Couple with 4 children ages 2-9 moving.St thomas.

My question is this---if you have so many unanswered questions, how do you know you want to live here? The headline on your post makes it sound like you have already decided.

As a starter, yes there are absolutely different neighborhoods, ranging from dangerous inner-city cesspools infested with drugs, guns and prostitution to gated communities with multi million dollar mansions. In other words, it is pretty much like any other city in the world.

There is no reasonable way to determine an "average" rent until you see the choices firsthand. For a 4 bedroom (except for the high end of the market, that is a somewhat rarer commodity here--there are lots more 2 and 3 bedroom places than 4) you probably will find that the range is $1200--$4000.

Yes, there are activities for kids. These are often affiliated with their private schools. You have budgeted for private schools, right? I don't have kids, but my understanding is that virtually 100% of Continental Americans and Europeans put their kids in private schools.

Great bartenders and servers can make good money, particularly in high season between December and April. But keep in mind that things are a lot slower here the rest of the year, so people get laid off, hours get cut, tables are less full, etc. I wouldn't think that even the typical GREAT server/bartender could afford a 4 bedroom house and kids in private school. I guess it will depend on what your better half does for money.

I hope that helps get you started. I don't mean to be a downer, but I try to be realistic when people ask questions like you have.

Good Luck!

I first want to thank you for answering, taking your time, to explain to me my questions.
The reason why I made all those questions are beacuse My husband is been transfered by a big company, to St thomas, and I have to acomodate 4 kids, thats why I asked the questions. And regarding to bartending or waitressing... Its one of my hobbies 😉

So thank you again.
Peace

Bey

Bey,
There are three ads in the paper this morning = one for a waterfront luxury 3 BR, 3 BA with huge deck in Cabrita - $4,000, a large unfurnished 4 BR, 3.5 BA Red Hook - $3,000, and a spacious 4 BR, 3 BA with large screen in porch, fully furnished $2,500 - no location.

Waitressing/bartending - depends on your style. Resorts, Duffy's , etc. are seasonal and lucrative during season. Local bars are pretty steady off season and much more laid back. Assume with 4 kids you would need to work during the day. Depending on the part of town you are looking at, try some of the local places and while the money won't be as great during season it will be steady year round plus the benefit of a lot more fun.

Enjoy your move.