Charlotte Amalie Harbor at Dusk
I’ve said it before, and here I go again. If you’re moving to the VI from the States, and you’re not from the VI – in other words, this is going to be a new world for you – be prepared to either love this place for the very reasons it frustrates you, or…move to Florida.
And while Florida may offer you plenty of marvelous conveniences – great grocery stores, retail shopping, restaurants at every turn – what it won’t offer you is that moment when you crest a hill and the view takes your breath away. That’s due in part to the fact that there are no hills in Florida, but there also aren’t views like those of the Virgin Islands. Our views begin with turquoise waters and distant cays and rugged shorelines and sailboats galore.
So – weigh that against the fact that almost everything you see in the VI grocery store is imported and not always that fresh. Retail shopping? Amazon. Oh yes – and KMart. We also have a Walgreens these days. There are a few brand clothing stores in the downtown district Charlotte Amalie, but they mostly cater to cruise ship visitors.
Our prices are high, for food, for energy, for services. And often our wages don’t begin to keep pace. That doesn’t mean you have to be wealthy to live here. But you have to be mindful. We do have two bulk shopping stores where prices are more reasonable, so that helps.
Oh, and bring a car. Or buy one here. Don’t for a minute think you can muddle through with taxis. Ain’t happenin. And bring a sense of humor. You need to be able to laugh at the very things that frustrate you – the Serenity Prayer is helpful. And bring a sense of charity. There are many ways to get involved in, and give back to, this wonderful community that I have called home for close to 20 years. And it’s rewarding.
You’ll meet people who won’t care what car you drive, or what shoes you wear. So if status is important to you, go to…wait – did I already mention this? Florida. And sorry to dump on the Sunshine State. I lived there briefly, in the North Palm Beach area, where attention was seriously paid to labels and brands. Here, it isn’t.
Enjoy moving to the US Virgin Islands. Remember to open every conversation with, Good Morning or Good Afternoon. And have fun! Oh – and if you need a place to live, let me know.