I got an email this evening from a mainlander asking me about the pros & cons of living here. Interesting queston! And one that would elicit a different response from every person here on the island, I'm sure!

In the spirit of helpfulness, I did compile my list. Here it is

PROS:
I absolutely LOVE the weather here! I like it hot - don't even have AC here - so for me - that's a big PRO. Winters are fabulous - and summers here are certainly no worse than in Atlanta! Plus - we have the breezes and of course the ocean to jump into when the temp gets above 90!

I love that there is ALWAYS something going on here, and that you don't have to drive forever to get there or pay to park!!! I lived in Atlanta and rarely went out because it was such a hassle! I never wanted to worry about driving 30 - 45 minutes home after a night on the town! Here - there's always something artsy or musical going on - and everything is close!!! Last night, we went to the home of some friends who erect a HUGE screen in their yard and show movies (last night was the Bucket List - I highly recommend it!!!). They do this every Monday. Last night there were about 20 people there - we all brought chairs & coolers & popcorn - it was a blast! Tonight (tues.) is "Two-fer" night at the local brew pub. It's also bingo night at another bar - and it's not the over 60 crowd - it's the 30 somethings - and the prizes include free food, drinks, and even cash!! This Thurs. is "art Thursday" and all the galleries in town stay open late and serve wine & cheese - so lots of us will be out and about in town on Thurs. enjoying ourselves. Fri. is jazz in the park in Frederiksted - there will be a huge crowd - great music - great food (street vendors) - free flowing drinks - a huge street party. Sat. and Sun. the beach bars have live music. I'm participating in a Cancer Walk this weekend too. SEE!! There's ALWAYS something fun going on! BIG Pro in my book! I've never once been even a tiny bit bored here!

No traffic- BIG PRO!!!

NICE PEOPLE - big Pro!!! The locals and us transplants all seem to be so happy to be here that we're just NICER than folks on the mainland!

Water everywhere! Big Pro!! It's difficult to be out of sight of the ocean for more than a few hours - the island is only 8 miles wide and 27 miles long - so you see the ocean a lot here. As a Realtor, i find that to be a real benefit - I'm in my car a lot - but the scenery is fabulous!

Great diversity here - big Pro! We have friends of all colors, backgrounds, ages, etc. There seems to be a much greater acceptance of diversity here than in other places I've lived. I consider this a huge plus. I have learned so much from the folks that are "different" from me in some way. It makes things so much more interesting!

Sunrises and Sunsets!! Imagine gettng to see sunrises and/or sunsets over the ocean every day! It's fabulous!

Now for cons -

It's EXPENSIVE!! Food prices are high here (groceries, eating out). Electricity is outrageously expensive. Homes are expensive. Insurance (if you own a home) is expensive.

It takes FOREVER to get things done!! (but hey, you look around and see 1000 colors of blue in the ocean, and forget that you're frustrated!!!)

There's no TACO BELL!!! (HA!)

There's too much crime. This is a community of "haves" and "have nots" - and there's just too much petty crime here. It's aggravating and frustrating - and at times - scary.

All things considered, I just can't imagne living anywhere else now. I absolutely LOVE IT here.

Ask for my Relocation Package, or contact me with any real estate questions. St. Croix is a great place to invest right now!

Kim Lucas
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
340-626-3758