Living in St
Croix
you are in the US
but you wouldn't know it
Another
stressful day living in St Croix.
Living in St Croix, was great for us, maybe you too.
The last 3 winters
we had the boat 1999 to 2002 we spent the entire winter anchored in St
Croix.
Although we lived on the boat, we spent so much of the year
there we bought a car and set up residence. Drivers license, paid taxes
(same as US), set up Post Office, bank, joined a church and gym etc.
You are in the US, really you are
In 1917 the US purchased the
USVI from Denmark for 25 million in gold. It was during WWI and we
didn't want a (then) enemy having a naval base so close to the US.
It
is a US territory, same laws, and protections as in the US. Not being
able to vote for president is about the only difference than living in the 50 states that are somewhat colder than the USVI.
The largest of
the Virgin Islands St Croix is 34 miles long, 7 miles wide, it also has
the biggest industrial base.
Formerly Hess Oil, now the Venezuelan Oil
Company, St Croix has the largest refinery in the Western Hemisphere.
They also distill Cruzan Rum, on the island.
Because of the
influx of refinery workers from Puerto Rico, 80 miles away, 45% of the St
Croix residents speak Spanish (and English of course).
St
Thomas, the capital of the territory, is the cruise ship capital of the
world, we have seen 10 ships in port on the same day...gets a little
crowded in Charlotte Amalie downtown on those days.
St John, thanks to the generosity of Laurance
Rockefeller, is 60% national park and very sparsely populated.
All have great, mid 70s to mid 80s, weather year
round with gentle ocean breezes the norm.
Driving on the left
In 1917 they drove on the left (the
wrong side to Americans), and never changed...nor do you want to be on
the island if they ever do change. It takes some getting used to. It is
a small island you can drive around the entire island in an
afternoon...there is only one place on the island, by the airport where
the speed limit is 65...elsewhere it's 45.
Housing on St Croix
Living
on St Croix is popular with some snow birds who visit only in the
winter. For frugal retirement living there are a lot of condos
throughout the islands with many below $100,000. The downside is the
homeowners association fees which can and do run to $500 a month,
whether you are there or not...why? insurance for hurricanes is really
costly.
It would be a great place for living on a
boat...you
don't need a mega yacht. If it is watertight you are going to be fine.
I am guessing as to how much one would cost but $10,000 for sure, would
buy you a floating home for living in St Croix.
Again you are
encouraged to rent before you buy. Come to St Croix for a few months
rent an apartment and see if island living is for you. Some folks
report "rock fever" and find it is not for them...we never had that
malady.
Rent first...go slow.
What to do living in St Croix
The same things you
would do in any state. We joined a church did volunteer work by
painting the exterior ( a designated national landmark) of the parish
hall. We joined a gym, not only good for you it saved on the use of
fresh water on the boat.
Direct flights to the US are available from the
local airport.
Now the locals know how to party and any excuse
for a parade is a good one in my humble opinion.
Downtown Christiansted three Kings Day parade.
We attended a Lutheran church in
downtown Christiansted, 2 blocks from the water.
The
church was founded in the 1700's at the local Danish fort and moved to
the current location in the 1830's. The marble floors have worn spots
from the traffic over the years.
The sanctuary you see is
decorated for Palm Sunday...there is no shortage of palm fronds on St
Croix and they really have it decked out for Holy Week.
We made many friends at the church and attended to
several holiday celebrations in the homes of the locals.
The people that live on St Croix are warm and
friendly.
Conclusion
If you want to live in the Caribbean, but
really stay in the US, consider living in St Croix. We did for 3 years,
had a wonderful time and would do it again...so can you.
Return
from living in St Croix to best state to retire in
Living in St Croix or another USVI?
Have you a USVI special place? If so let us here why you chose this particular spot. It may be cold up north and your story could warm somebody up! Share it!
Return
from living in St Croix to frugal retirement living
