It gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom. Due to the small size of the islands, the businesses on the islands are limited and hence many individuals tend to work a combination of jobs to earn a living. Nevertheless, according to, Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as. As well as measure the changing demographics of nomads. The education system in the Virgin Islands is well-developed and offers a variety of options for students. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay is the most popular location especially with visitors to the island. The Police on the island can be contacted at 999 or 911 in case of emergencies. One massive disadvantage of living in the British Virgin Islands is the absence of international flights from major international cities such as North America, Canada, Europe or South America. High prices 2. One of the must see beaches and attractions in the BVI is The Baths and it is located in Virgin Gorda. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. She says that the best way to get a gig is to research jobs and companies that fit your skills, then email to apply. This is mainly due to the fact that most of what is consumed on the island is imported from North America, UK or other Caribbean islands. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Additionally, due to the location of the US Virgin Islands, there is a threat of earthquakes. Mermaids Chair is also a location on the Rock Citys West Coast which is a must see on the island of St Thomas. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Covid-19 coverage. Public and Private Education + Higher Education Opportunites 3. In small villages and communities where everyone knows everyone and at times this makes it tough to create and maintain boundaries. There is a ferry service from St Thomas to Tortola if you will like some adventure. Virgin Islanders have that ease to go the United States for treatment. The country is safe, welcoming and ideal for raising kids. Additionally, the Virgin Islands has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. These are the downsides of living in Cayman. In my opinion, the BVI has it all. The area has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and low levels of humidity. The cost of living for an expat in the British Virgin Islands is relatively high, with the average cost of living estimated to be around $3,000 per month. It is also important to note that wages tend to be lower than in other parts of the world, due to the cost of living in the Virgin Islands. Nevertheless according toThe St Thomas Source, in an article published August 17th, 2021, the police department on the island of St Croix indicated an increase in armed robberies and carjackings. we still would have lived there. An SUV may be suitable if you are living in certain areas of the islands due to the road network. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. The British Virgin Islands were heavily impacted by Hurricane Irma. It made me feel like I woke up to the perfect vacation every day, Set your alarm when it is a full moon and see it light up the ocean and eventually set at the horizon, Keep on the lookout for active marine life. Residents of the British Virgin Islands pay no tax on income, capital gains or inheritance, though stamp duty on property purchases by foreigners is 12 per cent. We decide to take a leap of faith! Many of the pros to island living can at times be the very cons (spoiler alert: the pros are pretty awesome! Because the island is so quiet you become one with nature. Monthly rent in a normal area: CI$1,358/1,183/US$1,629. Let people know things you like to do, where you're from, where you work, where you'd like to visit, what's your favorite food etc.! 38K views 2 years ago CHARLOTTE AMALIE WEST In this week's episode of Blyden vLogs I share 6 PROS and 5 CONS of living in the US Virgin Islands. Additionally, there are routes that connect all the islands so it is easy to move from one island to another if you desire a change of scenery. Everything has a negative aspect to it, regardless of how good it may seem. Speaking from personal experience, I found that the stresses in my everyday life have reduced significantly after moving to Wisconsin. After a while, some people might find island life a bit claustrophobic. BVI and Dutch West Indies islands are all dream destinations for me and my family for all the reasons you state. Thats just the way it is and we happily accept this part of life. If you require specialized care, overseas experts will be required. The Virgin Islands is generally considered to be a safe place to live, though visitors should still take caution when it comes to their personal safety. Rental cars are a great option for those who want to explore the islands at their own pace. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum Good captains with excellent customer service and a friendly smile get scooped up, says Meyers. Or go after 4 pm, Lava Flow and Little Bay on Tortola are absolute gems. Incredible Weather and Beaches 4. Moving from Ohio, you'd think I had little experienc. Sadly the Bomba Shack and Tonys are no longer there as they were destroyed by hurricane Irma. Healthcare 8. Or try a Bushwacker. Contribute We use cookies from third party services to offer you a better experience. The largest island is St Croix being 84 square miles, then St Thomas which is 32 square miles and St John being the smallest of the three major islands at 19 square miles. The pros of living in the British Virgin Islands include the beautiful scenery, the warm climate, and the low cost of living. The turquoise bays around these islands are the promise of a new pleasant and authentic lifestyle. A series of barrier islands that separate the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. You can change it later. Fly from Pennsylvania on American Airlines, United Airlines and more. Additionally, there are no gift or wealth estate taxes on the island. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 60 islands located East of Puerto Rico. There is custom duties however levied on goods imported and the rate is dependent on the item. You Tuber, Sheek Flare Official has a video on cost of living in the British Virgin Islands and breaks down the costs of items on the island in great detail. A ferry can take expats to the seaside city of St Malo, France in less than 90 minutes, and to the UK in about three hours. Feel free to review the video below for further information. As an example, if someone needs medical attention urgently in another Caribbean Island, at times visas may be required which involves time and red tape. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. This photo we took from the house we lived in. Here are our reasons why we loved it so much. Another less obvious, in-demand occupation is a lawyer: these islands are also home to a bustling financial market. Family of four estimated monthly costs: $6,164; Single person estimated monthly costs: $3,484; WARNING! The BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. Pros and Cons of Living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Summary St. Thomas is the second home of the Americas St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, has an amazing weather Is It easy to get around in St. Thomas? By following these laws and taking the necessary precautions, visitors and residents can enjoy a safe and secure experience in the Virgin Islands. Nevertheless, individuals on the island can shop online and use a service such as Ezone to ship items to the island. In these islands, every sun exposed part has a kind of hot and dry-semi to dry microclimate with some organ-pipe shaped cactus mixed in. Another con of living in the US Virgin Island is the threat of natural disaster. In 2017, the country was hit by Hurricane Irma, with the major island of . Funds advised by Lee Equity Partners, LLC (Lee Equity) and Coastwood Senior Housing Partners, LLC (Coastwood), two specialized investment firms, announced today the signing of an agreement to invest in Integral Senior Living Management, LLC ("ISL"), the 9 th largest operator of senior housing in . RE/MAX can help! The state is home to the outer banks. The culture and entertainment options in the Virgin Islands are vast and varied. Mountain Top and Drakes Seat are fantastic spots with amazing views in St Thomas. It is important if you are visiting the BVI to plan your travel plans carefully as you may have to overnight due to the lack of direct flights. The islands are also known for their low crime rate and friendly locals. Those jobs are most likely in the tourism sector, especially in the watersports industry, as the BVI is the bareboating capital of the world. The Millennium monument was erected in the year 2000 as this is the first place that the American soil experiences the sunrise. Alternatively Drakes seat offers an amazing view of Magens Bay, the other Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands to the East. The Virgin Islands are also known for their spectacular sunsets, which can be enjoyed from many of the beaches and resorts. Hardip loves researching nearby things and writing about PROs and CONs. This was a huge blow to the economy of St Croix and by extension the Virgin Islands. Seaborne Airlines also offers sea plane service between the islands. Search for the British Virgin Islands flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Price of a local beer: $3 for a Blackbeard Ale at Fort Christian Brew Pub. On the other hand, the cons of living in the British Virgin Islands include the limited job opportunities, the lack of public transportation, and the limited access to medical care. Additionally, the University of the Virgin Islands offers several online programs for those seeking further education. If its a match, the next step is waiting out the three-month process. Tortola even more as most beaches on the Northside are not good for mooring or anchoring a boat. Just 2 of these will do the trick for me. Its the ultimate day to lime (which means as much as relaxing or partying). This includes access to health care and education for persons living on the island. I absolutely loved to walk the dogs on Long Bay beach. One is to set up an account with a company called Aeropost, which provides a Miami address, then ships the items to you from Florida. I am sure there are many ,many who would love to live there but its far too expensive for them. This beach has massive boulders which forms sea pools. Cruise ships traveling around the British Isles and river cruise boats in particular, are smaller than regular cruise ships, so cruising feels more intimate. If you loved this article, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, 10 Reasons for Moving to the British Virgin Islands. Get up to 40% discount on new plans.GET A QUOTE. It is important to factor in these costs when budgeting for a trip to the Virgin Islands, as they can add up quickly. Your email address will not be published. St John and Water Island only have local businesses. The immigration process is long and hard. Infrastructure CONS of living in the Cayman Islands 10. As an example, if you live in the Caribbean island of, In the US Virgin Islands you are never far away from the beach, The US Virgin islands are extremely safe. And in high season, there are a lot of different and secret spots to find a wave for yourself. For those relocating with more than a couple duffle bags, the marine-transport company Tropical Shipping is the best option for handling boxes, furniture and everything else you need to start your new life. On the other hand, living in British Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. It is actually almost impossible to find a place without a stunning ocean view. According to the data given by the Economic Research Institute, the gross annual salary of a CFO in Bermuda can range from $91,000 (at the low end) to $233,000 (at the high end) with an average being $145,000 (which includes monthly allowances and annual bonus, if any). The Caribbean climate allows year-round sea swimming, and the territorys 60 islands collectively offer every watersport going. Access to the beach is free and it is located 5 miles west of the capital, Road Town. People who love to socialize and who can afford it usually tends to travel to break the monotony. As an island in the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends November 30th annually. No minimum capital requirements. With digital services, 24x7 customer support in different languages, and award-winning service, Now Health International will look after you no matter where you choose to go. This will allow you to see first-hand the neighborhood you'll be living in. The cost is approximately USD$10 round trip. That said, FedEx does deliver, albeit at somewhat exorbitant rates. The Department of Health also provides a variety of health services, such as immunizations, health screenings, and health education. 3. Feel free to browse our website for more content on the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is a favorite for locals and visitors to the island. Thanks for signing up! Magens Bay is a beautiful one mile stretch of white sand on the island of St Thomas. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the lack of income tax. The territory is nominally home to more than 400,000 companies, collectively worth $1.5tn. What are medical services in the British Virgin Islands like? This was our backyard and we even ended up having our beach wedding there!! There is a shuttle once you arrive in Water Island that can transport you to the beach. Finally, the vibrant music and art scene is another draw for expats, who can enjoy a variety of cultural events and activities," Read on for comprehensive details of the pros and cons of living in the US Virgin Islands. In the Caribbean there is a Low Season and a High Season. How NordVPN and ExpressVPN Stack Up. The crime rate is lower than many other Caribbean destinations and there are a number of safety measures in place, such as police patrols and visible surveillance cameras. But because the BVI is pretty expensive to travel to, it is still uncrowded. Additionally, the local cuisine is a highlight, with its mix of Caribbean and British influences. Virgin Isl.. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Not everyone can afford health care on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Expect something closer to $1,500-$3,000 with a high-quality, reputable service provider. Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In Dominica (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). Pros Cons in British Virgin Islands Latin America Photo Larisa Birta via Unsplash Pros Cons Continents Latin America Countries British Virgin Islands Filters British Virgin Islands Clear 1 results Global travel medical insurance for $1.34/day! Wildlife 1. Knight Frank is marketing a. The British territory consists of 4 larger islands ( Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke) and 32 smaller islands and islets, of which more than 20 are uninhabited; lesser islands include Great Tobago, Salt, Peter, Cooper, Norman, Guana, Beef, Great Thatch, Little Thatch, and Marina Cay. St Lucia Vs St Thomas: Which Island Is Better For A Vacation, Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travel, Living In The British Virgin Islands ( Pros & Cons), Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Your email address will not be published. world 5 world_fill Cities paper_plane 5 paper_plane_fill 5 Trips chat 42 chat_fill 42 Chat Fly from Houston on American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and more. According to U.S. federal government figures, bankruptcies continue to fall, from 1.6 million bankruptcies in 2010 to about 414,000 Ditto most other U.S.-based online retailers. Located between the Caribbean Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands is a UK overseas territory that is known for its status as an offshore financial services centre. Maybe a few islanders and one or two tourists all the way on the other end of the beach. If you're used to living in an expansive residential property, you'll find life in Hong Kong to be a bit surprising. Questions? Sincere Pros Cons is a daily online publication dedicated to "the good, and the bad" of modern life, from fashion to food and technology to travel, health, parenting, and much more. Highlights include snorkelling off Virgin Gordas Baths beach and sailing around the reefs of Anegada, while the annual BVI Spring Regatta, held each March, is one of the largest such events in the Caribbean. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. While there is a great sense of community which can be helpful, the drawback to this is that there is a loss of privacy. The cheaper option is to have visitors bring your online purchases with them when they fly down. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The last major earthquake that affected the island was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the islands of St Thomas and St Croix predominantly. The Virgin Islands are all very tiny pieces of land. "I am of the view that same-sex marriage is a subject to be interpreted by those who are more competent to do so like the courts . Each Caribbean Island is unique but not many have that real paradise-feel like the British Virgin Islands. The bars and the cocktails of the BVI are know all around the world. Size: Area 59 sq mi/153 km2. Read more and see the photo gallery here. On the other hand, living in US Virgin Islands has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, poor infrastructure and a slower pace of life. An expat answers questions about day-to-day island living in the BVI. I already mentioned the Painkiller: a mouth-watering mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple, and orange juice topped off with grated nutmeg. Costs - Costs are generally higher than in other IBC jurisdictions, but nonetheless highly competitive. Your username is used across the site, for example in your profile URL: https://nomadlist.com/@username. There are direct flights to destinations such as Saint Kitts (45 minutes), Puerto Ricos capital San Juan (45 minutes) and Antigua (90 minutes). From British rule. start here Or visit one of the luxury resorts on Cooper or Peter Island. The islands cover an area of 477 sq.km. We hit the jackpot when we found one with direct beach access for a good price. said a person living in Brit. Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum! House starting price: $150,000 for a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom house in Christiansted. At times individuals may overstep which is a challenge that you will not face in a large country. Excellent Caribbean community spirit exists on the Virgin Islands. Therefore, if you are considering relocating to the island, the risk of losing money due to foreign exchange conversion should be relatively low. This 190-page reference book has a 25-year history and updates periodically. High Rental Costs and Small Spaces. We hope you enjoy our website. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. I am very familiar with most of what you have written as my daughter and her family live in Cane Garden Bay and has done for years now. If as an example you are taller, you may not easily be able to get your size on the island. Mainly sunny. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. The BVI is 59.3 square miles and spread over 1,330 square miles. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world. 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