Why St. Croix?
When I first landed in the Christiansted airport, I was struck by the easygoing vibe and vibrant colors of town. Year-round temperatures hug the high 70s to mid-80s—no snow, no brutal winters—and you even enjoy no sales or state income tax as a U.S. territory resident.
Essential Paperwork & Residency
- U.S. Citizens: No visas or extra permits—just your driver’s license and a U.S. passport.
- Non-U.S. Citizens: Check with U.S. Customs and Immigration for visa requirements.
Shipping Your Belongings
Most newcomers ship household goods and vehicles via roll-on/roll-off cargo vessels. I compared several freight forwarders—got quotes from VI Cargo, Paradise Freight, and Tropical Shipping—to find a balance of cost and speed. Expect transit times of 10–14 days port-to-port, plus customs clearance. You can read more here.
Finding Housing
I tapped local real-estate agencies for long-term rentals—Condos, cottages, and apartments are all options. Classified ads in the local paper and Facebook groups (e.g. “Living on St. Croix”) are also gold mines. Rental prices vary by neighborhood: Christiansted tends to be pricier, while the North Shore and East End typically command higher rents. I’d generally budget $1,000 per room.
Utilities & “Island Time”
Services—from cable to construction—move at a relaxed pace. Embrace “island time”: shipments aren’t always on schedule, and tasks can take longer than on the mainland. Patience goes a long way! For internet service I’d recommend Starlink—best internet service for the price.
Driving & Transportation
- Left-side driving: Yes, we drive on the left here—one of the few U.S. jurisdictions that do. Roads are generally two-lane and cruising at 25–35 mph is common.
- Public Transit: Limited, mostly small shared vans (“dollar rides”) in Christiansted; most residents own a car and you’ll really need one. You can ship a car from the US too. Read more about that here.
Healthcare & Schools
St. Croix has a full-service hospital (Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital) and several urgent-care clinics. Schooling options include public schools, private academies, and a community college campus (UVI).
Pets & Family
No quarantine for mainland pets—just a recent vet exam and health certificate; exotic animals may need an import permit. Plenty of families raise kids here, and community organizations welcome newcomers.
Cost of Living
Groceries and goods can run 10–30% higher than stateside due to shipping. Dining out, utilities, and fuel likewise carry island premiums—budget accordingly.
Island Lifestyle & Culture
- Community: Islanders stick together—expect friendly greetings (“Good mornin’!”) and the occasional “rock fever” if you stay indoors too long.
- Weather: Hurricane season runs June–November—secure insurance and storm-proof your home.
- Recreation: World-class snorkeling, historic forts, and weekly Art Thursday make every week feel like a vacation.
Making St. Croix home is a journey worth taking: from the first salty breeze to that perfect sunset paddle. With a bit of planning and an open heart, you’ll soon feel like one of the island’s own.
