Its a mix of incredible highs and some undeniable lows.
But Im here to tell you that the worries go beyond Jimmyslost shaker of salt.
It had to be photoshopped or something, at least a bit.
Maho Bay from America Hill Ruins
Living in the US Virgin Islands now I can say it is even more beautiful than the stunning photos.
Obviously theres the beaches (more on that below) and ocean.
Watching iguanas is a favorite lazy day activity of mine.
So, Ive found living in the US Virgin Islands is the perfect antidote against the gray day blues.
Rare is the day here that goes by without at least the sun making an appearance.
Sure we getplentyof rain but usually it comes and goes pretty quickly with the sun on either side.
Maho Bay from America Hill Ruins
With that being said Im pretty fair skinned and take sun protection very seriously as a way of life.
Reef friendly sunscreen is a necessity here as are sun hats, UV clothing etc.
Lovely Tropical Climate
Living in the US Virgin Islands I find the climate really agrees with me.
Reef Bay Trail | Life in the US Virgin Islands
Thats not to say its for everyone.
Its interesting to note that we get a mix of humid and arid, desert-like climate zones here.
Spectacular Beaches
Id argue that the beaches in the US Virgin Islands are the most spectacular in the world.
Sunset on St. John | Living in the US Virgin Islands
Seriously, our beaches are postcard-worthy year-round.
My personal favorite has to be Maho Bay on St. John.
Its this crescent-shaped beauty with gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming and floating around.
Honeymoon Beach | Living in the US Virgin Islands
Lush, green hills that just add to the paradise vibes.
Cinnamon Bay is another great one with camping options (a rarity).
Its like having your own private slice of heaven.
Maho Bay | Living in the US Virgin Islands
The beaches alone are worth considering moving to the US Virgin Islands.
Life on Permanent Vacation Mode
What does this lifestyle amount to?
I call it life on permanent vacation mode.
Living in the US Virgin Islands really does feel like a dream.
My only regret is not moving here sooner.
Waking up every day feels like a privilege.
Ram Head | Life in the US Virgin Islands
My general outlook has improved drastically.
My stress levels have plummeted, and I find myself really relaxed and at peace with the world.
Life in the US Virgin Islands is grand.
Cons of Moving to the US Virgin Islands
1.
Hurricanes Ruin Everything
Well its not all sunshine and rainbows living in the US Virgin Islands.
By far the worst part of living here is the hurricanes.
They literally ruin everything.
And I mean everything.
The 2017 hurricane season was nothing short biblical here.
Waterlemon Cay | Moving to the Virgin Islands
Maria followed, exacerbating the damage and halting recovery efforts.
The economic impact was staggering; the tourism industry, a financial backbone, suffered immensely.
Over 90% of buildings sustained damage, with an estimated $10 billion needed for reconstruction.
Francis Bay | Living in the Virgin Islands
These hurricanes underscore our vulnerability to extreme weather.
While the communitys resilience is commendable, the annual hurricane season brings undeniable anxiety.
We prepare rigorously, but the physical and emotional toll is significant.
More than half a decade later we still havent fully recovered from those storms.
And then theres the internet and cell service its not always reliable, which can be super frustrating.
Were paying through the nose for just about everything.
Renting isnt any easier on the wallet either.
Electricity bills are another nightmare.
Sure, the views are great, but they dont pay the bills.
Its a serious issue.The roads?
Driving at night is like navigating a maze blindfolded.
Public transport is practically non-existent.
The power grid here is a whole thing on its own well discuss that in more detail below.
Internet and cell service?
Then theres the water supply.
Its not always a given.
Bad Roads & Driving on the Left
Driving here is a challenge, to put it mildly.
As I mentioned earlier, the roads themselves are a test of your patience and suspension system.
Youve got to have skills to dodge the potholes, or youre in for a potentially costly ride.
Then theres the traffic.
It can get surprisingly congested, especially during rush hours or when theres a cruise ship in town.
Youd think being on a small island means quick trips, but nope.
A short drive can easily turn into a hours long event.
Plus, the steep and narrow roads in some areas are not for the faint-hearted.
Four wheel drive is a necessity.
Also theres a major lack of parking spaces in town.
I used to live in Manhattan and some days I think it was easier to find a spot there.
Overall, getting around here requires a mix of patience, skill, and a bit of luck.
Its definitely one of the less glamorous aspects of living in the US Virgin Islands.
Power Outages Are Common
The power situation living in the US Virgin Islands is a saga.
Sometimes its for an hour, other times it feels like youre living in the Stone Age.
And the worst part?
Then theres the cost of electricity like I mentioned earlier its sky-high, no joke.
Running that air conditioning at night requires the sale of a kidney to pay the bill.
If youre a foodie looking for a wide variety of cuisines, youre in for a disappointment.
And its not just about the variety.
The number of restaurants itself is limited, especially outside of the main tourist areas.
If youre living here, youll probably end up rotating between the same few places like I do.
Then theres the cost.
Eating out here isexpensive.
Its a bit of a challenge, especially if youre used to having a plethora of dining options.
Its not uncommon to hop from store to store just to tick off everything on your list.
And lets talk about the prices.
Shopping for clothes or electronics?
Thats a whole other challenge.
The options are limited, and again, expensive.
Its a part of island life that requires some serious adjustment and, often, a bit of creativity.
And living in the US Virgin Islands youll find the competition for the available jobs is fierce.
Youve got a small pool of jobs and a lot of people vying for them.
Its not uncommon to see folks working multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
This limited job market affects not just the economic aspect of living here, but also the social fabric.
Young professionals often leave the islands for better opportunities elsewhere, leading to a bit of a brain drain.
How expensive is it to live in the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Living in the U.S. Virgin Islands is significantly more expensive than in many parts of the U.S.
The cost of housing is high, with average home prices well over $500,000.
Essentials like groceries and utilities are about 33% more expensive due to importation costs.
Electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, and even basic services and goods can be costly.
Can US citizens move to the Virgin Islands?
Yes, U.S. citizens can move to the U.S. Virgin Islands without any special legal requirements.