One Year Living on an Island (Everything I learned) St. Thomas USVI

[@Jeadayto]

My husband and I lived in Massachusetts for many years and recently retired. We left the cold winters behind and moved to the eastern region of Puerto Rico. We absolutely love island life. Enjoy your videos. 👍

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. I'm supposed to be coming over to PR next week but we are having trouble finding a decent flights.

[@bobbear4437]

where in the eastern region, tell us about it, cost, life, etc

[@stefcia420]

I’m from mass and it’s all I think about. I don’t have much family here and my soul needs to be somewhere else with my son. I’m thinking the Virgin Islands

[@rosemarydolliver]

A great and true statement I heard while living many years on STX (St. Croix) was if you want to leave the island with a million dollars, bring 3 million. Living in the islands sucks money out of you. Everything…everything is double to triple more than in the states. If you can’t afford to live well in DC, NYC or San Francisco, you won’t be living well in the VI. Living in the islands is not a vacation unless you are retired.

[@m-jay356]

You are correct but to bring your point full circle. With the right business, you can make a killing albeit this goes against retirement (to a degree). The local government is useless there. I believe the cost of living though will remain high, can considerably drop if they did something.

[@C1K450]

The USVI is livable if you are retired with good benefits and pension. Other than that, you can make a decent living if you have a business or work in a highly skilled profession.

[@liionqueen0813]

Looks like we moved to STT around the same time or not ling after you did!! Everything!! You have said here is 100% and I absolutely relate to! 👍🏽 great information for everyone for sure! ☺️

[@How2Beach]

Thanks Sharon. I hope you're enjoying your island adventure.

[@Icebergslim333]

I was just talking to my wife tonight about moving there and we came across this video. Thanks for the info. Subscribed.

[@How2Beach]

That's awesome. Thanks for the sub.

[@jckeitz]

$30 buck a night at the beautiful camp ground run by the Windmill Bar in St John. no need for car and never hot as the wind is wonderful so use a teepee going back in Feb...Wanna meet as i also know my life long friend's son Cyle who runs with gf many of the jeep rentals and has huge plant and feel of St John. Blessings!!!

[@mariacohn4766]

I just subscribed! Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It's so informative!

[@How2Beach]

I'm glad it was helpful. Be sure to check out the other videos on the subject.

[@slavikelliott5598]

Useful stuff my dude keep doing what you do

[@How2Beach]

Thank you!

[@Splenda2021]

Thank you sir I need this info just found your channel

[@How2Beach]

That's great. Be sure you check out the updates to this video.

[@showboyz919]

Men i remember as a kid WAPA always had our power going off. No storm no heavy rain.. for no reason at all, you come home from school and can't watch TV because of no power.. and I'm talking it would go off for hours at a time.. Ras Valley massive

[@How2Beach]

It seems like it always goes off when there is wind also, so it gets super hot in like 2 minutes.

[@showboyz919]

@@How2Beach ahhh the good old days. I don't see how we grew up without ac... now when I visit my family gets upset cause I refuse to stay with them lol. Living in the states so long ac has become a must

[@How2Beach]

@@showboyz919 Yea I lived in Montana for 15 years and I still have thick blood. AC is a must for me.

[@showboyz919]

We're in Wisconsin so I know what u mean lol

[@santamamba]

Thank you so much. What a great source of valid and real information .

[@How2Beach]

Thanks for watching.

[@LeBoof]

What a great follow up video. Loved all the content. I think you should think about doing more videos like this. They are very informative and great information for people whom is dreaming of moving. Just some suggestions but maybe videos on jobs on the island, average job pay on the islands, different living arrangements for newbies, what about people like us that enjoy doing wood working How would that work? I love these types of video.

[@How2Beach]

Jobs are tough here, but obviously depending on what you want to do. Same with rent varies a lot depending on if you want to be in a resort like me or if you want a house with a shop in the middle of nowhere to do woodworking. But, I do plan on doing some more of this content. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@beeasydamacc]

Amazing , Informative video . Thank you so much . I wish there was a moving to Jamaica video. But , I imagine it's gonna be very much the same.

[@How2Beach]

Yea, I'm sure it's similar. I have a house in Puerto Rico too and this video applies to PR.

[@showboyz919]

Can't wait to come visit in April. Use to work at Texas BBQ pit when they had the trailer they would pull on water front across from windward passage.. I know bill did open a location in red hook. Brings back so many memories i could talk about this all day lol.. Anyway great video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@How2Beach]

Thanks man. I'm glad you are getting to come back for a visit.

[@showboyz919]

@@How2Beach yes indeed and you're welcome

[@luxartesian8971]

Yes please do cost of living video. Great content

[@How2Beach]

Thanks, I'll try to get one done. I started one a while back but never finished it. Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already so you don't miss it.

[@bobbear4437]

@@How2Beach biggest mistake many on youtube make is not including costs, and prices, people find that extremely important

[@How2Beach]

@@bobbear4437 That is a good point. I say the same thing. Thanks for the comment. I am going to make a point of doing a better job with that.

[@thewoodardway5590]

Yes please do one please @how2beach it would be greatly appreciated!

[@davidhazlett5656]

Thanks so much for some valuable information!

[@How2Beach]

You're Welcome! Be sure to check out my other videos about moving to the islands if you are thinking about it.

[@greenroomtuk]

Thank you for all the videos, I found out today I have an opportunity to work down in St. Thomas. I am a single guy, 34, from San Diego, CA. Ill be looking out for all of your videos as it is a month and a half times out for me. Thank You!

[@How2Beach]

Congrats. I hope my unfo is helpful. Let me know if you need help finding a place to live.

[@greenroomtuk]

@@How2Beach Thank you for the response! I have a room at a buddies place to get me started. But eventually, i will need my own spot!

[@greenroomtuk]

@@How2Beach what is a good phone service down there? Which one do you have?

[@How2Beach]

@@greenroomtuk probably ATT. I have a verizon account from the mainland works ok.

[@greenroomtuk]

@@How2Beach ty

[@kittykat7618]

Im coming down there at the end of the month, really like these videos to know what to expect

[@How2Beach]

Great. I'm glad they are helping. Be sure to subscribe and I'll keep making more.

[@kittykat7618]

Yep, one step ahead of you.

[@sabrinamadison8769]

Really good info. We are moving to St. Thomas soon

[@How2Beach]

Cool be sure to subscribe and watch my other video about moving to the island. If you need help looking for a house let me know as well.

[@sabrinamadison8769]

@@How2Beach do you sell condos

[@How2Beach]

@@sabrinamadison8769 Yes, I do. Send me an an email and we talk about your budget and what you are looking for. [e-mail]

[@coryphillips7945]

Just doing some thinking. I work as a Chef and travel at my whim. Very informative video, and direct as well. Thx.

[@How2Beach]

Thanks for watching. I have some other videos on the subject. Be sure to subscribe and check them out.

[@sirbreezy9685]

Great info! liked and subscribed! Going check out your other videos, we are looking to make the move with our family to the islands.

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. You should find some good info in my other videos too.

[@sirbreezy9685]

@@How2Beach thanks I sure did! I see you are a realtor, do you work in St John? Can I have your email contact?

[@How2Beach]

@@sirbreezy9685 [e-mail]

[@jvinot60]

Another great and informativew video! Thanks

[@How2Beach]

Thank you very much.

[@juliosnz1]

Keep up the good work!

[@How2Beach]

Thanks Julio!

[@amsimkiss]

Love the idea of renting a place with electric included. Looking to move our family and business to the VI. Probably live in STT first so we can afford it until we get to St. John. We have 6 kids. Our current house is 1,400 sqft with 350 sqft finished basement. It's a tight fit, but comfortable. 8 people in the house puts out a lot of heat though. AC will probably be necessary to make it doable for everyone. Love to know where you found your new place and the rents. If you can't put in comments, can you PM me? Just gathering info. My hope/target is 2022. Thanks! Keep up the great content. It's the very best guide we've found and I watch everything Virgin Islands and Caribbean moving I can get my hands on.

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. Be sure to subscribe as I will be doing more like this and check the previous one I did about moving here. Prices vary greatly depending on where you want to be. Close to the beach, have a view close to downtown, etc. Keep in touch with me when you get closer and I can send you rental info. Or send your wishlist to my email and I will put you in my Real Estate newsletter group. [e-mail]

[@amsimkiss]

@@How2Beach I will email you! Thanks! 😀

[@rosemarydolliver]

Having lived on St. Croix, off and on for 24 years, I suggest VIMovingCenter.com for newbies with questions. If it’s ever been thought, it’s been discussed there.

[@brimmysmalls9235]

Pls don’t the locals still need space

[@JessicaKwon]

great video!! thanks for sharing all these info 👍🏼

[@How2Beach]

Thanks for watching. I will have future updates and tips on moving in the future.

[@JessicaKwon]

@@How2Beach awesome! i cant wait for that 👍🏼

[@callieduval3000]

I think I'm going to stay in the states for a while and travel throughout the Caribbean staying a month on each and then decide which island I would love to retire.

[@How2Beach]

That is a great idea. I have a rental house in Puerto Rico if you want to start there and rent it for a month. You should check out my other KZbin channel called The Retirementality.

[@Defender-Guy]

Good stuff. Wife & I bought a home on STT back in 2012, planning to retire there in 2022. This is helpful information. You might touch on driving on the other side of the road?

[@How2Beach]

Congrats on the approaching retirement. Be sure to check out my previous video on moving to the island. You may find some good tips in that one as well. Where is your house?

[@Defender-Guy]

@@How2Beach Yep, watched that. Our house is on Lemon Tree Lane in Estate Wintberg.

[@How2Beach]

@@Defender-Guy Very nice... near the Nursery.

[@brimmysmalls9235]

@@Defender-Guy please stay where you are

[@Defender-Guy]

@@brimmysmalls9235 why?

[@DJMonee727]

Please include the actual price that the Ferry cost or the airplane ride cost to the other islands. I appreciate that you said it cost more than you thought but the actual cost would be helpful / informative. Thanks so much !!! 🙏🏼🩵

[@jojogurl.mp4]

Loved the video! My girlfriend and I really want to move to St Thomas and have your videos have been very helpful! That 1 bedroom looked like something we were looking for. Can you give me that apartment info?

[@How2Beach]

There isn't anything available in this complex right now. Shoot me an email and I we can talk about your budget and I can try to help you find something. [e-mail]

[@mannylegacy8252]

Fantastic video! Thank you tremendously for this! Wife and I just visited St John and decided that we want the Island life. Coming back home from the Islands really made our current lifestyle seem so shitty. We currently live in Orange County California and already have a game plan and should be ready in about a year or so. Is it possible that you could help us find a place to rent when we are ready? Would you recommend that we live on St Thomas before attempting to live on St John?..... Thank you again for the video and all of your advice! I've liked and subscribed 👍🏽

[@How2Beach]

Thanks! I can help you on St. Thomas but not on STJ. That is a different board of Real Estate over there. But I can talk with you about the differences and you can decide which island you want to live on. You can shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@mannylegacy8252]

@@How2Beach sounds great! Thank you so much. Will be in touch soon 🔜 😀 👍🏽

[@brimmysmalls9235]

@@mannylegacy8252 pls no with all of you guys coming the island is losing its originality

[@ceceliareagan5728]

Hi there! I’m hoping that maybe you can help me out or point me in the right direction. I’ve accepted a position at a resort on St. Thomas however there are so many moving parts to consider. The hotel will house me for the first month sept 2023. I’m needing to secure a rental property close to the hotel, Margarita ville as I do not have a car and they must be pet friendly for my little French bulldog. I know transportation is going to be difficult and starting off I’m on a budget until I can get rolling in my new sales position. Any help is appreciated. Thank you CiCi!

[@LifeofAshantiking]

Who did you ship the pallet through ?

[@wahumary206]

yes

[@lexiedaniel305]

Please make a video of what it was like the first 3 months you were there

[@lexiedaniel305]

I’m looking to move by myself

[@How2Beach]

Ha, I would start out with me all sweaty sitting in the dark because the power was out asking my wife how long her contract for work was for.

[@jerrythomas7091]

Great video. Just curious, is there any capital gains taxes for USVI residents?

[@How2Beach]

Same as the mainland. Only Puerto Rico has breaks on Capital Gains.

[@darricknevins9310]

Nicely done and thanks for all the info. I’m concerned of employment once we move there (in 3ish yrs). Listed below are two of my primary professions. #1 building/facilities maintenance repair and skilled trades training. #2 Previous occupation was scuba instructor for 4 yrs (diving for 20) worked for a shop in which I was equipment repair tech as well and compressor technician. Any thoughts on my finding good employment?

[@How2Beach]

People still like to do things in person here for the most part. If you have 3 years before you come I'd just say start coming on vacation and meeting some people in those fields and see what kind of feedback you get. But, I'd say you could find work with your background.

[@darricknevins9310]

Already planning our winter trip. Thanks!

[@How2Beach]

@@darricknevins9310 Alright!

[@brimmysmalls9235]

@@darricknevins9310 don’t come to many hill Billy’s on the island already

[@resin420]

easiest work here lmao

[@DD-ry3zg]

Great summary! Thanks! I am going to visit all 3 Islands next month. May I ask which Island do I need to rent a car or I can just use Safari taxi on all of them?

[@How2Beach]

I'd say you probably need a car on all three islands. It really depends on what you want to see. But traveling by safari is not very convenient.

[@DD-ry3zg]

@@How2Beach Good to know！I will start looking for rentals then. I found out no car is available on Turo. Is there any way to rent private car on USVI?

[@How2Beach]

@@DD-ry3zg No, we don't have things like Turo or Uber here. I'd just call around to different car rentals and try to find a deal.

[@DD-ry3zg]

@@How2Beach Good points. Thanks for your advice :)

[@valeriehodges2405]

As a Veteran, where is the VA facilities located? Is any of the islands handicap accessible ( wheel chair )? If, you can bring pets- how many are allowed? Are the buildings & homes quality made? Enjoyed your pro & cons !

[@How2Beach]

I don't know anything about the VA here. I think it would be touch for a wheel chair here. The island is very steep, there are lots of hills and stairs and not many elevators. It's kind of like 1980 here so most businesses I don't think would be ADA compliant. Most of the homes are made out of concrete. Thanks for watching.

[@sharkk2770]

What a motorcycle be Sufficient transportation or does it rain too much?

[@How2Beach]

The roads are pretty rough. Some people do it, but it would depend on what kind of bike.

[@valeriehodges2405]

One more thing how is it to travel to near by islands?

[@How2Beach]

It really depends on the island. The US islands (St. John, St. Croix, and Puerto Rico) are easy to travel. The difficulty goes up after those islands.

[@justinstcroix1338]

Thanks for the info. We lived in PR for 18 months and we are looking at moving to St Thomas. Have you done anything comparing st. Thomas to St. Croix to St. John?

[@How2Beach]

I haven't, but I have some notes started on a video comparing PR to STT.

[@justinstcroix1338]

@@How2Beach I think out paths are similar, I live in Florida, but loved the part of the video where you said it takes a certain type of person to sell everything and move, that's what we did in 2017 and we're making plans to do it again. Looking forward to visiting the USVI and comparing it to PR.

[@How2Beach]

@@justinstcroix1338 That's awesome. Life is a journey. You might as well make it fun.

[@cjgroove2]

Thanks for the great info.I currently live in MI, soon to be GA. I do plan to come for seasonal work to check it out before deciding to move there FT. Where would you recommend looking for seasonal rentals or rooms to rent? I am open to private communication if you'd prefer.

[@How2Beach]

The mid term rental is hard to fine. Reach out to me before you come to the island. I know a guy who is going to try to meet this need but he is just getting started now.

[@cjgroove2]

@@How2Beach Will do. Thank you

[@collinswartwood9279]

You have to get solar panels

[@How2Beach]

For sure.

[@georgefinocchio8213]

I own one quarter acre of undeveloped land up the hill from Hull Bay. Can I build a tiny house there to retire to?

[@How2Beach]

Sure. I have a lead on a company that sells a kit house that looks pretty good. I can give you more info. Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@queenempress2541]

How is cell phone reception, and cable? Im thinking of moving there since my job has assigned me to permanently working remotely.

[@How2Beach]

I have Verizon which isn't the the best choice for here and it is fair. I would get a different carrier and it should be better. I don't have cable tv. But, I did when I first moved here and it was fine.

[@cocolittyme]

AT&T is the best service for the island. Been so for years now.

[@kristenlatas5152]

Would you mind sharing what company your health insurance is through that covers you in the USVI? My husband and I would like to move to St. Croix, but have not been able to find any company that offers individual health plans there. Thank you!!!

[@How2Beach]

We both have our insurance through our work. Be sure to subscribe and look around the channel. I have more videos about living on the island.

[@glenncardona9196]

How are the hospital services out there?

[@How2Beach]

Thankfully I haven't had to use them. But, I've heard mixed reviews.

[@AG-if8ic]

What type of vehicles and how much for shipping both?

[@How2Beach]

We brought 2 Subarus here. But it was 3 years ago so I'm sure the prices are different now. I have a 3 year updated video that I'm editing now if you're interested, it will be out soon.

[@deanmcswain1152]

Hi, Ive Been watching your videos and they have been very informative. My family and I are moving there very soon (days) and Im a Roofing contractor opening a branch of my business there. I work with alot of realtors for my business. Wondering if you have any suggestions for my business once im there. Thank you again for your videos. I will be there soon and maybe we can have lunch!!! Dean

[@How2Beach]

Hey Dean, feel free to shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@chriscunninghammusic2233]

So I've got a video idea for you in the form of a question. Lol closer to the end you mention easy travel to the BVI. Obviously you've got to take a passport (still pretending there's no covid for this conversation) but how do you check in, where do you check out, do you have to check back in on STT? When living there do you have to still do it Everytime you go?

[@How2Beach]

Yes, you do have to check in and check out. We've only been once. We took the ferry over to Tortola and they make you go through a customs check and pay a fee. I will do a video on it next time we go. I have a Tortola video but I'm not sure I talked about the check in or not.

[@danieladrianfranz8940]

Hey. Im thinking about moving down there. Any help or maybe even a possible island friendship would be grand. Thank you.

[@How2Beach]

I can help you find a rental if you decide to move here. Shoot me an email if you want to properties. [e-mail]

[@farhaanazainul7494]

Do you have any tips on where I could rent a local's car or hire a private driver for 5 days? All the rental car companies are sold out :(

[@How2Beach]

Yea, check out Everlong Excursions. Tell them Jeff from How2Beach sent you over and be sure to subscribe to the channel for more great tips.

[@farhaanazainul7494]

@@How2Beach thank you! I’ll check them out!

[@dadaesther9224]

Please kindly rexplain the accommodation part. Are you saying electricity is $438 for a month and $1900 for a month for the room?? 😱

[@How2Beach]

Yea, it's not cheap living here.

[@jessicarivas8191]

I don't remember if it was this video or another, but you mentioned supply runs off of the island. Could you do a video on that, logistics. Do you fly to Miami and bring stuff back in a suitcase? Ferry to Puerto Rico? I'm moving for work in about a month and I'm overwhelmed.

[@How2Beach]

We don't really make special runs to get anything. We go to Puerto Rico every couple of months but not really for shopping. You learn to live with what you can get on the island. Be sure to subscribe and watch the video about moving to the island. Also, do you have a place to live lined up? I'm a Realtor if you need help finding a place.

[@joshuajones8542]

Do a cost of living video

[@paulinegolden6313]

I would love to know what the real cost of living is.

[@How2Beach]

It all depends on how you want to live. But, it's high.

[@OFFTHECOUCH365]

What are the job opportunities there. Pay scale

[@How2Beach]

Depends. Are you a truck driver or a brain surgeon? In general there are not a lot of job opportunities. You can find some tourism jobs. Lots of people come here and find jobs, but it depends on how much you need to make and what kind of lifestyle you want to live.

[@OFFTHECOUCH365]

@@How2Beach no I’m in sales. 2-3k a month would be fine

[@Cjmosthatedd]

@@OFFTHECOUCH365 stay where you at

[@tracyh2421]

Hi just found your channel today, I enjoyed this video very much and subscribed. Could you address the question of ease of bringing your pet to the island? And I would enjoy a comparison of Puerto Rico to VI. What made you want to have a home in both?

[@How2Beach]

Thanks for subscribing. I'll check into bringing pets here. I thought about doing a VI vs PR video but they are very different and I know I'll get yelled at by people from both islands. I don't think it would be worth it. The house in PR is my vacation house. It's good to get off this island sometimes. In a nutshell... PR has lower priced housing and cost of living and St. Thomas has prettier beaches.

[@joannarodriguez326]

Hi, what are the gas prices now?

[@How2Beach]

I saw $6.50 the other day.

[@Mh.styless.54321]

Hello where is a good spa to work at to practice hairdressing and manicures pedicures.

[@crystalyeary1801]

How much did it cost to ship your car?

[@How2Beach]

I think it was about $1500.

[@k3ta723]

Can you please list the company? That's not bad.

[@crystalyeary1801]

@@How2Beach mine was 4000 and it was a Ford Focus

[@crystalyeary1801]

Can you tell who you went through?

[@How2Beach]

@@crystalyeary1801 Yea, it's definitely more expensive now.

[@carolinasilva7266]

Hi, is there any way I can message you privately? I got a job offer to move out there this summer, beginning of July. The first 30 days I have accommodations covered, after that, I need to find a 2 bedroom 2 bath for rent that is relatively affordable. I see you're a real estate agent so I was wondering if I could get your help. Thanks.

[@How2Beach]

Sure, you can send me a message at [e-mail]

[@crod6431]

What type of work does your wife do?

[@How2Beach]

She is a teacher

[@Blue57RagTop]

On behalf of Virgin Islanders....go to Puerto Rico! Thanks!

[@vincentconnolly2597]

👍⛵🎣🌊💯

[@How2Beach]

👍

[@AnaRodriguez-jr9fm]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌☝☝☝☝☝

[@How2Beach]

👍

[@whyteinjun]

far out ! thank you. can I pm you?

[@How2Beach]

Sure. [e-mail]

[@kamalalama-lama-ding-dong4452]

A little advice. The thumbnail made this look like a cool video and not somebody sitting there giving a lecture

[@How2Beach]

Sorry it is an informative video. I didn't want a boring thumbnail. I have lots of fun videos on my channel too.

[@How2Beach]

Actually, maybe I should make a highlight reel video with the same title... good idea.

[@angelssmilealways2730]

Lesson number one= find the coconut water man!.. lesson 2 feed your mouth properly all day long( fresh steam fish!)

[@How2Beach]

There are many lessons to learn. But that is the fun.

[@ericaguitarbebe]

hi we live in hilton head but looking to relocation there looking to rent thanks Erica please let me know

[@How2Beach]

You can send me an email and we can talk about your budget. [e-mail]

[@michaellastronge6535]

Hello Erica, I'm kinda in the same boat. Can I email you to connect?