AboutSusie Rano Expertise I've lived in St.Thomas for nearly 20 years. I can answer tourist-related questions regarding this island and may be able to help with questions regarding St.John too.
Experience lived on St.Thomas for almost 20 years
Education/Credentials lived on St.Thomas for nearly 20 years
Expert: Susie Rano Date: 3/6/2008 Subject: Living in the Virgin Islands
Question My wife and I are looking to move somewhere in the Caribbean we have been to Grand Cayman several times and absolutely love it there. We are considering the virgin islands because we would not need to get work permits. My question is: what is the economy like on the various islands? I know that once you get out of the tourist area on many of the islands you get into more dangerous areas, this was one of the reasons we liked cayman so much because it was pretty safe no matter where you went. Are any of the Virgin islands like this? We are planning to head to one of them this summer to scope it out and would like to know which one we are most likely to like. My wife would be teaching elementary school and I would be finishing up my scuba instructors certification.
Answer Hi Jonathan-
There are dangerous sections to just about anywhere in the world. There are some sections of the island that would be best not to venture out to late at night, especially alone. Just use common sense. I don't feel crime is higher here than anywhere else.
The cost of living is rather high here. A gallon of regular gas is $4.00 and electricity (our WAPA), rates are higher than anywhere else stateside including Hawaii. An apartment rental for a small one bedroom not including electricity would run approx. 900-1,000 a month.
As for your wife teaching elementary, there are many private schools that probably pay a higher rate than the public schools. Once you obtain a scuba instructors certification, I'm pretty sure you would find something here. As for which island to choose- St.John is the smallest and quietest, so not many job ops there. St.Croix has hardly any cruise ship visitors so not as many job ops there either, although the cost of living would be somewhat lower and the island is larger. Here in St.Thomas, we get the most cruise ships visiting as well as hotel visitors.
I would highly suggest checking out www.vimovingcenter.com, which is a wonderful resource for those considering relocating. They also have very active message boards where you can ask questions and get help.
Best of luck to you and your wife. Don't hesitate to ask if I can be of further help to you. Have a great week!
