Truth about living in St Thomas

[@americanwelder9865]

My wife and I spent a week in St. Thomas, and had the best time! Megan’s bay beach was amazing! I did not want to leave. If I could ever pull it off, I would move there in a heartbeat!

[@How2Beach]

I just did a 3 year update video too.

[@americanwelder9865]

@@How2Beach we rented a place called Serendipity Villa. The place was amazing!

[@Joshow313]

Tip: if you call Amazon and are a prime member, they can often waive the shipping fee. I’ve done it a handful of times and they honored free shipping!

[@How2Beach]

They did a couple of years ago, but not anymore.

[@rosalynmartin519]

A lot of people build duplexes. They stay in one and rent out the others. The rent can cover water and WAPA (electricity).

[@How2Beach]

Yep.

[@rodskt100]

You did not mention the hurricanes ... it's very intense there, I have been there and found everything very expensive but the beaches are amazing .

[@How2Beach]

All true. I have a video of hurricane Dorian which hit us right after we moved here. I've lived in FL for a long time too, so to me, it's just part of it I guess.

[@jeremenelson8146]

Perfect timing on this

[@How2Beach]

Did you make to the island?

[@lindalunna]

We live in PR and work on St Thomas sometimes, and all you say it’s very true! On low season we can travel very cheap but yesterday we paid 200 each ouch for a 20 mins flight 😅( thanks God they cover our travel expenses when we work there ) it’s a beautiful little island! The only thing I have problem is that they drive opposite than us … and it get sooo confusing but so worth it ❤️

[@lindalunna]

And the food is great there too… but i heard you like our mofongo here in PR !! ❤️❤️

[@How2Beach]

@@lindalunna Ha, I do like mofongo. I am back and forth to PR a lot too. I wish the fights would go back to the old price of $48 all the time. And the rental car prices on both islands has gotten stupid.

[@albertcallwood5478]

Good car you need that Subaru. I was born in Saint Thomas live in Georgia now he’s 100% right makes a lot of sense.Only thing is food is a lot higher than 20%

[@How2Beach]

Yea, I think the Subaru was a good choice.

[@desertjedi]

Thanks for bringing this to us but as soon as I heard a monthly HOA of $1200, I moved on. But I watched your channel's intro video and subscribed.

[@How2Beach]

Yea, insurance is expensive here and that drives up the cost of the HOA in the condos. You can find rentals for less, but this island is a bit expensive. The scenery makes up for it though.

[@MK-hz2bn]

When we lived there in 2019-2022 liquid bath soap was shockingly expensive. I took pics of the food and stuff because it was so expensive. We were there with Fema, my husband still is working with them for the usvi from our home now in Alabama. I did all the photography for secret Harbour beach resort, im a real estate photographer. Would I go back? Hell yes. I loved it. You just feel better waking up to a beautiful blue sky and the temp is always between 75-85 ish. Heaven. The deli at the big supermarket across from some boats, I forgot the name had very reasonable priced meals. I got meals there a lot. Healthy food. Best of luck and know I’m jealous that you live there. We will someday again I hope. Marnie Norris

[@guitar6547]

Just subscribed to your Channel, I was actually there a couple weeks ago...a family member of mine has been living there for 3 years so we stayed at thier house, thanks for all the info, I myself are considering moving there it's a gorgeous island 🏝

[@How2Beach]

Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying the content.

[@welaby1]

Thank you for all of your Frank information. I am considering moving to the Bahamas. I am hoping to purchase a home and a rental to help cover some of the costs. 🤞 I am doing my research and hoping this will happen in 1-2 years.

[@How2Beach]

Good Luck. It's a lot of fun, but its also hard.

[@elirez8418]

"Fruits and vegetables are more expensive and harder to find" That is ridiculous considering you're on a tropical island. But I understand. It was like that when I lived in Puerto Rico. We had them on the regular only if we or someone we knew was growing them.

[@How2Beach]

I have a house in Puerto Rico too. Things are much easier over there. St Thomas is the size of Vieques and it is much steeper and doesn't have a lot of flat land. It's a whole different story on this island.

[@elirez8418]

@@How2Beach That's unfortunate. I didn't know that about the island. I hope to one day visit the U.S. Virgin islands.

[@How2Beach]

@@elirez8418 The beaches are much prettier than the beaches in Puerto Rico. So there are trade offs for everything.

[@fluffytail6355]

It’s the same in Jamaica at the grocery stores. You can eat what you grow and that’s the only reasonable way to do it.

[@Splenda2021]

Thanks for your info

[@How2Beach]

New update coming out soon!!!

[@gypsipayne9588]

You can take public transportation for 1.00 that will take you all around St Thomas. The best place to eat and drink is the love shack in Red Hook. Puerto Rico is the place to vacation if you live in St. Thomas

[@gypsipayne9588]

There is a KMart on island

[@How2Beach]

The Kmart is almost empty. I'm not sure how long they will last.

[@philguertin1673]

Great Summary!

[@How2Beach]

Thanks!

[@bernardliburd]

Good Job I Ike your video 👏 I would actually like to see a video about... what it’s like to be a Realtor in the USVI

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. I might do a video about that.

[@LeBoof]

I love that you are so real with your videos and don't sugar quote things. But you are absolutely right those views are very amazing. Dang the electric bills are stupid crazy. Don't you still lose power a lot also there? I always thought Island Fever was wanting to get to the islands. Not getting off one. Lol

[@How2Beach]

Ha, I suppose Island Fever could go both ways. Yes, the power still goes out but it is much better than it was even a year ago. Thanks for the kind words too.

[@bobbeckstead8340]

He is slightly understating the cost of living. Then, there's having to deal with the West Indians.

[@sillesbrowne3561]

@@bobbeckstead8340 please explain what exactly you mean by having to deal with the West Indians

[@hockeyandrew3206]

I'm starting my research on opening a resort in the carribean and would really appreciate any advice you're willing to share. We have a lot of research to go but decided to start by visiting Vieques and St Thomas. I saw there is possible radiation issues from military drills in Vieques. Any thoughts? 🍻

[@laffilmfest3759]

Enjoyed the video.....thank u!

[@How2Beach]

Thanks for watching!

[@SR-bl8cw]

They have section8 housing and low income public housing.. They have food stamps too.

[@lorimichelle9995]

It takes YEARS for people to see results.

[@Greeny_isthegoat]

Happy for my friend who lives there

[@How2Beach]

Thanks!!

[@Bingwadc]

I'm hoping to spend a few months a year in the Virgin Islands very soon. On a boat...

[@How2Beach]

Come on! You'll love it here. Check out my other video about my thoughts after being on the island for a year.

[@ryanmcbride746]

I live on my boat it’s nice

[@americanmodern1912]

@@ryanmcbride746 what marina? Is it expensive?

[@jamierobinson3349]

I just subscribed to your channel. Good informative video. I grew up on the coast of Northern California and now live in Astoria Oregon. But I've been wanting to live in the Caribbean all my life and am supposedly a direct descendent of Anne Bonny on my dad's side from North Carolina (supposedly lol). I'm thinking about moving to St Thomas or St Croix in about six months from now when my current rent lease is up on my home. 😎👍

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. I'm glad you like the content. I'd recommend coming and checking out both islands to see what you like.

[@MitchellConner-xb6jx]

Thank u

[@How2Beach]

you are welcome

[@johnphantom]

Interesting that one of the big attractions to the USVI was the price of alcohol. Drinks in bars have always been more, but I can remember buying Cruzan Dark fifths wholesale for $0.89 in 1989. The expensive stuff was Cuervo, at like $7.50 a quart in 1987. The expenses can obviously be explained by being made on a sister island vs coming across the States boated to the islands. The must have implemented some taxes or someone is making a huge profit somewhere in that for Cruzan at least to be close to stateside prices. The feds and States both charge a lot on top of alcohol, sin taxes.

[@How2Beach]

Ha, well it's gone up from 89 cents. A half gallon of Cruzan will run you about $13 in STT and in FL they are about $18.

[@daniellew9646]

What do you think is the better option to find a decently priced place to rent? STT or STJ? Are there any not overpriced places that accept pets in the next 6 months?

[@How2Beach]

It really depends on your budget and what kind of lifestyle you want STT is going to be less expensive to live than STJ. If you want to send me an email with your budget, and a little more of what you are looking for I can set you up to get email alerts of what is on the market. [e-mail]

[@daniellew9646]

@@How2Beach that’d be awesome - I’ll email you

[@rosalynmartin519]

The money is the elephant?? I appreciate that. I used to live there. I loved it. It still calls to me. Do they have Dr Pepper yet? When its no pandemic Red Hook is a cool spot. There are slot machine station around town. There is Coral Reef ( super small like sea world). Try the Pie Whole, good pizza and drinks.

[@How2Beach]

Yea, we love it here. I'm not sure if they have Dr. Pepper. I don't drink soft drinks, but now I'm curious.

[@rosalynmartin519]

@@How2Beach I loved it too. I have been back since the hurricane, but I hear it I'll be back... God willing. Peace

[@robinhoffeld4950]

I live in Milton Fl and planning on making the move. I am wondering about getting a camper or yurt with a solar panel of gride situation. Is that applicable? Do they sell cars or boats in the island? Do you have a Lowe's or anything?

[@How2Beach]

I knew a guy who lived in bus. I think he was tied into the grid though. I would say that dream is going to be difficult. You should go there and try to do some research. STX might be better because they have more flat land. Most of the land on STT is steep and hard to build on. They do have a Home Depot. And they sell cars on the island but they get beat to hell on the crappy roads. They do sell boats on the island but they are more expensive than they are in the US so you will have to spend more than you think. A friend of mine lived on a boat in the Sapphire Beach Marina. He paid $70K for the slip, then he had to pay like $800 a month for the HOA fees, and his power bill was about $400 a month and of course you need to buy that boat. So it isn't cheap.

[@1monagale]

Sure they have anything.

[@georgiagonzales3769]

Lived there between 1973 to 2007. I always called it " Sacrifice for Paridise " 😂👍🥰 PS: Cruzan Rum was $.69 when I first moved there..also they had Pot rum... awful stuff. They went out of business. Also when I lived there for entertainment there were lots of clubs,fish fry party's, beach party's and lots of local music 🎶 and dancing 🌴💃. The College would hold lots of different concerts and events. Had a nice movie theater up in TuTu. I was never bord.

[@How2Beach]

That's awesome. I bet you had a lot of fun.

[@JesusEsDios007]

Condos cash only. Same here in Florida if the majority of the units are rented. USVI is nice to visit but not for me. Driving on the wrong side with LHD cars was always funny. I wonder how the economy is doing with the cruise biz dead for a long time due to covid. I remember shopping at price smart.

[@How2Beach]

This place isn't for everyone. The economy seems to be doing pretty good. We've been really busy with tourist even without cruise ships.

[@Explorcation]

Lots of good info here. Interesting that most of the condos are cash only. I knew housing was high, but never knew how costly the electric was. Sounds like my liquor of choice may have to switch from gin to rum if we ever move to St. Thomas 😄

[@How2Beach]

Thanks. It's pretty easy to adopt rum into your life. You'll be ok.

[@Explorcation]

@@How2Beach yeah I think I could manage 😄

[@How2Beach]

@@Explorcation I was thinking about y'all the other day because we did a brewery tour. We do have 3 breweries on the island too.

[@Explorcation]

@@How2Beach nice. Last time we were on the islands we only knew about the one in St. John. I guess we have some more to visit next time!

[@bobbeckstead8340]

@@How2Beach The VI brews suck something awful and the imported brew is usually stale.

[@kellychase2564]

Very Informative!!! Really Enjoyed This Video. Aloha. Lay Chaplain Kelly Chase-:)))

[@How2Beach]

Thanks Kelly!

[@mojokombue4463]

so helpful thank you!🙂

[@How2Beach]

You're welcome. Be sure to check out my other video about moving to a caribbean island

[@mojokombue4463]

@@How2Beach already did! I actualy had a question about the type of car I should bring. I am thinking of purchasing a hyundai tucson or sante fe and was wondering how that would work out. I have traveled to St Thomas before and noticed the steep and narrow roads and the car offers a smooth drive.

[@How2Beach]

@@mojokombue4463 Yea that car would be fine. I way over thought this question before I moved here. If it wasn't made in North America they will charge you a higher import tax, so you need to check that. You can tell by the VIN.

[@briancummings9122]

How about boat charters like Max Marine they are called bear boating, we did the BVI i would like to do the same in VI?. Not looking for sail boat, I prefer maybe a 40 ft or 20

[@How2Beach]

It's tough going back and forth to the BVI because they still have strict covid restrictions. But you can find speed boat charters here on this island to take you around, no problem.

[@carolineforbes2293]

Love your videos! My fiance and I are moving to St. Thomas to teach in August and are so excited! Glad to have your videos to watch and get prepared!!! Are there any locations to make sure not to live in?

[@How2Beach]

Thank you. My wife is a teacher and I'm a Realtor so I can help with all of your questions. Shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@rinoel7446]

We are too! Good luck to you

[@How2Beach]

@@rinoel7446 That's cool. Let me know if you need help finding a place to live.

[@martinacold9255]

@@How2Beach Hi🌺 I'm American and I teach English in Cambodia. I want to come back to American territory but not the mainland. Are there opportunities for teachers??

[@How2Beach]

@@martinacold9255 Yes, my wife is a Spanish Teacher.

[@rubycarver1]

Great information! If I would take a healthcare job at the medical center in St. Thomas with a salary of $65K-$82K per year and work as an adjunct professor in medical sciences at a college there, would it be good enough to live and retire there? My hubby has great skills including a towboat captain license and flies our small plane and navigates our boat, would these help him open a business there? Thanks!

[@How2Beach]

Probably. It just depends on how you are used to living and if you are renting or buying. Housing prices have shot up here just like they have everywhere. It also depends on where you are coming. I came here from FL and I'd say most things are about 30% higher than they were there. I might do a cost of living video soon.

[@rubycarver1]

@@How2Beach : Thank you for the info. We live in Okaloosa county in Florida. That’s something to consider since we also want to have a business at USVI. I have lived in Curaçao and St. Lucia for a year on each island for academic research- my only Caribbean experience and indeed the house rental was expensive 9 years ago.

[@blakelau7140]

Amazing sight!

[@How2Beach]

Thanks!

[@crystalyeary1801]

Not sure if you been to Maui if you have is the prices better or worse?

[@How2Beach]

I have been to Maui but it was long long time ago, so I'm not sure.

[@kittykat7618]

Nice vid!

[@How2Beach]

Thank You!

[@ursulaabrahams4779]

hello , i subscribe to your channel , i was think of coming to St Thomas to settle within a year , as you said its expensive but i am looking for something cheaper not close to the beach is it cheaper further away an a 2 bedroom reasonable house , i saw some for sale an was really good price ... let me know .. thank you

[@How2Beach]

That's great. I would suggest going on a trip to look at things and see what you can afford before you just move there. Some times the really cheap properties are in really bad neighborhoods or are in really bad condition. You need to see them in person first and make sure you can live in something your budget can afford.

[@ursulaabrahams4779]

@@How2Beach yes thats my plan , coming first for a week an see how it is ..thank you for your advice..

[@ic3482]

Are there a lot of pet friendly restaurants and beaches there? Thank you

[@How2Beach]

Pets aren't really allowed in a lot of places, but most people turn and look away when pets show up.

[@nocarbsnation]

Way out of my price range... the island looks amazing though

[@How2Beach]

Yea, It's not cheap. But it shore is pretty. (see what I did there)

[@revv2490]

There are very cheap homes on the virgin islands, look on Zillow 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@rosalynmartin519]

Look into it. There are so many ways to make money on the island. You could literally become well off. My sister in law started a business cleaning villas. She monopolized it. Now she is living ez. Its possible, if you try. Just a thought P.S. If you can go tiny, or skoolie you can buy land for cheap (small percent of acres). I saw a video of a couple that live there in a converted school bus. Its extreme but...

[@How2Beach]

@@rosalynmartin519 I know them. I've been to their bus. It's really cute. They are building a a bedroom next to the bus.

[@rosalynmartin519]

@@How2Beach oh that's awesome. On their videos they seem like such a lovely family.

[@slavikelliott5598]

Boats a hard cuz hurricane season

[@How2Beach]

Yea, It's hard to find a place to stick them.

[@wealthintruth6227]

Trailer them to your lot?

[@ryanmcbride746]

You don’t have to spend close to a million dollars for property in StThomas that’s just what a realtor wants you to believe

[@How2Beach]

Obviously you can spend less. This wasn't a promotion for my business. This is my honest take on island living. If I wanted to drum up business I'd say "its super cheap just fly here and hire me to find your dream home". But, I have more integrity than that.

[@lorimichelle9995]

How2- but that's exactly what you're doing....

[@lorimichelle9995]

Ryan- unless you're relatively comfortable, be prepared to live somewhere less than appealing.

[@kyleaegis5613]

Do you rent out your house in P.R.?

[@How2Beach]

I will as soon as it is done. And it should be done very soon. I'm flying over there on the 21st and I'm not coming home until it is ready to rent. Be sure to subscribe I'll be doing some videos when I get over there.

[@wealthintruth6227]

Get a boat after a hurricane!

[@How2Beach]

Finding a place to keep it can be a challenge.

[@chriscunninghammusic2233]

In normal times of living there, how does customs work in BVI? If you live there do you have to check in just for the day when you're going to leave from there and go home?

[@How2Beach]

Yes, you have to check in and pay a fee, and check out and pay a fee.

[@Mr99Burns]

Just came back from a 5 day stay in st Thomas. This island is nice but wouldn’t want to live there. It seems poor. Very steep hills. Small # of white professionals and retired that live separate privileged life and congregate among themselves. You also have your small group of rich folks. Weather is important but there is so much more to life. If you can’t afford your own yacht don’t go there.

[@How2Beach]

It's not for everyone. Five days might be enough for you to scratch it off your list, but I'd say it took me 6 months to really get the feel for the island and know if I could live here.

[@rubycarver1]

What about the murder rates? The news has placed USVI as number 4 in the world--statistics-wise.

[@How2Beach]

Yea, we have a very small populations and there are some bad areas. They are not murdering tourists.

[@wealthintruth6227]

How is the crime? Saw shootings in St Croix?! ... via youtube

[@How2Beach]

It isn't bad. It's like anywhere most of the shootings are places you probably won't find yourself.

[@lorimichelle9995]

WHY ARE YOU LYING TO THESE PEOPLE????? the crime is to be taken seriously!!!!! It's not likely you'll even experience it if you are wealthy though. The rich here don't see the dark side of things. School shootings, stabbings, people being attacked with machetes, robbed, etc. Do not go anywhere alone at night as a woman for sure. Stay away from places you aren't familiar with. Look into the crime rate. Don't let these money blind folks sell you paradise without the truth as well.

[@angr6852]

Why can’t you finance condos there?

[@How2Beach]

It depends on the condo complex. You can finance some. But, some don't have insurance, some are in flood zones... They are all different.

[@angr6852]

@@How2Beach thank you! My husband is itching to move there so it’s always good to know about financing when it comes to buying. Guess it’s renting for us haha

[@How2Beach]

@@angr6852 If you get serious let me know. I can show you what's on the market.

[@angr6852]

@@How2Beach thanks! I will :)

[@TheRetirementality]

😍

[@How2Beach]

👍

[@bobprediger6966]

why do the locals raise their prices3times as much when the cruise ships come in . rip offs

[@Cjmosthatedd]

They need to make money ya dummy

[@fluffytail6355]

Happens in Grand Cayman too. I lived there and didn’t shop when the ships were in town or I’d automatically be paying more but as soon as they were gone, prices reduced.

[@ssal8703]

I can tell he hates it there 🤣

[@revv2490]

There are very very cheap homes on the virgin islands. This video is false.

[@How2Beach]

There are some... depending on where you want to live.

[@lorimichelle9995]

Lol do you actually live here? If you want to live in a shack ducking bullets just to check your mail, sure it's cheap

[@sarahsimone9578]

I'm sure it will depend on where you want to live ....🙄🙄

[@robertmullen9980]

@@lorimichelle9995 seems like you should just move from here. Everything you say about the island is negative 😒

[@1monagale]

learn to garden

[@How2Beach]

It's a good idea but it's pretty tough on the island. Many of the houses are built on cliffs and don't have any yard and the whole island is a rock, so there isn't a lot of dirt. You can grow some stuff in pots is about the best you can do. But, I lived in a condo with zero outdoor space. Not even a balcony.

[@AnaRodriguez-jr9fm]

☝☝ The truth!!👏👏

[@How2Beach]

👍

[@villasisbacag]

Very informative. How safe is water island USVI?

[@How2Beach]

I'd say it's about the safest place you could find.