Want to relocate to the Virgin Islands of the United States? Maybe you had a beautiful holiday and loved the sandy beaches, the lively insulas or the warm breezes of the island.
Or, perhaps you’ve got an opening for business waiting for you. Does someone living in the virgin islands? No matter why you intend to relocate to the United States of the Virgin Islands, you are sure to have fun!
Scrutinize the surface, though, and you can discover that every day is different from a holiday or a short business trip to paradise. Consider writing about the pros and cons of Virgin Islander life before you start your search in the United States.
The Virgin Islands is one of the world’s most exclusive groups of lands. It is at the east end of the Greater Antilles on the east side of Puerto Rico. Both of these islands are governed by the United States and Great Britain. Some maps still mention the “Spanish Virgin Islands” in Culebra and Vieques, but they are in the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico.
The intention was to develop sugar and tobacco plantings if European colonists came here. All of them took African slaves into their farming economy. The demographics of today represent the Caribbean and African heritage present in the area.
Pros & Cons About Living In the Virgin Islands
Pros
American Territory
It is an American territory that has been secured by the United States and is a United States territory that resides on the Virgin Islands. It is known as the Virgin Islands.
This status means Virgin Islanders are covered by U.S. criminal law, are secured by the U.S. military (hopefully not necessary!), and collect emails from U.S. Post Service.
Also noteworthy is that while many other Caribbean regions are sailing the islands on unpaved roads, mainly paved roads on the Virgin Islands following the national requirements.
The US Virgin Islands are a Tropical Retirement Paradise
The US Virgin Islands are a tropical paradise that offers retirees everything they could possibly want – beautiful weather, plenty of activities, and a low cost of living. Plus, the islands have a long history of being a haven for celebrities and wealthy individuals. If you’re interested in retiring in the Virgin Islands, here are some things to keep in mind:
- The US Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea, just north of Puerto Rico. This means that they experience warm weather all year round – ideal weather for a tropical retirement destination.
- The US Virgin Islands have many beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water that make for perfect swimming and snorkeling. There are also plenty of activities available, such as hiking, fishing, diving, sailing, golfing, and more.
- The cost of living is low on the island – groceries tend to be affordable, housing is moderately priced, and healthcare is relatively affordable when compared to other places in the United States.
- The US Virgin Islands have a strong economy – GDP growth has been above 3% for the past few years, which means that there are plenty of jobs available for people looking to retire there.
If you’re thinking about retiring in the US Virgin Islands, or anywhere else in the Caribbean for that matter, these tips should help you make an informed decision. We hope you enjoy your retirement trip!
Easy Relocation
Yes, the US Virgin Islands are an easy relocation destination. Here are some of the reasons why:
- The US Virgin Islands have a strong economy that is based on tourism and trade. This means that there is always demand for new businesses and workers, which makes it a relatively easy place to start a business.
- The cost of living is low, making it affordable to live and work in the US Virgin Islands.
- The weather is pleasant most of the year, making it a comfortable place to live and work.
- The US Virgin Islands are bilingual, meaning that most people speak English and Spanish. This makes it easy for newcomers to get started and communicate with locals.
You, Will, Enjoy the Temperatures Consistently (If You Like It Hot!)
You will love the atmosphere of the USVI if you wish for mild temperatures of the tropics all year long. It’s summertime every day on the island! Over the summer months, you rarely witness average temperatures of under 75°C in the middle to high-80s.
A few people in the past who have moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands have noticed that it’s fun to place bright lights in their palms on Christmas Holidays.
Enjoy A Modern World
A distinct cultural heritage shares Virgin Islanders. You will soon enjoy the music of steel drums, European architecture, vivid works of art, culinary rituals, and affluent folklore islands.
Don’t be shocked if the other Islanders at first are a little hesitant about you. They are warm people who make friends quickly; they have, however, been fond of many newcomers who have uprooted and returned as fast as they had arrived on the mainland. In a limited time, you will be accepted.
The Islands Of The Virgins Are A Lovely Place To Live
St. John is one of the finest islands in the USVI and, in general, in the Caribbean. More than 70% of the property is set aside as a national park, which covers offshore beaches and submarine zones in some regions.
Living there can be costly due to natural advantages, but life may also be gratifying. You would have an excellent opportunity to stay outside the resort areas in the islands, so you have enough room for yourself.
The Waters Of The Ocean On The Virgin Islands Are Unclouded And Pure
You’ll soon realize that the beach is different as you move from the United States coastal communities to the Virgin Islands. On all the islands, there are great chances for diving and snorkeling. You should even go out and see the warmth of the beach and the calm of the situation on a sunny afternoon.
Cons
Prepare For A Relative Shortage Of Products
The relative lack of shopping destinations often amazes continents that travel to the islands. Yes, St. Croix and St. Thomas are malls, but they don’t provide mega-plex accommodation for mainlanders.
Furthermore, it is remarkable to furnish your house, since the cost of the shipment of big, bulky furniture products is exorbitant. Many islanders buy used items from people who wished to return to their mainland countries or make Home Services based on the rest of the furniture.
Season Of Hurricane
In Virgin Islanders, two words hit terror — the season of hurricanes. It is a definite challenge to experience the crash of a storm in the warm Atlantic seas. The offshore hurricanes can cause floods, power lines down, trees were thrown in the street, and mayhem even when the islands do not make the most of it.
Officially, the hurricane season starts on 1 June and ends each season on 30 November. In August and September, the height of the hurricane season ends.
Islanders are well equipped to brace themselves for these storms and are not afraid of being ready for these disasters.
Elections To The President
But there’s a considerable disadvantage of Virgin Islanders living on U.S. soil without having a governor, like all states. Anyone residing lawfully in USVI cannot vote for the United States President or Vice-President.
It is a sticky point for certain people who have been living on the islands all their lives. They are bound by U.S. law and pay federal taxes and social welfare, but they cannot engage fully in the scheme of democracy.
When Living On The Virgin Islands, The Traffic Can Be Awful
Traffic can be insufficient according to the location of the Virgin Islands. It’s not uncommon to drive you a couple of miles for a couple of hours. You will have to go to another island to get the food you need for the week.
This problem requires a lot of strategic preparation, and even then, you can find that essential products, including toilet paper, might not be available or short.
You Would Have Unwelcome Guests Sharing Your Room
You will have to look for scorpions in your house if you start staying in the Virgin Islands. To stop awkward encounters, you may have to develop new routines like testing your sheets and shoes before using them. You need to remember this.
Tips And Tricks
- Red Flags in Dietary
- Seasickness
- Sun Exposure
- Mosquitoes: Safety Bugs & Bites
Is The Virgin Islands Costly To Live In?
Living costs in the United States It is better than on the U.S. mainland on the Virgin Islands. Apartments cost an average of $2,000 a month. At least $285,000 would be charged for a two-room home. Just 12.5 out of 100,000 people in the continental United States have HIV.
Is It A Safe Place to Settle In The Virgin Islands?
The islands of the Virgins are a lovely place to live.
More than 70% of the property is set a side as a national park, which covers offshore beaches and submarine zones in some regions. The natural advantages can make it costly to live there, but life can also be enriching.
May I Travel to The Islands Of The Virgin?
As a U.S. resident, you will travel to St. Thomas on the Virgin Islands without winning the jackpot. That is no different from going to another state not needing a passport because you can only get there and live. But housing costs are high, and hurricanes occur too much.
Americanized Essentials
The US Virgin Islands are Americanized Essentials. That is, the islands have been heavily influenced by American culture and society, resulting in a unique mix of traditions, values, and customs. As a result, the US Virgin Islands are a great place to live, work, and raise a family – especially if you’re looking for an affordable cost of living and an environment that is friendly and welcoming to foreigners.
High Crime Rate
According to recent FBI crime statistics, the US Virgin Islands has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. In 2017, there were 1,919 violent crimes (including murder and rape) and 2,709 property crimes (including burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft) reported in the US Virgin Islands. These numbers represent a 27.4% increase in violent crimes and a 41.4% increase in property crimes from 2016 to 2017.
Given these high crime rates, it is important for residents of the US Virgin Islands to take precautions to protect themselves and their property. One way to do this is by installing security systems and locking up your belongings when you are not using them. You also should avoid walking alone at night and avoid committing any crimes in areas where there are high concentrations of crime. If you have any questions or concerns about safety in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
Conclusion
Any difficulties must take into account if we live in the Virgin Islands. Still, they are more linked to its Caribbean position and the logistical problems that this dilemma poses. Once you have a residence on an island, you’ll find that life is very natural if you can get accustomed to the weather here.
You will find that some towns or districts are more ready to take you in when you come here than others. Politics at the local level can be particularly complex. You will also witness your neighbors’ love and friendliness as soon as you know that you want to remain.
If you would like to call home someday, the pros and cons of staying in the Virgin Islands are essential to remember. It might be heaven if you want a slower pace of life and do not care about the additional cost. I hope now you know about living in the virgin islands.
FAQ
Did You Eat A Lot Of Seafood Living In The Virgin Islands?
No, I did not eat a lot of seafood living in the Virgin Islands. I personally prefer North American style seafood. With the exception of lobster, shrimp and a few other types, I ate very little seafood living in the Virgin Islands. Fresh fish is pretty high priced unless it’s just released from local waters so I passed on that too.
Also this will sound really judgmental but if you spend any amount of time on St Thomas or Tortola you start to notice how much fat people are putting into their food when they order “three-water” (third option) at restaurants which basically means 3 big burgers with fried potatoes AND fries every meal for two weeks straight for a total of 900 calories. Come on people, go easy on the oil!
What Are The “Natives” Like, While Living In The Virgin Islands?
I found the “natives” to be friendly and welcoming, despite their differences. They’re happy to chat with you and often have interesting stories to tell. The locals are also very observant of cultural norms – so even if you don’t adhere strictly to island customs, they’ll probably respect your efforts anyways.
Is It Hard To Make A Living On The Islands?
I don’t think it’s particularly hard to make a living on the islands, but it can be expensive. You’ll need to factor in things like housing and food costs, among others. People who work exclusively on the islands without a job OFF island get by, but it’s not very hard to find part-time jobs in town or around Tortola.
The retail opportunities are limited so you have to learn how things are done as far as running your own business goes. Thirdly and many times most importantly: RESPECT; this is often low for some and fairly high for others!
While Living In The Virgin Islands Did You Go To The Beach Every Day?
No, I did not go to the beach every day while living in the Virgin Islands. In fact, I spent most of my time exploring the different islands and towns that make up this beautiful archipelago. I definitely did go to the beach a few times while I was there, but it wasn’t my main focus.
There are so many things to do in the Virgin Islands that it’s hard to fit them all into one trip. Plus, there’s always something new to discover on each island. That being said, if you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic vacation, I highly recommend visiting the Virgin Islands!
What Did You Miss The Most While Living In The Virgin Islands?
I miss the people the most. I had a great group of friends while living in the Virgin Islands and it was wonderful getting to know them better. I also really missed being able to walk or bike everywhere I went, as well as simply taking day trips without worrying about packing anything extra. All in all, it’s been a great experience.
