Some people don’t even realize the US Virgin Islands exist. There is actually a part of the US where the sky is almost always blue, the sun is shining, and the water is warm. Perhaps it’s better St John isn’t better known, as otherwise the Island would be full of people looking for paradise – and finding it.
Moving is always stressful, and moving to the islands can be particularly difficult. However, if you’re looking for a different way to live, one that’s a little slower and more personal, it is worth the effort. Here are ten reasons to move to St John.
- Slow Down
Islanders often talk about ‘island time.’ It takes time to get to the island and time for new stuff to arrive. Weather can disrupt shipments, as can any number of other factors. That means that things happen in their own time, which is rarely the same as the rigid schedule people adhere to on the mainland.
This sort of patience and willingness to allow things to happen in their own time has spread to island life in general. It can be frustrating at first, but once you get used to it, you can appreciate the slower, more appreciative way of doing things. You may have to wait in line for a while longer or spend more time finding your way around. But you’ll always have a beautiful view while you do.
- Connect with People
More people are spending more time staring at screens. Our phones do more than just place phone calls and computers are everywhere, with bright screens that are constantly distracting. As a result, it can be difficult to spend time focusing on your friends and family around you. Conversations tend to take a back seat to texting and time spent together is usually time spent playing on a gadget.
On the islands, there is a lot less pressure to stay in constant contact. Things happen slower anyway and you’re more than likely to see everyone you know within a span of a couple days. In addition, the landscape is just about always prettier and more interesting to look at than anything your phone can show you. That means you have more time to talk and spend time with people.
- It’s Beautiful
St John is just about one of the most beautiful places in the world. The beaches are white sand and the water is clear blue. The sun is almost always shining and the weather is mild. When you’re not swimming in the ocean, you can walk, hike up on the island, or visit some of the old ruins. If you’re on a cruise or just visiting, you only get to see the island when it’s swarmed by tourists.
When you live on the island, though, you’ll have all the time you want to explore and appreciate the beauty of the place and it’ll never get old or boring.
- Don’t Wait to Live in Paradise
You grow up and go to school so you can get a good job. Then, you work to pay bills and maybe put something aside to enjoy your retirement. If you’re able to do that, then you can take the time to relax, and travel to beautiful places and enjoy them. That’s how most people expect their lives to work out. The sad fact is, more often than not, you’re not really able to enjoy things in the same way.
That’s if you’re able to retire in good shape at all. More and more, people are realizing that working for “someday that may never come” is no way to live. If you move to St John now, you can enjoy paradise without having to wait.
- The Weather Is Always Beautiful
The temperature on the island is usually 80 degrees or so, cooling off to 70 at night. It rains, but usually only in the early morning and evening. All day showers and the cloudy days that go with them are extremely rare. The water is around 70 degrees’ year round and clear enough that you can see to the sea floor.
Add to that the beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes, and there are few places anywhere that are more beautiful or comfortable to live.
- Move to Paradise Without Leaving the US
The advantage that St John and the other US Virgin Islands have over most other places in the Caribbean is that it is actually part of the United States. If you’re already a US citizen, you don’t need to worry about a passport or any sort of visa. Everyone uses the dollar and everyone speaks English. While there are some things that you need to adapt to on the islands, government, language, and money are not among them.
- You’ll Know Everyone
In a lot of ways, living on an island is like living in a small town. It can be difficult to get on and off the island, so people tend to stay put. This has some advantages and disadvantages, but one of the pleasant changes from mainland living is that you’ll know just about everyone.
And everyone is friendly and helpful. St John is famous for the friendly inhabitants, and has been nicknamed ‘Love City,’ because of their openness.
- More Time – Island Time
The idea of leaving work at work is a bit foreign to most people these days. Just because you leave the office for the day doesn’t mean you don’t have to go home and put in another hour or two of work. On the islands, it is easy to grab a sandwich and head to the nearest beach for your lunch break then head back to work refreshed and relaxed. Without the strict schedule and need to get everything done right away, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy all the Island has to offer.
- Fantastic Activities
People come to the Islands to have a good time, and because there are all sorts of fun activities. There is fantastic sailing, and of course the beach is always beautiful. Snorkeling and swimming around the island is also a great way to spend some time.
In addition to the amazing water sports, there are hiking trails around the island, and ruins to explore. Once you move there, there are all the things to do you’d have at home, including great restaurants, activities for the kids, and a great night life.
- Non-local World
Most people spend at least some of their time working from home these days. More than that, a lot of people are making a change from salaried employee to freelancer consultant. There’s no reason to be tied down to your desk in some cold northern city when you can be doing the same job from the Island. Then, when you clock out for the day you can wander down to the beach and see a world-class sunset.
St John is a beautiful place that in many ways is completely different from the rest of the US. Life there is slower and allows for more time with friends and family. On the Island you can do things that you only dreamed about, and live in a paradise that might seem too good to be true. But St John is real, and there is every reason in the world for you to find a home to buy and live in there.