Repost for Rae: Commuting & Real Estate
Message from Rae:
Teresa, and others...:
I was reading all the posts, and was wondering about the hop, skip and jump factor...until I got to yours. Is it likely that one could live in STX, but work in STT?
I've only been to STT, years ago. However, my husband, daughter and I lived in Barbados for 4 years. (actually my daughter was born there, Bajan girl) We've been back on the mainland for over a year now...and we are already looking into moving back, on a more permanent basis, to the islands. It's such a completely different lifestyle, that we miss so much. (my family thinks I'm crazy) We think that one of the V.I's are a good choice for us. I'd like to make the move before my girl is old enough to be concerned about missing her friends.
I've read about how many have suggested that we rent as long as we can to get the island feel. If we aren't plan on making the permanent move for a few years...can anyone tell me the pro's/cons to buying land vs. a home.
It would be very difficult to commute daily between STT and STX. One would have to go by air, not too bad time-wise, but expensive. And sometimes the weather goes bad and you are struck. The fast ferry only runs during the winter season and takes 90 minutes one way.
I suggest you pick an island that will be good for you in both ways -- Living and working.
I concur with Linda--commuting by Seaplane would be expensive and unpredictable. I travle to STX frequently and, because of weather conditions, have been stuck too many times to mention!
I definitely suggest that you rent for at least 1 year to get a sense not only of the islands themselves, but also to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods you might wish to call home. As far as purchasing land v. home, the last estimate I heard was $250-300/sq ft. to build. Of course, as with everything in life and in the VI, plan on spending an additional 50%. The market for move-in ready homes is REALLY tight right now, so you might want to take that into consideration.
Thank you both very much for your reply. I am looking forward to visiting. My husbands job opportunity is in St John, and we were under the impression that we could live elsewhere, and he could commute to St. John. Now I understand that would not be a good idea. I guess we'll have to see when we get there. Thank you again for your input. 🙂
Rae, it is very possible to live on STT and work on STJ. They are right next to each other and the ferry runs every hour. The ride is no more than 20 minutes. Many people make that trip every day.
STX is 40 miles away as the crow flies -- too far for daily commute.
Come down and look around and tell us what you think.
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