US Virgin Islands

St. Croix has a rich and interesting history. I've provided a very encapsulated version here - taken mostly from a wonderful resource that those of you who are considering moving here MUST have - and that's the Settler's Handbook for the US Virgin Islands (you can order your copy from www.gotostcroix.com).  

This book covers many topics of interest to anyone interested in St. Croix, and is also a great resource, guide, and source of valuable information about the island.  I've excerpted some of the key historical events from the overview of this book to give you a thumbnail sketch of our history.

For a good map of St. Croix and points of interest, visit the map page on my web site, www.retireinthevi.com.

Evidence suggests that the lovely island of St Croix has been inhabited since around 2500 BC. There have been three known pottery-making tribes who inhabited the island, starting with the Igneri (or Ancient Ones) , the Taino or Arawak, and the Caribs, who were here until the late 16th century.  Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to visit us in 1493, and anchored near Salt RIver bay. They were met by some of these Indians and as a result, 'Ol Chris named the site  "Cape of Arrows," which is a testimony to the less than warm welcome he received!

Check in next week for Part II of our history or sign up to subscribe to this blog.

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

As we enter the dog days of summer, I am falling even more in love with this beautiful island. The days are hot, but the water feels oh so good! Nothing better than slipping into the pool or ocean on a hot summer day! And the evenings are so pleasant! I couldn't sleep last night and just stood on my gallery feeling the warm tropical tradewinds blow and smelling the lovely jasmine that is just starting to bloom in my yard.

If that's not enough, more announcements about new developments coming that were in today's paper got me all excited and made me want to rush out and buy buy buy more real estate here!

Contact me for a copy of my monthly newsletter - the August issue has info about the return of cruise ships to Frederiksted, more Delta flights scheduled to our island, and a new initiative to bury the power lines in Christiansted, which will make our town even more lovely and facilitate the restoration of power should we have a hurricane. You can also read the continuing saga of our water and power authority woes, and learn about our amazing athletes currently competing in the Olympics.

St. Croix is a busy place, bustling with economic vitality, growth, and a real sense that we are going somewhere! Let me help you invest in St. Croix, and live your dream in our paradise - I'm living mine!

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

Snorkeling is one of my favorite hobbies.  I addition to watching the sea life, I love to look for shells and chaney (small pieces of broken Danish pottery) in the shallows. There are good snorkeling spots ALL OVER this lovely island. Visit the maps page on my web site, to become familiar with the island of St. Croix.

I guess I enjoy the snorkeling on the west end best of all. Right in front of our condo at Harbour Beach Village (just south of Sandcastles on the Beach) are perfect coral formations and overhangs  - great spots for fish and lobsters to hang out!  If you go in either direction away from the condos, the snorkeling is still wonderful, but the bottom changes.  There are some grassy areas to the south,ideal for spotting turtles!  Last week we saw an ENORMOUS ray.  Wing span of probably 5 - 6 feet!  

There's actually an underwater snorkeling trail on the west end just off of the beach in front of N2 the Blue (best dive shop in St Croix) and Coconuts (best beach bar in St Croix!!!).  And snorkeling off the Frederiksted pier, you may get lucky and see seahorses!  That's a definite "seahorse hangout!"  

Going north, other good snorkeling spots include the beach off of Butler Bay (you'll see a sign and some old stone gates - just after that is a nice beach- park there to snorkel - but don't leave valuables in your car!).  Further north along the west end beach road, stay to the left and you'll be rewarded with great snorkeling at Ham's bay.  You'll see several spots to pull off and park - just make sure to mind your valuables.  Take along one of those waterproof containers for your keys and wallet - if you don't have one - you can pick one up at  N2 the Blue.   Nothing worse than having a perfect beach and snorkeling day ruined by a few punks who get their jollies by breaking into vehicles and stealing your stuff.

Along the North Shore, of course the famous Cane Bay is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Continue on to La Valle and I understand the snorkeling is pretty good in that stretch just after you go left at the Corner Store.  Haven't checked it out yet - but it's supposed to be nice.  And so is the snorkeling right in front of Lobster Reef (restaurant across from Corner Store).   I hear that's a lobster hangout - and the restaurant is a hangout for those of us who like to eat them!  Salt River park (the beach side) has some interesting coral formations and is supposed to have wonderful snorkeling.  I haven't tried that yet, either.   To get there, continue down north shore road and turn left at the marina.  That road dead-ends at the beach - take security precautions here as well.

On the east end of the island there's also some great snorkeling.  Tamarind Reef is really nice.  Past the Buccaneer, turn left into Green Cay.  Follow signs for the Deep End Bar and go to the beach to the right of the bar.  They have an attendant and you can rent chairs, umbrellas, the whole works.   Fewer worries about thievery here, and truly world class snorkeling.  It's a bit difficult to get into the water here - but worth it.

Out east, the water in front of Duggan's Reef restaurant is  supposedly good for snorkeling.  Or, keep heading east and follow signs for the Divi, then turn left on one of the roads and find your way to the beach at Grapetree bay.  There are several spots where you'll see trails to the beach and some parking. Great snorkeling here, too.  The Divi hotel beach is also nice - with all the amenitie of a fine hotel (chairs, bar, etc.).  

Jack & Issac's Bay is supposed to be fabulous for snorkeling (also off of Grapetree Bay- but you have to hike to it).  I'm going to test that one out this week.  I understand it requires a significant hike - but it's supposed to be well worth it.  I'll report back!

And of COURSE  - there's Buck Island!  But for that - you need a boat!

Please feel free to post your comments about other snorkel spots YOU'VE found here on St. Croix!

Sound too good to be true?  Visit my web site on retiring in the Virgin Islands, contact me for a Relocation Package or Answers to Your Questions on Retirement.  We live our dream here in St. Croix - come down and visit!

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

While enjoying one of our beautiful beaches the other day, I made a list of the 10 things I love most about living here, in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. When you dream of retiring on a Caribbean island, or "getting away from it all" think of the St. Croix lifestyle:

1. The amazing weather - 82 degrees year 'round, 20% chance of rain on most days.
2. The friendly people - smiles are abundant and locals as well as continentals are generally happy and friendly. It's easy to make friends here!
3. The laid back pace - no need to get in a rush - and there's always time for a friendly greeting and chat. If you're 15 minutes late here, you're 30 minutes early!
4. 1000 colors of blue! Well, maybe not that many, but there are so many colors of blue in our amazing crystal clear water!
5. No sox, no shoes, no problem. If I have on LEATHER flip flops, I'm dressed up. Love it.
6. Sunsets and sunrises. No two are alike, and they are all amazing.
7. Friendly drivers and no traffic. The drivers here are so courteous and nice - it's customary here to let others in and out of traffic (and I use the term "traffic" loosely!!)
8. Great restaurants. Unlike many Caribbean islands I've been to, where every restaurant has the same food, there are so many good and unique restaurants here! Not good for my waistline or budget, but yummy and fun!
9. Wonderful music. I absolutely love live music (GOOD live music, mind you) and there are some great musicians here. I'm a "regular" at every Kurt Schindler performance - and am a "self-proclaimed Schin-head!"
10. It's HOME! It's the good 'ol USA with all the benefits and protections that offers - and yet the culture of a Caribbean island. What can be better than that?
11. Beaches on the west end - GREAT snorkling, crystal clear water, wonderful shelling, virtually deserted beaches (especially on weekdays....love to slip away!) oohh - I said 10 didn't I!

It's hard to stop! There are SO MANY wonderful things about living here on St. Croix!

Visit my web site for resources on retiring in St. Croix:
www.retireinthevi.com

and contact me for information on real estate opportunities. I'm sold on the investment potential of St. Croix!

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

I recently read a blog post by a 3-year resident on the island, who said she was frustrated with real estate prices on St. Croix. She shared some photos from a house she looked at that was listed near $300,000 - that truly needed quite a bit of work.

However, this home has amazing views of the north shore and is located in a desirable part of the island. She lamented about what $300,000 would buy here, as compared to what it would buy in, say, Texas. Well, last time I checked, there were no awesome Caribbean views to be had in Texas. If there were, I imagine you'd find prices there just as high, if not higher.

We get spoiled here after a while. It is easy to forget just how incredibly gorgeous this place is, and how desirable it is to live here. If you compare our real estate prices with other Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, or other equally beautiful places, you will come RUNNING back to St. Croix and start gobbling up real estate as fast as you can!

Yes, purchasing a home with a sea view is going to set you back a bit....but that's the price you pay to live in paradise! You can find reasonable homes and condos here - comparable in price to what you'd find on the mainland that are, say 15 minutes from gorgeous beaches....(again, let's not forget where we live!!!)....but you're not going to get that amazing view without paying for it!

Prices here are VERY dependent on location (as they are EVERYWHERE) and VIEW. A home with an amazing view for under $300,000? Come on - that's a STEAL of a deal! Fix it up and you've got a half million dollar property! Someone obviously figured that out - that home is now under contract.....

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
340-626-3758