Even when there are specials in place, a family of four can pay up to $3,000 just to arrive at the island. Like all places, you should be smart and cautious around the island. living in st thomas pros and cons . the unique underwater world. Property taxes in St Thomas come in at 1.25%, though sometimes there are incentives for US Citizens choosing to move to USVI. Tourism. St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities. There are strands with crystal blue water and swaying coconut trees where a beach bum can enjoy a lazy-lazy day. It gets hot on the islands most of the year, with temperatures in the 80s almost all year long. 2. In fact, St. Thomas averages about one hurricane every five years, which is much lower than the average for other Caribbean islands. Theres also the lesser-known Water Island nearby. The area also offers plenty of opportunities for camping and fishing. Then you can enjoy the snorkeling, sailing, and diving that is part of life here. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. You can own a home or apartment in St Thomas for $200,000-$400,000 and up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He keeps writing along with his co-founders. Compared to St. Thomas, St. John is a much safer and crime-free area. As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. 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. Life is slower and more peaceful when living in St. Thomas. Youll be able to find all your basic necessities at grocery stores and hardware stores, but youll pay a premium to get them. operates here and both land line and cellular phone St. Thomas is known for its unique shopping experience, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase items without paying sales tax. 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. If you are ready to start living in St. Thomas, then the prices are not going to be as high as you think to get a decent place. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Although there are some rightful concerns about crime in the USVI, St. Thomas still provides an excellent environment for raising your kids. There are areas with higher crime rates around the island. St Thomas is the second largest of the four major US Virgin Islands. Everything feels familiar in the Virgin Islands. 3. You will get to experience plenty of sunshine, have friendly neighbors, and experience Caribbean life without a significant investment. Summer Heat: The summer months can be extremely hot in St. Augustine, making it uncomfortable for some residents. Lets take a look at everything you need to know about living in St Thomas pros and cons. Youll likely run into the same people very frequently. Upon their return, they can Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. I cant imagine anyone would get tired of walking outside to the clear waters, white sand, palm trees, and mountains. Best place to live and raise a family. 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. Youll only get about 40 inches of rainfall every year. Renting is a positive experience in St. Thomas. beaches and sun-drenched weather. There are also a number of museums and historical sites to explore. Furthermore, The lack of insurance coverage for healthcare services creates an additional barrier for those living on the island. If you can find the beauty in winter, it will be that much easier to get through it! However, St. Thomas also comes with a high cost of living. The city ranks 2nd among the cities in Minnesota with a large population. Let's take a look at all the pros and cons of living in St John USVI before you make your final decision, and see if island life is right for you! Goods are less available in St Thomas, as they are with most islands! You wont have congressional representation that can vote either despite the obligations to pay into the Social Security program and pay federal taxes. They also elect governors every four years and have 15 district senators holding two-year terms 7 from St Croix, 7 from St Thomas, and 1 from St John. Most importantly, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which Additionally, Cyril E King airport is also an important connecting gateway for the British Virgin Islands where no direct international flights serve this island grouping. no estate or inheritance tax. If moving to the island, consider renting a place with a generator especially if you are digital nomad and dependent on power for your work. So why should you choose Last update: January 2023 Sources and References Moving to St Thomas? Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. Living in St John is great for a variety of reasons. There was a total of 49 homicides of which 20 (41%) were on the island of St Thomas. Prices in St Thomas This city had 22 entries in the past 12 months by 6 different contributors. A modest cost of living. Its located near its sister islands, St John and St Croix. Public transport . + A variety of cultural experiences:- St. Thomas is home to an interesting mix of cultures, offering a wealth of experiences and activities to explore. Learn about the pros & cons of living in St. Thomas Ontario? Cunard, Princess, Holland America and Oasis and Allure typically dock at Crown Bay. American citizens do not need new documents to move to USVI. St Thomas beaches are frequently voted some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. The population in this city has grown around 3.26% since 2020 and 35.35% since 2010. Talk about easy travel! It would be divided into plantations and focus on sugarcane production. Being the hub for commercial activities in the US Virgin Islands, there is a presence of international brands on the island. These storms can take a major toll on the locals and economy in St Thomas. 19 Pros and Cons of Privatization of Education, 17 Pros and Cons of Living in the Florida Keys, 18 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payback Period, 20 Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing a Car, 19 Advantages and Disadvantages of Debt Financing, 24 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of a C Corporation, 16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation, 18 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Gated Community, 17 Big Advantages and Disadvantages of Focus Groups, 17 Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Corporate Bonds, 19 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Annuities, 17 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Advertising. In addition, the cost of healthcare services is high compared to other Caribbean islands, making it difficult for those with limited resources to access the care they need. living in st thomas pros and cons 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. 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. 9. The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. You can get to where you need to go quickly, easily, and with breathtaking views. If that sounds like life for you, St Thomas can be a great place to live. The city is also home to the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre, which features a collection of art from local and international artists. If youre serious about living in St Thomas, its best to plan a trip there first and see if it feels like home. There are areas with higher crime rates and if possible, you should avoid wandering around alone at night. But, like all cities, St. Petersburg might work better for some home-seekers than others. If you require specialty food, clothing, or materials, be prepared to order it from the mainland, and most likely pay a premium for it. 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. Along with the natural beauty, St Thomas also boasts a variety of stores and shopping malls to satisfy any taste. With a pronounced fitness culture and multiple major sports teams, Colorado is a great place to live and breathe an athletic lifestyle. Limited medical care:- With few healthcare providers on the island, medical care can be difficult to access. Unless there is a default in rent, landlords must give a months notice for lease termination. Most assessments are for about 60% of the fair market value of the real estate. blue sea and near perfect year-round weather, there are Because St. Thomas is not part of a state, then your legal residence there will disqualify you from voting for a presidential ticket. Youll find that some beaches and areas on the island are still recovering from hurricanes. 4. Youll quickly adjust to this as a local if you move there. Popular spots like Coki Beach and Secret Harbor Beach consist of white sand and clear, turquoise waters with access to well-protected coral reefs. + Abundant outdoor activities:- With its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, St. Thomas is an ideal spot to enjoy nature, explore the outdoors, and stay active. and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and Incredible Weather in St Thomas 5. Life in the city tends to be more expensive than in the suburbs. Islands move slower than the mainland. The final cost was $25 million in gold in 1917, or the equivalent of about $500 million today. 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). 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. local service. Island fever can be a real thing, no surprise when youre living in the middle of an ocean! 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. If you are not American, youll be required to have a visa. is important in both business and personal matters. Most major airlines fly to STT, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, British Airways, and more. The most popular time people choose to visit St Thomas is from December to April. St. Thomas, Ontario, is a great place to live for families. Court approval is required for evictions. There is also a public bus system, but it is often unreliable. The USVI monitors hurricanes closely (read on for hurricane info!). 4. While St. John is doing much better economically and socially than St. Thomas, it is still facing some drug-related issues. With all these advantages, Locals and visitors to the island therefore should be extra cautious with their valuables. Planning St. Thomas has a lot of Outdoor Activities How is the Culture in St. Thomas? Youre still living in the United States. Over the past few months, there were a number of power outages on the island. When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. Hurricanes:- St. Thomas is in the hurricane belt, and the island can be subject to devastating storms. Many households on the island have more than one vehicle and as a result during rush hours expect traffic delays. As of 2022, St. Paul has 2,967,000 residents, a 0.71% increase from 2021. Like anywhere, you should avoid wandering around alone at night. St. Thomas is the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Your beach days will consist of sunshine and light breezes, even on colder days! also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is Although public transportation is limited, there are a variety of other transportation options available to get around St. Thomas. The location of St Thomas also makes it susceptible to earthquakes. Overlooks like Paradise Point and Drakes Seat will give you some of the most beautiful, panoramic views of St Thomas. Sincere Pros Cons is a daily online publication dedicated to "the good, and the bad" of modern life, from fashion to food and technology to travel, health, parenting, and much more. Of course, I cant forget to mention the high weather risk during hurricane season. To get you started, here is our list of the top 15 living in St. Louis pros and cons. 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. On the other hand, living in British Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. It is a popular tourist destination with its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. 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. St. Thomas offers visitors a wealth of cultural experiences and a unique mix of cultures. Its also good to know who can move to St Thomas before you decide! In addition to it's long and rich Limited public transportation:- While there are some public transportation options, they are not as frequent or reliable as in other areas. Traveling between St. John and St. Thomas is very easy. Theres no sales tax in St Thomas! St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. Does St. Thomas offer a Tax-free shopping experience? The median cost of a home in St. Augustine is $352,100, which means that you get a really wonderful home in a great community, and a great neighborhood and still be walking distance to downtown and the beach. However, it will take time, effort, and resources to make a difference in the lives of those living in St. Thomas and St. John. With that being said, you can most likely find a room in your budget somewhere on the island. Bahamas vs Turks and Caicos: Which is better in 2023? Most rain storms pass through the island quickly, so just keep an umbrella on hand and dont let it ruin your day. If you are contemplating traveling to St Thomas or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. I hope you find this post helpful and make the right decision about moving to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Online shopping is an option available for specialty products. informal reception. Although employment can be tricky if youre not in the hospitality industry, there is still a lot of magic to find on this small island. St. Thomas, Ontario, has been experiencing an increase in crime in recent years. 6. The island also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean with many areas offering an array of activities and amenities. The steady increase of a city's population growth indicates how desirable the . 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