Removed from the mainland, the US Virgin Islands offers a unique American living experience. This is your primer to that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make yourself comfortable and continue reading.
Living in the US Virgin Islands: What You Need to Know
- You can use your current driver’s license for 90 days. If you are a holder of a valid US driver’s license, you are free to drive around the USVI for a 90-day period.
- You need to drive on the left side. Unlike in the mainland, motorists in the USVI drive on the left side of the street. Road conditions in the USVI can also add another challenge, as many roads here are narrow, some steep, and oh yes – just a few potholes.
- There are two major airports in the USVI. There’s Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and St. Croix’s Henry E. Olsen Airport. For inter-state travel, ferries are the way to go.
- Hurricane season is from June to November. September and October are probably the warmest months in the VI.
- Expect tourists from December to March. This is our high season. With an economy that relies on tourism, we welcome the visitors. But sometimes it can leave Havensight and downtown Charlotte Amalie a bit congested for drivers.
Attractions and Things to Do in the US Virgin Islands
There are a million things to do in the US Virgin Islands. These recommendations should get you started on your very own USVI exploration.
Visit the USVI’s National Parks
If there is one thing you should absolutely do in the USVI, it’s to visit one (or all) of the six national parks located throughout St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. These offer a wide range of adventures, undersea or on land. Whichever path you take, the USVI will make an outdoor lover out of you (if you aren’t already.)
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Christiansted National Historic Site
- Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve
- Virgin Islands National Park
- Hassel Island
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument
In addition to the national parks, the US Virgin Islands is also home to several wildlife national refuges, nature preserves, and botanical gardens. For a complete list, visit this page.
Party with the Locals
The USVI’s social calendar is filled with fantastic events, from regattas to colorful street parties, such as the Mardi Gras Annual Parade at St. Croix’s north shore and the yearly Carnival on St. Thomas and St. John. Other events to watch out for include:
- B.V.I Music Festival
- Annual Holiday Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival
- Annual St. Croix International Regatta
- Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival
- St. John Festival
Travel to Water Island
Newly inducted as one of the main islands of the USVI, Water Island only has a total land area of around 500 acres and is located off the coast of St. Thomas. It is also one of the USVI’s newer attractions, as ownership of the island was only transferred to the US government in 1996.
I’ve helped many home buyers and sellers fulfill their real estate goals in America’s paradise. Let me help you explore homes for sale in the US Virgin Islands. All you need to do is get in touch with me at barbara(at)seaglassproperties(dotted)com or (340) 690-9995.