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Hello all,
New to the forum and wanted to see what help I am able to receive from others who took that leap as well. My husband, son and I have decided to make our next move to St. Croix. We are preparing to make the move next year and just trying to get a head start on the process. My husband is a man who carries skills in Carpentry and we would like to know how would the job search go for someone skilled in his craft?
I am a Veteran and Retired Military, and would like to know is there a base and/or VA hospital on the Island?
We love boating, water activities, fishing and cooking (mainly me cooking) How easy will it be to purchase a boat?
Finally we loveeeeeeeee entertaining and being entertained how easy will it be to meet new people?
Also any information to help us gain an idea of what it to expect will help.
Thank you all,
Malena
Have you read all the information in the drop-down menus top of this page?
If you also use the search engine you'll find threads on numerous subjects which you may need additional information on.
There's been recent discussions on the VA hospital facilities. There is a VA clinic on STX but the closest VA hospital is in Puerto Rico.
Have fun researching and planning!
Finding a boat in the islands is easy. There are always deals that float by. Fixer-uppers are common, but if you have some rudimentary skills then these can be the best way to go. You should have no problem finding something that meets your needs. Keep an eye on craigslist to get a general idea, but most boats are posted on boards at the marinas and parts stores - or just word of mouth.
i'll answer some of your questions:
1) Getting employment on St. Croix is not much different than getting a job where you now live. It depends on your qualifications and experience level, how many others with similar abilities apply for the same position and, most of all, how well you handle the interview process. Yes, there are carpentry jobs on the island. And, yes, there are usually multiple applicants for those jobs. Lastly, while there are carpentry jobs available, it remains to be seen whether or not they end up being "good jobs" or you'll have a "good boss". One thing to keep in mind, is wages for comparable positions on St. Croix (or any island in the Caribbean, for that matter, will probably be lower than they are where you now live.
2) Can't really answer this with authority.
3) There are lots of boats for sale - both new and old. So yes you can purchase a boat if you are willing to pay the price. remember the old adage, "the two best days in a boat owners life are the day he or she buys the boat and the day they sell the boat. Caveats Emptor!
4) Meeting people on St. Croix is much the same as meeting people anywhere. Friendly people find it easy to make friends but you'll probably have to make the initial overtures rather than wait for others to make the first moves.
Malena, the VA Clinic here is pretty good. I see an actual MD, never a long wait, they even call the day before to remind me I have an appointment. Prescriptions come from the San Juan VAMC, usually faster than I ever got them from Cheyenne. I've had to go to San Juan once for a re-evaluation, they pay for the flight and pick us up at the airport. In Colorado I went to a satellite clinic of the Cheyenne VAMC, and the clinic here is every bit as good as that one. Nothing like the nightmare stories I've heard from Phoenix , SLC and some others.
