11 Considerations When Moving to the Virgin Islands

A dream is becoming reality as we’re moving to the Virgin Islands this August! With that said, many challenges await during the move. These are the considerations we’re taking and what you should consider if you’re thinking of a similar move.

It’s a big move. After all, South Florida has been our home for years (in Laura’s case, almost her entire life). So we’ll be adjusting to the new environment. But our love for the salt, sun, and island life is calling – so naturally, we must go!

It’s beyond exciting as we don’t really have to give up what we love doing: sailing, freediving, scuba diving, snorkeling, and hunting lionfish. Not to mention, the Virgin Islands are mountainous so we can actually go hiking again! It seems the Virgin Islands is a haven for outdoor adventures so we can’t wait to share all these adventures with you soon! So stay tuned!

In the meantime, we’re taking all the considerations possible on the move. And woof is there a lot! Moving to a Caribbean Island is no easy task and we’re learning that rather quickly.

So with that said, let us burden the headache for you if you’re considering a similar move.

The rest of this guide discusses considerations we’re taking as a newly married, young couple embarking on a journey to the Caribbean islands. Other young couples, or single individuals, will find this guide useful if considering a similar move.

Quick Navigation: Moving to the Virgin Islands

Why We’re Moving to the Virgin Islands

Just a little backstory: Laura is a marine scientist who has worked for a plethora of reputable institutions like the University of Miami, REEF, and the FWC. However, she’s always wanted to get a Master’s Degree to enhance her already stellar credentials. Hence, moving to the USVI!

Blessedly, Laura is getting a paid graduate assistantship at the University of Virgin Islands studying Mangrove Restoration as she involves the local community in conservation projects. Yea. She’s a total badass.

And for me? Well, I just want to live a pirate life, scuba dive on pristine coral reefs, and sail a boat! What better way than to live on a Caribbean island?! (slightly kidding).

But honestly, I’ve dreamed of becoming a Captain, owning my own business or charter, and sailing the Caribbean. So my best bet is to combine all three and try to earn a living while doing it, right?

11 Considerations for Moving to the Virgin Islands

Our situation is unique, yet we want to help those of you who might be considering a similar move. Some of these considerations might be pertinent to you, some might not. So just scroll through and tune in for the ones that speak to you.

1. Which US Virgin Island is right for you?

Now, for our purposes, this consideration was chosen for us. Laura’s entire gig is based at the University which resides on St. Thomas. So, we didn’t get much choice in the matter. However, for you, that may be different. So listen carefully because each island – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix – are all very different.

Saint Thomas

This is the “main” island of all the United States Virgin Islands and serves as the epicenter of commerce for the American territory. It possesses the largest airport in the region, cruise port, and nearly 50% of the USVI population. Among this population, another 50% live in Charlotte Amalie, the largest city in the Virgin Islands and one of the largest in the Caribbean.

If you want to ease into island life, this is your destination. St. Thomas has many conveniences of an American city with a Home Depot, K-Mart, and shopping mall all located on the island. However, the island flair and Caribbean culture aren’t lost on its streets.

Saint John

Laid-back Caribbean vibes are present on this island as most of the land is federally protected as a national park. If you imagine a Caribbean island paradise, scenes from Saint John likely play through your mind.

Although only four miles away from Saint Thomas and Tortola (British Virgin Island), Saint John is the least populated of the Virgin Islands. If you’re looking to simply get away and enjoy nature, this island may be right for you!

Saint Croix

Although much further away from the other two islands, Saint Croix is actually the largest of the three, yet the second most populated. The island’s main two towns, Frederiksted and Christiansted, populate the majority of the residents on this island.

Peppered throughout the island are old, plantation sugar mills as the island offer laid-back living with a touch of history and a large slice of nature. For those seeking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Charlotte Amalie and live truly removed from urban life, Saint Croix may be your spot.

2. Finding a Place to Live in the Virgin Islands

It’s easier said than done, and that’s why we’re still looking. But here are the considerations we’re taking while searching for a place to live in St. Thomas:

• Cost. Obviously. We’re a newly married couple and we don’t want to be spending our life’s savings on a place to stay. A reasonable cost for a one bedroom, one bathroom with a view seems to be between $1500 – $2000 per month so that’s what we’re shooting for.
• Location. Close to work. Close to school. Outside of town. Up the mountain. With a view. Now, is that so much to ask for? We’ll see. Everyone we’ve talked to recommends staying on the Northside of St. Thomas so that’s where we’ll be looking.
• Furnished vs. Unfurnished. As you’ll see, the availability and cost of goods are more expensive on the islands. Not to mention, it’s incredibly expensive to ship over personal belongings. We’re searching for a fully (or partially) furnished apartment. It seems most places consider this.
• Utilities Included. To seal the deal, some places even include utilities like water, electricity, trash, etc. It just depends on the landlord.

It’s better to get there first, maybe rent an AirBnB or VRBO while you search for your next home! Searching from afar is tedious and often unproductive. So our advice? Just get there!

We’ll keep you updated on this front when we visit in July to officially search for an apartment.

3. Shipping a Car to St. Thomas

Like most of the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands are mountainous. 4×4 Jeeps and mid-sized trucks are a common sight to see up and down the winding roads and buying a car on the island itself can be a costly affair.

It’s usually cheaper to ship your car from the mainland. Many companies exist along the eastern seaboard and even as far west as Houston, Texas to ship your vehicles to the Caribbean. We found the cheapest fares were leaving Jacksonville, Port of Miami, or Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Luckily, we live in Fort Lauderdale! Here are a few of the companies to look into:

• TrailerBridge
• Crowley
• Caribbean Car Transport
• Blue Ocean Car Transport
• TOTE Maritime

These same companies leave from places like New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tampa, Charleston, and Houston, amongst others.

4. How to Ship Your Stuff to the Virgin Islands

The best advice we’ve gotten is to sell your things before you go. I know, it’s hard to part ways with our beloved items, but what’s the point of living in the Caribbean if you weren’t prepared to be a minimalist?

However, if you must, shipping your personal items can be achieved through the same companies listed above. In addition to shipping cars, they can load up a shipping container with all your goodies so it’s waiting for you when you arrive in paradise.

As for us? We’re trying to sell everything before we go. And the few items we do bring, it’ll come with us over the span of multiple flights via carry-on and checked bags.

5. Finding a job

To no surprise, the primary industry in the Virgin Islands is tourism (aside from the few governments or university jobs). And as such, you won’t be able to land these jobs unless you apply in person. I mean, can you blame them? How many times do you think people submit applications from the mainland only to never show up?

Regardless, I’ll certainly be running into this issue soon enough. That’s why I’m preparing myself mentally and shoring up my resume. A few jobs that I’ll be looking at in the USVI are:

• Service industry. Bartenders, servers, line cooks, and other restaurant employees are consistent atop the job board listings.
• Boating. Deckhands, Captains, Divemasters, tour guides, fishing mates, or all of the above. Boating, snorkeling, diving, and fishing charters are prominent throughout the USVI. Having the experience aboard a vessel will take you a long way (this is what I’m planning on doing when I arrive).
• Hospitality. Hotels and luxury resorts line the coasts of the USVI. Landing a gig for someone with a hospitality background shouldn’t be an issue.

I’m sure I’m missing a few jobs that could be included on this list but paging through job boards, that seems to be the just of it. Good luck job hunting!

6. Availability of Goods

We often take for granted the magic that is fully stocked and affordable grocery stores; home goods showing up on your doorstep with a click of a button; every imaginable good and service within relative grasp.

For island life, the availability of goods may not be quite as prevalent as we’re used to on the mainland.

That’s not to say your basic needs won’t be met: the USVI has grocery stores, home goods, and hardware stores. However, everything might take a little longer to arrive and maybe a lot more expensive.

Particularly fresh items like milk, meat, or fresh produce. In fact, many newcomers end up eating a more vegetarian diet not based on choice but rather on financial necessity. Luckily, I can always hunt for lionfish and lobster for dinner!

Even water (most water is collected in a cistern by rainfall) can be expensive to come by if a drought happens.

I’m sure once we move to the Virgin Islands my perspective will change a little bit on this. So stay tuned for an update on this section. My bet is I’ll discover more items that are sparse to come by while others won’t be so bad.

7. Adjusting to island life

Some say this is the most difficult adjustment when moving to the Virgin Islands. You have to literally adapt to living on a rock. That’s not so easy for those of us who grew up in the Midwest (Michigan, what’s up?!?) with hundreds of miles of corn to play in. And now I’m supposed to live on this 20-square-mile space with 100,000 other individuals? Yikes, I can see why island fever is a thing.

And it’s not just the island fever. It’s also adjusting to the slow pace of life, the cultural customs, the people you interact with on a day-to-day basis. It’s all a part of adjusting to island life.

Again, I’ll probably be writing a future post on this topic after I actually adjust to island life (or don’t). So be prepared to see island fever updates in 5, 4, 3, 2…..

8. Getting a boat there

Oh. You’re not trying to ship a boat there? Just us? We were the only ones stupid enough to give this a shot? Okay, gotcha.

Now, for those of you who don’t know: we just bought a boat! It’s an amazing 23-foot Hunter with a main sail and jib. Perfect coastal cruiser. Keyword: coastal. NOT an open ocean cruiser (to my dismay).

But we just bought it right before we found out we were headed there. AND I proposed in front of the dang thing! It’s too sentimental and too awesome to give up so early in our sailing adventures. Wouldn’t you try to bring it with you too?

If you were smart, you wouldn’t – but we’re too emotionally involved at this point. So, right along with the truck, we’re going to try to ship it via one of the companies listed above. The quote shopping is slightly outrageous, so wish us luck.

9. How to Get to the Virgin Islands

Unless Elon Musk develops a teleportation machine soon, you have two options here: by boat or by plane. And if you don’t own a boat or you’re not on a cruise ship, welp, looks like you’re down to one option.

Saint Thomas and Saint Croix have their own airports. Depending on the season, you can get a direct flight from hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, New York, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale for relatively cheap.

Our favorite site to search for flights is Skyscanner followed closely by Kiwi and CheapOAir.

READ MORE: How to Book Cheap Flights

10. Weather in the Virgin Islands

I mean, you’re moving here for the weather, right? So this may seem silly to mention, but after living in South Florida for a few years, it’s worth stating.

The Virgin Islands enjoy a year-round sunny, warm climate with average temperatures in the mid-80s. Ask yourself, do you like the heat? Or are you more inclined to enjoy a cool night every so often? Be honest with yourself.

Although, the USVI can enjoy some cooler temperatures with the mountain landscape. If you live up in the mountains, your evenings will be cool and things like A/C may not even be necessary.

Okay, I guess that doesn’t sound so bad. Year-round summer? Count me in.

11. Other Considerations

These aren’t pertinent to us, but you might consider:

• Pets. Is Fido making the trip with you? If so, be sure to check out how to legally, and safely, bring your furry friend to the island.
• Kids & Families. Island life can be conducive for families, or so I read. Hopefully, we won’t be in that situation for a few years even after we get married this August.
• Schools. Similar to the above, what are the schools like? Where would your kids be going to school? It’s a good thing to research before you go.
• Medical Availability. Again, this isn’t the mainland anymore. Hospitals are there, obviously, but they don’t compare to those in major metropolitan areas on the mainland.
• Relationships / Singleness. A common saying for relationships on an island is, “you don’t lose your lover, you just lose your turn.” Consider that your warning.

Moving to the Virgin Islands: Summary

We’re moving to the Virgin Islands! But moving to the Caribbean comes with a lot of considerations to take. If you’ve been pondering a similar move, consider everything we’ve listed:

• Selecting an island. Not all Virgin Islands are made the same.
• Finding a place to live. Rent can be expensive but most places have stunning views of the water.
• Shipping a car to the USVI. A car is damn near a must to live and work on the island if traveling far distances.
• Shipping your stuff to the USVI. Minimalism is the way to go!
• Finding a job. The tourism and hospitality industry thrives here.
• Availability of goods. We’re not in Kansas anymore.
• Adjusting to island life. Rock fever is a real thing.
• Getting a boat there. We’re sailors at heart, what can I say?
• How to get yourself there. By plane or by boat. But most likely by plane.
• Weather. Year round summertime? Sounds hot.
• Other considerations. We’re but only one couple. You might make some other considerations that we don’t.

The smell of salt in the air, waves gently washing ashore, birds chirping in the jungle, and the sun warm on your face. It’s within reach. All you have to do is take the plunge and you’ll be in paradise.

We are. And we’d love to meet you there.