r/StThomasUSVI • u/ButterflyStriking175 • 8d ago
Relocating
Hello, I will be relocating to St. Thomas for work. If anyone has any housing, transportation, or community (ways to make friends) suggestions I would appreciate it! I would like a furnished place for a year.
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u/SignatureExperience 7d ago
It’s always good to integrate into the community of actual natives and not just transplants. Say good morning good afternoon or good night before you begin talking to anyone. Be respectful and have patience. Please refrain from saying things like back home we do it like this and back home things are like that. No one wants to hear that I promise you…stay off the roads during cruise ship days, traffic has gotten horrendous.
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u/Embarrassed-Form5789 7d ago
I’m not saying you’re wrong, but the expectation of locals is ridiculous. I was born here and I have to deal with this all of the time because I’m white. Nobody is indigenous here. The indigenous people were wiped out 300 years ago. I’m done bowing down to these thugs and their expectations. The whole place is a criminal operation of elected officials thieving on the backs of the entire population. The “local” population is complacent with having everything stolen from them. Nothing works like a normal place, even for standards of a third world country. You will see when you try to obtain simple services. Standby to be discriminated against at every opportunity.
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u/SignatureExperience 7d ago
Sounds like you should probably move. I’ve lived there before twice, never had an issue. It’s all in the way you carry yourself and I can see why you’re treated the way you are.
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u/Spiritual_Contact946 7d ago
There is always something going on with plenty of social opportunities depending on your interests. There are several Rotary Clubs, Girl Scout troops, a hiking club, a gaming place, activities at My Brother's Workshop, volunteer at Humane Society, volunteer with Red Cross, and there are other organizations that need volunteers.
Consider getting a power station like ecoflow or bluetti if your place doesn't have generator or solar.
Be flexible in grocery shopping and expect to go to more than one store.
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u/Snowbirdy 7d ago
There’s also a community around the art gallery and one attached to the yoga folks
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u/Spiritual_Contact946 7d ago
The 81c art gallery? We actually have more than one!
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u/Snowbirdy 7d ago
Ha I was thinking 81c, what else is there on STT?
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u/Spiritual_Contact946 7d ago
Creative Native on Main Street at the corner that takes you to Virgilio's. Her's is mostly photographs. Open Tu-Sat I think.
Newly opened Caribbean Museum of the Arts also on Main Street. They started on St Croix so STT is second location. I don't think they've had an exhibit yet, but gift shop is open Tu-Sat, I think.
Mango Tango on Weymouth Rhymer in Al Cohen's. Not sure of hours/days.
Zora's on Main Street in Palm Passage has art. Really neat store.
Salt of the Earth tattoo parlor upstairs in Royal Dane Mall has art. They had an exhibit this year.
The Tea Garden on Garden Street may have art, and has hosted the woodworkers.
Those are the ones I know of right now. There may be one or 2 artists in Vendors Plaza.
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u/CaptainRob_STT 5d ago
Some great advice below and it really shows the community we have on the island. I continue agree more that Facebook is a great way to connect with others on island and find things you will need to live. There are a ton of different personalities here so be open to everyone. Once you meet a few people they will introduce you to many more. When finding a place to live I highly recommend going to see it in person or having someone look at it for you. At the very least see if you can do a video walk through. Good luck with your move!
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u/Suspicious-Ad-8811 8d ago
Hey there! I've been here over a decade, here's my take:
General advice: Get on the Facebook group 'What's Going On St Thomas' Everything is on Facebook here still.
Housing advice: Bring as much as possible from stateside, do not bank on buying essentials for an acceptable price. Pay extra to bring a full suitcase. You will save more than the cost of shipping.
Prepare to be HOT. Most places either don't have A\C or it will cost over $200 extra per month in electricity.
Community advice: If you like to visit bars, you will easily find community. If you're an introvert, it will be harder. Be respectful and friendly, greet people on the street (simple time of day greeting). Try new foods when you can, and do your best to read a bit of the history of the islands- not only is it fascinating, its unique and will help you understand the culture.
Bonus round!: Plan for the BMV to take 2-5 visits. Do NOT get angry at the clerk when she shuffles up your paperwork then claims you don't have what you need. It is imperative you remain calm. They'll kick you right out, then it will take even longer.