Join discussions on moving to and living in the USVI, ask questions, share info & tips! (Vacationing? Visit Travel Message Board)
Re: VI .I. Answer Desk: Is USVI Collecting Tax on Villas and AirBnB Rentals? - 1 year ago
Most homes are built here with lower level apartment. One would assume that most owners would rent that lower level suite to defray the costs of ownership. Imposed taxes of 12,5% hotel tax on top of 5% gross receipts tax plus fed income tax is crazy unless one can pass the costs to the consumer. Factoring all this taxes and regulations, inspections, liability it is not worth the effort to proby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
It is hard to comprehend such a bid disparity in per capital income. How does BVI generate all that income? Could being the registration hub for off shore companies be so lucrative? I think income from tourism is comparable. Quotewanderer QuoteSTTsailor Sure some of the stoic British culture filters down to local population but what puzzles me why BVI doesn't cope with the same issues of viby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Need Advice to Find Happiness - 1 year ago
As above my friend. If you are unhappy work it out with therapy, exercise or meditation. Or go sailing for 3 months. Find supportive and happy people to be around with. Moving to VI is not the answer.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
So some of this young black males without criminal record could be deputiesed, armed and protect their homes and families. How cool is that. Better die fighting for than running from stray bullets.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Family of 6 Relocating to St Croix from New England - 1 year ago
If you consider Hawai as an option I would definitely explore it if I were you. From what I heard nursing jobs pay considerably less here that mainland. Also, local public schools are of low quality. Cultural experience is very limited. There is also culture of violence here that eventually will affect you and your kids. It is like living in a Wild West ca 1860 or El Salvador but under US flag.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Gov Mapp Proposes Taxes To Address Deficits - 1 year ago
I suspect that this nepotism is wildly endorsed here give that this are islands with relatively small population. When you get your turn to govern you bring your relatives to profit and you take your time to line up your pockets as much as you can. Governing is not about humble public service for the greater good of your people.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Financial News Service Questions V.I.'s Ability To Sell Bonds - 1 year ago
Plenty of factoids available about PR decline. One half of PR companies operate in cash economy. Doesn't pay any taxes. 30% of PR population declares ZERO income. There are towns in PR where entire population in on SSD or WC. PR created universal healthcare for the residents. That is enough to drive the island into economic decline. The marriage of American socialism withby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
I like her initiative. These type of folks could make a difference in VI. The certalized gov of VI could get in the way.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
QuoteLiquidFluoride Quotespeee1dy the mayor of compton california is doing amazing things with her neighborhood. she is really trying to turn things around You say government is doing good, I'll spend 3 seconds and find out how it's just as corrupt as EVERY OTHER GOVERNMENT action... Our solutions will come from US, not the government, not someone else. Although reminding people of hby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Gov Mapp Proposes Taxes To Address Deficits - 1 year ago
Booze esp rum and cigs are really cheap here. If there is a 10% levied it should not affect the tourist sales business at all. I am all in for taxing sugar products for health related reasons. The islands run on sweet indulgence.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property tax credits one can apply for - 1 year ago
I have a 60 years old house. Survived all the major ones. Added hurricane shutters. I am sure it must have lost its roof once or twice over the years. I am sure the structure will survive. Roof and solar probably not. Right now I have $5000 deductible. Insurance will not agree to lowering the value.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
Something like that could work. I think there are so many young men dying here as victims so picking up a weapon and fighting for your rights against the gang violence makes sense.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
Quotesttanon QuoteSTTsailor Almost all the shootings happen on the south side of STT around Downtown area. Not much happening on the north side or even Red Hook. If we had more proactive and present police force in these areas that could help. Unfortunately all policing here is reactive. North Side Frenchies shoot back..... They also are well schooled in fish pots and the North Drop.......by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property tax credits one can apply for - 1 year ago
Anyone with suggestions concerning HO insurance savings or tricks please PM or post. Thanks.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property tax credits one can apply for - 1 year ago
RE taxes here are very low. It is homeowners insurance that is killing me. I noticed that some homeowners underinsured to keep the premium affordable. My homeowners insurance cost $950 per month on fairly modest house at rather upscale location. There are only 3 companies underwriting in USVI.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
Quotesinglefin The Queen doesn't put up with any bullshit. Right. So you suggest that strong enforcement keeps population at check. Perhaps the community in BVI would not put up with gun violence and any perpetrator would be given up to authorities. This is not the case in USVI. The local community seems to be silent. The code of silence rules. Snitches get stitches. I am sure the communityby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
BVI has almost none of gun/gang related homicide. They have very strict gun laws. BVI is just a few miles away from STT and STJ. People commute to work between all three islands. Culturally this is the same population of slave trade descendants as USVI is. I view it as a sister islands to USVI. Sure some of the stoic British culture filters down to local population but what puzzles me why BVI doeby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
Significant number of shootings are basically due to anger and pride issues. Guy gets kicked out of the club and gets his gun from the car, minor confrontation on the dance floor leads to shooting. Guy gets shot over $5 unpaid dept. I guess 1/3 of the shooting are just over minor stuff. Not related to gang wars or dealing drugs. Almost all the shootings happen on the south side of STTby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
The following suggestions emerged so far: 1 better parenting and schooling. 2 employment/education opportunities 3 effective policing of the target areas 4 legalizing marijuana 5 relaxing gun laws 6 modification on wealfare policiesby STTsailor - General/Relocating
VI violence What would you do to stop the killings? - 1 year ago
This is 35 violent death in STT this year. Represents 25% year to year increase. VI is already most deadly place in north and Central America. What to do to stop it? Why is gun violence so popular here like nowhere else in Caribbean? There are many more victims who get shot but survive. They don't get much mention in the news.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Strange things about living in the VI - 1 year ago
I think it's all good as long as you do not have to work here. Otherwise all this "friendliness" of blocking traffic to chat, idle chat at work while not working gets a little out of hand. There is a reason why jobs here pay 50% of mainland rates. The productivity is 60% and any thought and mindfulness about 40%. Reminds me of that movie from 80s where Japanese were opening car productiby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property issues - 1 year ago
QuoteGator's Mom Not to be controversial ..... I worked for a large electric utility in FL several years ago and the company's arborist suggested using concentrated Monsanto Roundup to permanently kill trees. He was particularly keen on using it clandestinely on neighbors' (or customers') trees that were not well maintained to force removal. Not making this up. Couldn't if I tried. I havby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property issues - 1 year ago
OK. 150 feet. It looks like giant asparagus.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property issues - 1 year ago
Quotevicanuck QuoteSTTsailor I have 250 ft trees that potentially could impact my dwelling during hurricane. Really? 250 foot trees? Are they Sequoia's? Some type of bamboo I guess. Grows like a weed.by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Property issues - 1 year ago
The value of a lot of properties depends on the quality of unobstructed view. The trees grow here 10 ft per year. I have 250 ft trees that potentially could impact my dwelling during hurricane. Does the owner of the property have any responsibility to maintain the tries? Some of the tries became so tall that they construe hazard to my dwelling but the neighbor refuses to trim or cut and doesn'tby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Congratulations to our new 45 President Donald Trump.................................... - 1 year ago
There is a real need to rebalance in US. Catch up to Europe in terms of equality in income and net worth distribution. We have come too far in polarization on wealth over last 30 years. It is quite clear that we need to reward hard work better tan we do and make opportunities for social advancement. So far we as a society went all wrong about it. Minimum weight has to go up. Benefits for gettinby STTsailor - Under a Coconut Tree
Re: Moving to St. Thomas, not for the fainthearted. - 1 year ago
Well balanced. Hopefully will be an eye opener for some dreamers. Knowing and experiencing the advercieties and challenges of life here and generating same income off the mainland I would still vote for Orange County in Cali or south florida. The one thing I can't agree with OP is frendliness of locals. Beyond ample greetings of blessed day they are really an oblivious, mindless and oftby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: I need a brick mason on STT - 1 year ago
What exactly u need done?by STTsailor - General/Relocating
Re: Mapp gets his $88000 car. Unbelievable! - 1 year ago
QuoteJohnnyU The labor participation rate dropped from 66% to 63% and accounts for a significant reduction in the unemployment rate. Its interesting that the Labor Force Participation rate hasn't improved with the improved economy There are these that are unemployable..one unemployment runs out they go for disability plus cash economy. Entire towns in PR and 30% of population declare no incoby STTsailor - General/Relocating
Moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands?
Only $17.95
The Settlers Handbook for the U.S. Virgin Islands is your guide to moving to St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.
The current 18th Edition, released in January 2016, will help you explore your dream of island living. A solid reference book, it was first published in 1975. That's 40 years of helping people move to the islands. A must read. Order today.
Advertise
Join VIMovingCenter.com Today!
Tell prospective and current residents about your business.
Proud Supporter
VI Olympic Team
For over 45 years, the Virgin Islands has celebrated the Olympic tradition by sending our athletes to compete.
Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use