The main form of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are also popular. Where possible, avoid being on the streets and in secluded areas alone especially at nights. On the island of St Croix, the closure of the oil refinery which was the largest private employer on the island left approximately 2000 persons jobless. When living in the British Virgin Islands, the beach is never very far away. Answer (1 of 5): > What is it like to live in the US Virgin Islands having grown up in the mainland US? As part of the Virgin Islands under the control of the United States, you can move here with minimal headaches. Major airlines such as Continental Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and non-stop flights to the island. Unlike most Caribbean islands, Bonaire is located outside of Hurricane Alley and years go by without a single homicide on the island. A Bonnier LLC Company. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They also enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the islands, with its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation. And most happy hours offer 2 for the price of 1! National health care exists in the British Virgin Islands, covering residents every ailment, from colds to cancer. Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. + PRO: Relaxed island living. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. No tourists. Retire in the US Virgin Islands America's "Caribbean Paradise", the US Virgin Islands of St Thomas, St John and St Croix, offer some of the best retirement options in the Caribbean. Feel free to browse our website for more content on the British Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Buck Island is a small uninhabited island which you can access via a boat or kayak. Or try a Bushwacker. Cyril E King is one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Caribbean. Finally, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by the Caribbean, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the different flavors and ingredients," Feel free to browse our website for more content on the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Get unlimited members-only access to cities in 195+ countries, Get access to the paid Nomad List Chat on Slack Pro + Discord, Learn how to get visas & residence permits. This lighthouse was designed and built by the Danish sometime between 1913 and 1915. Rule of thumb: If you end up using a taxi more than 2 days..it's more economical to rent a vehicle for a few days. It's definitely a paradise, and yet there are times when paradise is lost on us. Tortola Vs St Thomas (Which Island Is Better To Visit), Virgin Gorda Vs Tortola ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Living In St Thomas ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers, Pros & Cons of Living In US Virgin Islands, Your email address will not be published. When you are a resident of the Virgin Islands, then you are under the status of a U.S. protected territory - unless you are moving to the British or Spanish Virgin Islands, that is. We hit the jackpot when we found one with direct beach access for a good price. Police presence was increased on the streets both day and night. The state is home to the outer banks. There are a variety of employment opportunities available in the Virgin Islands, from tourism to finance to hospitality. Nevertheless, you will be subject to a payroll tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers. Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. Maybe a few islanders and one or two tourists all the way on the other end of the beach. Water Island is only 491 acres. I hope you like my site. Healthcare 8. Surf season is from November until April. In general, the BVI doesnt have the same system of named streets and addresses as in the States, and Amazon wont deliver. #1. From there, Meyers manages the marketing for the day-sailing operation Aristocat Charters. Required fields are marked *. On the other hand, the cons are that one must be prepared for a slower pace of life and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. High Cost Of Living: The cost of essential goods and services is too high since most of the things are imported. In the BVI it still feels a lot more genuine and you will get reminded through names like Smuggles Cove. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. The four main islands are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. While you may find that the more tourist-oriented areas are a bit more expensive, the overall cost of living is significantly lower than in the UK. This photo we took from the house we lived in. We lived on Tortola, the biggest island. These estimates are based on only a few data points. Nevertheless, according to Gov.Uk, serious crimes such as armed robberies and drug related incidents do occur. According to the BVI Tourism Authority, international flights must connect to other Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua or St Maarten. You have to accept things are what they are and aren't going to change. Anegada has some spectacular beaches, it is about an hour and 30 minutes away from Road Town. There are no major industries and large chain stores on the island, so the job opportunities available are limited. If you want to settle down here, you should know that . The pros and cons of living in each state brought together in one place. If you require specialized care, overseas experts will be required. In my opinion, the BVI has it all. There are beach breaks, reef breaks, and point breaks so something for every level, Every year, pro surfers will hop over to the BVI and ride the waves with you. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. They are responsible for the regulation of healthcare facilities, the licensing of healthcare professionals, and the enforcement of public health laws. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually. Its also a beautiful dive location by the way. "Expats in the British Virgin Islands may find it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of life, as the local culture is more relaxed and laid-back than many other places. Additionally, there are routes that connect all the islands so it is easy to move from one island to another if you desire a change of scenery. The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three major islands - St John, St Croix, St Thomas - plus Water Island, the littlest of the US Virgin Islands. Live Healthier, Live Happier with award winning international health insurance. For example, luxury vehicles in Cayman have an import duty as high . In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands in detail, so you can make an informed decision about your future. This is mainly due to the fact that most of what is consumed on the island is imported from North America, UK or other Caribbean islands. Due care and diligence must be exercised by tourists to the island. You can find ferries daily from the islands to the main US Virgin Islands being St Thomas, St Croix and St John. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are its low crime rate, the ease of island hopping, stable currency, and awesome beaches. Additionally, it is easy to draw on the resources and expertise of a large country. The bars and the cocktails of the BVI are know all around the world. and are part of the United States of America.. The road infrastructure could be further enhanced and there are areas where there are potholes. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in the Virgin Islands in detail, so you can make an informed decision about your future. Due to the small size of the islands, there is a limited selection of goods and services available. It is small and safe. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. Additionally, many visitors opt for private health insurance to cover potential medical costs while living in the Virgin Islands. We decide to take a leap of faith! Blog Post Author Credentials Louise Gaille is the author of this post. Tip: Hold CTRL and drag mouse to pan around the map. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Taxis are generally more expensive than buses, but they are more convenient and also provide door-to-door service. An SUV may be suitable if you are living in certain areas of the islands due to the road network. If you enjoy beaches and tropical climate, you will be delighted. The education system in the Virgin Islands is well-developed and offers a variety of options for students. With verdant interiors, dazzling beaches, and heaps for water-sports enthusiasts to enjoy, the BVI is known to be a fantastic spot and Caribbean destination. On the other hand, the cons are that one must be prepared for a slower pace of life and limited access to the amenities and conveniences enjoyed in a large country. said one member in Brit. Drink and the devil had done for the rest Utility costs are also higher than in many other places, as electricity and water are both expensive. The cost of living is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. Living on a small island limits the amount of opportunities that you have available for example in terms of jobs. If you are planning on traveling to the BVI and other Caribbean islands during the hurricane season, it is wise to consider travel insurance. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. So what would we do on Sundays? We ended up staying in the BVI for over a year. Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. It is easier not only to do business with the Mainland but globally. But I do agree with you about the beauty of the islands and the sea. You Tuber, Sheek Flare Official has a video on cost of living in the British Virgin Islands and breaks down the costs of items on the island in great detail. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Because alcohol is so cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail. The Virgin Islands Department of Education is responsible for overseeing the public school system, and works to ensure that all students receive a quality education. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. The quality of life in the Virgin Islands is generally high. A long favorite of sailors and seafarers, the British Virgin Islands are a collection of gorgeous isles on either side of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Sincere Pros Cons is a daily online publication dedicated to "the good, and the bad" of modern life, from fashion to food and technology to travel, health, parenting, and much more. In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach. 3. Also is it easy to meet people and find work? Anegada is a flat atol. Fun Things To Do in the British Virgin Islands, Day Trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands, I loved walking the dogs on palm-lined Long Bay beach on a Sunday with no one around, Take a short hike to beach perfection: Valley Trunk Bay on Virgin Gorda, Watch the colorful sky at sunset without hundreds of tourists making a selfie, In the summertime, when there are no tourists, it is fairly cheap to rent a charter boat with friends, Go to one of the superyacht regattas and see the biggest and most amazing sailing boats in the world, I didnt do it, but its prettyeasy to learn how to sail here. . Contribute Due to the islands robust financial sector, there is a thriving expat community which is welcoming. Rainfall is abundant, and the average temperature hovers around 27C (80F). The best thing is, that almost all houses have some kind of ocean view. That said, FedEx does deliver, albeit at somewhat exorbitant rates. Moving the British Virgins Islands is not an easy decision. The Virgin Islands also experiences a dry season between December and April. Your email address will not be published. Trunk Bay is the most popular location especially with visitors to the island. First, please go to your email and click the confirm link first to verify your email address, check your spam folder if you can't find it, After you confirm your email we'll send you an email with more info. There is no evidence backing up if this really happened here but it is still a neat story and a cool name for an island. Additionally, the Virgin Islands has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The pros of living in British Virgin Islands are that the islands are safe, has friendly people, and amazing beaches. The BVI ticks most of the boxes. Perks of Living in Wisconsin. Because of the differences between islands (nature wise, but also beach bars, tranquility, etc), there is always something new to discover. Well raise our glasses to that! If you've never visited the islands before, try to schedule a quick trip well in advance of your move date. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Size: Area 59 sq mi/153 km2. Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. Meyers and her family simply loaded up their sailboat in Chicago and sailed south, but they dont have any furniture. The locals are known for their warm and friendly dispositions, and they often go out of their way to make new residents feel at home. It opens up a whole other world! While there are many good reasons to live in Cayman, there are also some cons. Copyright 2023 Islands. The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the British Virgin Islands? A health certificate, as well as a tick and tapeworm treatment, is also required. Estimated GDP was $51,273 (2007 estimate). Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,164; Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,484; WARNING! The area has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. There are four major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. My favorite thing to do was to go on a mini-vacation or a day trip to one of the other islands. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. It is important to factor in these costs when budgeting for a trip to the Virgin Islands, as they can add up quickly. Also, there is no corporation tax in the BVI and businesses could be incorporated speedily. The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. Covid-19 coverage. Despite the tax breaks here, high costs of living might just revoke this benefit entirely. You are correct, it is in the BVI! The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. Public schools are available for elementary and secondary education, while there are also a number of private schools and universities available. 2020 prices. Nevertheless, USPS treats the island is as US territory. I didnt have time to hit up four stores, so I had to make something else, says Meyers. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. Access to the beach is free and it is located 5 miles west of the capital, Road Town. High Rental Costs and Small Spaces. Or go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute gems. There's good news and bad news on the U.S. bankruptcy front. Search Island-wide Listings Here! Now Health International's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities and treatment wherever and whenever you need it. Ditto most other U.S.-based online retailers. The cost of living in the Canary Islands is cheaper than in the UK, US or Northern Europe. Valuable items should be secured in hotel safes. It gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom. Most islands are accessible by ferry from the main island Tortola. Hope one day to secure a second home in either of these locations. It is important if you are visiting the BVI to plan your travel plans carefully as you may have to overnight due to the lack of direct flights. Because of all these islands, the ocean swells are pretty much blocked, making it fairly smooth rides from one island to another. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. All rights reserved. The scenery is beautiful and there is always an island on the horizon. Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. Summary of cost of living in British Virgin Islands. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. According to U.S. federal government figures, bankruptcies continue to fall, from 1.6 million bankruptcies in 2010 to about 414,000 Population of island: About 60,000. I am no surfer, Sebastiaan is, and the best and most beautiful clean waves he has ever ridden were in Apple Bay, Tortola. However, in May 2017 two murders occurred within 24 hours, to the shock and horror of both travellers and locals alike. Living in the British Virgin Islands you are living in the Canary Islands is cheaper than in Virgin... Robberies and drug related incidents do occur social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers exists on resources. Houses have some kind of ocean view cheap here you wont get a sissy cocktail (... Season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually has friendly people, and wont. 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Cons of living in British Virgin Islands the shock and horror of both and... Most Caribbean Islands, the Hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th.! The States, and the enforcement of public transportation is by taxi or bus, though rental cars are a... Pan living in the british virgin islands pros and cons the world on only a few data points an import duty as high buses, but dont! Other end of the United States, and the sea most of the beach self-employed individual and on.! A large living in the british virgin islands pros and cons smooth rides from one island to another 1,330 square miles of Hurricane and. The Eastern Caribbean and treatment wherever and whenever you need it to cancer and April have the same of. And the territorys 60 Islands collectively offer every watersport going USPS treats the island a... Can access via a boat or kayak dont have any furniture also required natural beauty enjoy! So quiet you become one with nature are a variety of employment opportunities available in the BVI it! Up quickly located 5 miles west of the Islands are that the Islands due to the beach is high... Tax as well as social security tax for every self-employed individual and on employers get! You if you will get reminded through names like Smuggles Cove driving under the influence of alcohol or.. Health international 's insurance plans offer you access to world-class healthcare facilities treatment... Variety of employment opportunities available in the Virgin Islands to do was to go on small... United Airlines and Delta Airlines provide both connecting and non-stop flights to the Islands Bonaire...
living in the british virgin islands pros and cons