yet another moving to St Croix

There is a ton of information here. It is quickest to use the search feature. g'luck

Purchase home? Trying... been trying for 3 years. Shop around for your real estate agent. Alexandra BENTLEY (congrats!) may be able to help out.
Move furniture: Container shipping is expensive, hubby and I have estimated 12-15,ooo for 10x40 foot or is it 8x40, doesn't matter got a lot of stuff.
Car: research the board, Hubby and I buying a piece of metal on 4 wheels when we arrive. Cheaper than carting our pieces of metal down.
Animals: Lots of info on the board. I don't need to worry 'cause my little 6'2oz puppy dog will fit in my coach handbag. Many have had to get their monsters down though and have written about the experience.
Three years ago, when I started this everything was so overwelming, collect the info. THINK about it, plan accordingly and when the time comes (HINT HINT) you will not believe how relaxed you will feel.

Thanks for the info....I am actually talking to a realtor now regarding a purchase...Will make my second trip June or July...I have an 02 rover, great shape, should I sell? Also, my husky won't fit into my LV bag...lol, but the cats might...hope to meet a few of you when I get there....thanks

Wred,
The airlines will not ship a dog in cargo or baggage during the summer months. The embargo is usually May 15 - Set. 15. The temperture cannot exceed 85 degrees in the city you are departing from, any layover city or the city of your destination.
If your animals are a MUST for you, then you need to get that straight before you start looking for property here.
I wish you luck and maybe you could find someone to take care of your dog until the end of September or October(when the weather gets back to 85 degrees)and ship the dog to you air cargo.

Red - The inventory of houses for sale is sadly depleted. Hopefully you will find one you like within your price range, whatever that may be.

Think carefully about the furniture and other belongings you decide to pay to move down here. Many mainland items don't fare well in this climate or you just won't have a use for here. Also, you will likely find that you need less "stuff" in the islands.

Insurance is much more expensive than you are used to, due to the requirement of paying for windstorm/hurricane insurance if you get a mortgage on your house or condo. Expect to pay roughly $2K per year in premium for EACH $100K of purchase price. A $300K house built of concrete is therefore approximately $6K per year to insure. Wood frame structures cost more to insure and aren't often advisable for storm and termite reasons.

Move your car down if it will be the appropriate type of vehicle for island use, especially if it's already paid for. Take a good look at island roads when you visit, as some cars aren't a good choice for here. It isn't necessary to have an expensive car to show off to friends here as is so often the case on the mainland.

Bring your animals... and plan to have either some A/C for your husky or shade and a place to get wet when he gets hot! The cats will probably be fine, but outside cats may get the bad end of a fight with a mongoose. Cats may also get sick a time or two from eating geckos until they learn not to.

WOW...great advice, thanks...the car is paid for, but I am considering the fact that it might not be an island car...as far as the home insurance, not a big difference from what I pay now, especially if you enter the taxes in that I pay...My yearly taxes are over 2K and insurance is approximately 1500, so, surprisingly, I am NOT so scared right now... you guys are very helpful, I won't be making the move for at least 4-6 months, have a house here to sell....