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Finding housing in the Virgin Islands differs by island. On St.
Thomas and St. Croix the apartment market is active with properties varying in size, location, cost,
furnished or not and other attributes. St. John also has an active
market however the options are not as numerous or varied and being
choosy may not be an option with the limited number of
availabilities that exist. Water Island has a few apartments
but with low turn over availability is limited.
Types of
Apartments and Cost
Apartments in the Virgin Islands often are part of a larger
house; your landlord may very likely live on one level and your "apartment"
on the next. Large apartment developments like those found
on the US mainland where one complex might have 200 identical
apartments contained within low-rise buildings with
assigned parking spots, laundry facilities, a swimming pool,
maintenance department and management office do not exist in the
Virgin Islands. There are a few multi-level apartment buildings on
St. Thomas and St. Croix, however the predominant type remains the
"apartment" as part of a larger home. Another popular housing
option is a condominium.
Several condominium developments on St. Thomas and St. Croix
offer the atmosphere of the typical mainland apartment complex
earlier described, often with the island location benefit of being
on or close to the beach. Some condominiums are part of or located near to hotels/resorts.
Other condominiums have golf courses, tennis courts,
swimming pools, gated entrances and other amenities.
For individuals, couples or friends the popular choices for
apartments are
studio apartments, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments as part
of a home and condominiums. Small cottages apart from
a home are not common. Larger condos with 2 or 3 rooms are available.
Apartments within a larger home with 3 rooms are
not common. Houses with multiple rooms and bathrooms are available
for larger groups or families, they are the most costly.
Rental prices in the Virgin
Islands are higher then rental prices in most states in the US
mainland. Average monthly cost of rentals are below.
|
Size of Rental |
St. Thomas & Water Island |
St. John |
St. Croix |
|
Efficiency Studio |
$800-$1100 |
$1000-$1500 |
$600 |
|
Cottage |
$1000-$1800 |
$1400-$1800 |
$1000-$1600 |
|
1 Bedroom Apt. |
$950-$1550 |
$1200-$1800 |
$800-$1000 |
|
2 Bedroom Apt. |
$1200-$1800 |
$1800-$3000 |
$900-$1500 |
|
2-3 Bedroom Condo |
$1700-$3500 |
$2000-$4000 |
$1200-$2000 |
|
3-4 Bedroom House |
$2500-$5000 |
$4000-$7000 |
$2000-$3500 |
Note: Information dated August
2006. Rental rates made available from
The
Settlers Handbook to the US Virgin Islands.
Most properties require a
security deposit, which is usually the same amount as one month's
rent. Many also require the last month's rent. When budgeting
start up monies needed for your move expect to pay a security
deposit, first and last month's rent and also any connection
deposits for phone and electricity, if those utilities are not
included in your rent.
Finding an Apartment
Finding an apartment or condo often requires either a pre-move
scouting visit or a post-move stay in a short term rental while
you secure an apartment. (Visit the featured short term rentals
below. Information on apartments and housing
continues after the featured properties.)
St. Croix HavenFeatured Monthly Rentals - St. CroixEfficiencies, one and two bedroom apartments. Monthly rentals, and flexible lease terms, ideal for relocation, temporary assignment, and Pre-Move-Visits. On a private road, in a quiet neighborhood, a mile to the grocery, beach, restaurants and more, furnished and turn-key for your arrival. Convenient to Christiansted, Hovensa, Hospital, Airport, UVI, easy drive to Frederiksted and just 25 minutes to Divi Casino. Starting at $750 per month, Sat. TV, wireless Internet and garbage pick-up included. Laundry, parking and spacious grounds. Visit our website for rates, pictures and our FAQ's page. Welcome newcomers or long term residents.
Northside ValleyFeatured Weekly & Monthly Rentals - St. Croix(340) 772-0558(708) 790-0558Northside Valley villas feature a view of the Caribbean, full kitchen, one or two baths, living/dining rooms, two bedrooms, and a deck or patio. The villas are a seven minute drive from Frederiksted and within walking distance of several beaches. Wireless internet is available at the Main Villa. These villas are a comfortable way to ease into the culture of moving to the Virgin Islands.
Two Sandals Guest HouseFeatured Weekly & Monthly Rentals - St. Thomas(340) 998-2394(340) 998-1434Two Sandals Guest House is located on the East End of St. Thomas, near Red Hook;
a short walk to Secret Harbor Beach, restaurants, bars, market, and the ferry
dock. Private or shared baths, A/C, TV, wireless internet, mini-fridge and
shared kitchen. Nice view of American Yacht Harbor. Great, affordable option while you look for permanent housing in the
Virgin Islands.
Apartments are listed in the local newspapers. The St. Thomas, St. John
and Water Island newspaper choices are the Daily News and the weekly Island Trader
and for St. Croix there is the St. Croix Avis. These newspapers list the apartments with a short
description, location and contact information. You should call and ask
questions and set up an appointment to visit the property. On the
visit be sure to check
for cleanliness, view, location, parking, amenities, utilities,
water pressure and any other important attributes. After visiting
several properties decide on the apartment that suits your wants and needs.
Many landlords require 6 month to 1 year leases, some will rent
month to month.
If you are moving with a family you may contact a real estate
agent that might find an apartment/home for you and do the looking
and inspecting/negotiating on your behalf or perhaps one member of
your family might make a pre-move visit and secure an apartment
before the whole family moves.
Note: People with pets will run into
particular difficulty as most landlords and condo associations do
not allow pets; more specifically dogs. Although its more of a
challenge it is not impossible as there are some places that allow
pets. A pet owner will need to spend more time scouting for a
place. Read Moving with Pets
Note: It is somewhat
difficult to find apartments on St. John during high tourist
season because of the influx of seasonal workers. High season runs
from mid-November until mid-May.
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