine. If you're considering moving to an expansive tract of land, here are the pros and cons of doing so. There are also capital gains brackets that youll need to consider when moving here, depending on how you generate income. + Easy to get around:- With a flat terrain and well-maintained roads, the island of St. Thomas is easily navigable and offers plenty of transportation options. Yes! Furthermore, the islands population of just over 50,000 people limits the potential size of the job market. 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. Because of this, many jobs available will be in hospitality and retail. Theres also the lesser-known Water Island nearby. Stay active: Its easy to become a couch potato in the winter, but staying active will help you stay healthy and happy. So almost every day is a beach day! 4. Whatever the reasons for the increase in crime, it is clear that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. Because shipping is more expensive and difficult, most groceries, especially milk, meat, and specialty items will cost you significantly more than youre used to on the mainland! Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. Incredible Weather in St Thomas 5. Theres no sales tax in St Thomas! There are also several cultural attractions and activities available to take advantage of. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. A rental room in St Thomas will range depending on the location, but you can expect to pay roughly $1,200 for a room. Overall, living in St Thomas has its pros and cons, as does any city! combination wedding/honeymoon. You will want to take steps to secure employment and verify the security assets of your property before your arrival to minimize risks and complications. The population in this city has grown around 3.26% since 2020 and 35.35% since 2010. Living in St Thomas, youll also be incredibly close to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and other popular Caribbean destinations. As a result, many residents and tourists rely on private transportation. Of course, for every positive, there is a negative. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. Youll be dealing with some significant issues here, especially when it comes to violent crime. and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and 2. why on earth would you want to live anywhere else? The island is a melting pot of Caribbean, African, and European influences, creating a vibrant and exciting culture. Unbeatable Scenery and Views 6. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. The St. Thomas government is always looking to entice consumers and the Tax Free Shopping Experience is the perfect incentive to bring visitors to the city. 5. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. There is something for everyone to enjoy and explore in St. Thomas. This picturesque city has a lot to offer, from its charming downtown core to its many parks and recreation areas. St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. St Thomas Virgin Islands is the second largest of the three main US Virgin Islands territories with 32 square miles of land. It is a popular tourist destination with its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. Pro: Beach life at your fingertips. It Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. living in st thomas pros and consrentcafe login pay rent. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Cons. This will make it easier to find some more common items, but they still probably wont carry those specialty items you might need. St. Thomas has over 40 major beaches along its sun-drenched coasts. 2. St. Thomas The police department has been working hard to try to keep the city safe, but they need the help of residents in order to be successful. The island is home to numerous farms that sell everything from tropical favorites like bananas and mangoes to lesser-known local fruits. It can be fun to watch the tropical storms start blowing in across the water. St John is uncrowded most of the year. Say goodbye to 2-day shipping! Here are the cons of living in St. Augustine, Florida. It is possible for you to own your own house in St Thomas. 7. You will lose the right to vote in presidential elections. This is important to people that want the option of island living without too much of a legal culture shock! If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. That means having a home right on the water is virtually impossible. The healthcare services in St. Thomas are limited, making it difficult to access quality medical care. From hiking to camping and scuba diving, the area offers something for everyone. There are many recreational activities and attractions to keep you busy during your stay. Nevertheless, USPS treats St Thomas as a US territory. 3. Since 2018, the city's population growth has been steadily increasing, with an average of 0.66% growth each year. Plus, the scenery is beautiful and you cant help but enjoy the ride. living in st thomas pros and cons Its been said that there are over a million things that you can do when living in St. Thomas even though the island is only 32 square miles in size. The cost of living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, is 12% higher than the rest of the country. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. Commercial development is the priority along the beaches of St. Thomas. Hurricanes can be a significant problem for the USVI. St Thomas is a bit more crowded, but also has more nightlife and daily activities to choose from. In St. Thomas, you can enjoy island living and water activities 365 days a year. Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. If you require specialty food, clothing, or materials, be prepared to order it from the mainland, and most likely pay a premium for it. Poor Air Quality: The city has poor air quality, with high levels of pollution, making it a concern for those with respiratory issues. Hiking trails range from moderate to difficult, and many of them provide sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. St Thomas has a rich history and culture of pirates, the slave trade, and structures dating back to the 1660s. Outside of the tourism industry, the government, and the handful of retail outlets that have made their way to the island, there isnt much for work. One theory is that the citys population has been growing rapidly in recent years, which has led to more people living in close proximity to one another and increased opportunities for criminal activity. However, if you want to show your visitors around the British Virgin Islands, youll want to remind them to get their passports updated for that adventure. The US Army is stationed in St. Thomas and is responsible for protecting the people from criminal activities. You can go from Uptown Manhattan to Downtown without moving your body. While there are taxis, they are not frequent. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. This means that the job market is much more competitive, with more people competing for fewer positions. 4. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. Pros of Living in St Thomas 1. With its stunning landscape, St. Thomas is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Thats why youll find those who arent involved in the hospitality arena tend to operate a side hustle as a way to make money. There is an average of 3 to 4 inches of rainfall during the rainy season, but the days are usually sunny with occasional showers. Quinte West is a popular tourist destination Kenora is a city in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The traffic and noise can become too much. But the weather will still be warm and usually sunny as well! The island also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean with many areas offering an array of activities and amenities. These storms can take a major toll on the locals and economy in St Thomas. The pros of living in St Thomas are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and incredible beaches. If youre looking for a place to call home that has it all, you may want to consider St. Thomas, Ontario. American citizens do not need new documents to move to USVI. Depending on what youre looking for in your new home, this could be a pro or a con! The people in St John are chill, welcoming, and living in island time. Popular spots like Coki Beach and Secret Harbor Beach consist of white sand and clear, turquoise waters with access to well-protected coral reefs. Overlooks like Paradise Point and Drakes Seat will give you some of the most beautiful, panoramic views of St Thomas. 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. In addition, the lack of medical research and data collection in St. Thomas makes it difficult to properly assess the health needs of the population. St Croix and St Thomas are the cheaper of the choices, whereas St John will be the most costly. Learn about the pros & cons of living in St. Thomas Ontario? Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. Youll be able to find all your basic necessities at grocery stores and hardware stores, but youll pay a premium to get them. Plan fun activities: Make sure you have some things to look forward to during the winter months. St. Thomas is the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Living on an island is definitely different than the mainland when it comes to the affordability of necessities. St. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. 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). beaches and sun-drenched weather. 2. Phone companies like AT&T and Sprint operate in US Virgin Islands, so you likely wont need an international travel plan while living in St Thomas. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. St Thomas is a great place to live due to its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. Any housing that existed before July of that year has a maximum rent ceiling of what the costs where at that point. Required fields are marked *. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Your US Visitors Don't Need a Passport! 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. There are also a number of museums and historical sites to explore. The island also receives protection from the military in case there is something that happens in the world. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. There is also a world-famous golf course for you to enjoy, stunning beaches, and an active nightlife culture that can help you to have a lot of fun. Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. The U.S. You are surrounded by views of the Caribbean and the neighboring islands wherever you go. Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. It is a vibrant and bustling island located in the Caribbean Sea and is known for its tropical beauty and culture. The USVI monitors hurricanes closely (read on for hurricane info!). Generally, St Thomas is a safe island. State: Pennsylvania County: Franklin County And there are widely popular bay-like beaches with amenities such as restaurants, rest rooms, chair rentals and complete water sports centers offering a variety of rental equipment . St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, is an island in the Virgin Islands archipelago of the United States. pros and cons of living in pueblo, colorado. Looking to move to St. Thomas Ontario?======Contact Us and Subscribe https://bit.ly/livinginlondonontario Thinking of moving to London Ontario Canada? However, there is limited public transportation available. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. The top being it is fairly untouched by tourism. Cons of Living in St.Croix 1. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. If the property is newer then that, then the maximum rent allowed for the property is the initial amount charged during the lease signing. So, your friends in the US not only have a cool friend on an island, but they also wont need to jump through any hoops to get to you! The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins in June 1 and ends in November 30 of each year. The most popular time people choose to visit St Thomas is from December to April. From weather to waterfront property, let's go over all the living in St. Petersburg pros and cons: Pro: Tampa Bay access. personal and commercial convenience, the US Post office During the winter months, the temperatures can be a bit cooler, but the weather remains pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. St. Thomas is known for its unique shopping experience, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase items without paying sales tax. This area is a small strip that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. To better understand the pros and cons of living in St. Louis, one should explore the city and learn more about its rich . St. Thomas is an ideal place to visit and explore, and the US Army and Postal Department make it easy to stay safe and connected while you are there. Brands like Home Depot, Mcdonalds, Marriott, IBM, and KMART operate in St Thomas. the unique underwater world. This makes it convenient for tourists visiting from other islands as well as persons who are considering relocating to St Thomas. Tourism. When dealing with certain companies, there are restrictions on what you can ship to the island. 1. It features chapters on each of the three Virgin Islands, including island culture, history, relocation, housing, and local services such as: real estate, government offices, physicians, civic groups to join. If that sounds like life for you, St Thomas can be a great place to live. You can find the occasional mall on St. Thomas or make your way to St. Croix for some retail therapy, but the buildings are not as large as you might expect. 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