St John is a little bit smaller than 20 square miles in size, though it has a lot to offer in gorgeous homes, condos, and land. Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world can be found on St John, as can some of the most pristine Caribbean vacation destinations.
If you are thinking about buying real estate in St John, then it might do you some good to know a little bit about each of the 5 areas of St John USVI. Under Danish rule in the 1670’s the island was divided into five quarters, and further broken down into Estates which are the basis of the legal real property addresses on the island. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to find.
Cruz Bay Quarter
Where crystal-clear blue oceans meet sandy beaches backed by palm-tree forests, you will find the area of St John known as Cruz Bay. This area serves as home to most of the Island’s population in numerous Estates and covers roughly a three-mile area accessed by Routes 10 (Centerline Road), 20 (Northshore Road) 104 (Southshore Road) and the Catherineberg Road. Home to the Westin Resort, situated on Great Cruz Bay and the former Caneel Bay Resort property as well as many prestigious stores, bars, rental condominiums, boutique hotels, grocery stores and restaurants. Many of the Island’s popular tours also set out from this area. It is quaint, busier than other areas, but beautiful. If you are looking for the life of the party, you will find it here.
Coral Bay Quarter
Coral Bay, which is located on the eastern side of St John, is quite a departure from its tourism-oriented counterpart. It has sometimes been called the ‘quirky, quiet opposite of bustling Cruz Bay’, and for good reason. This area is mostly home to either sailors who live on their boats or residents living in neighborhoods sited in the verdant hillsides on Bordeaux Mountain, Mamey Peak, Ajax Peak, Upper Carolina and Calabash Boom (to name a few), all overlooking the Coral Bay Harbor and Caribbean Sea beyond. You will find no gas stations, though there are several grocery stores, restaurants and bars to be explored.
East End Quarter
At the extreme eastern end of St John, you will find the East End. There are several amazing beaches here including Haulover North and South that provide some incredible snorkeling spots. Another great place to snorkel, kayak or paddle board are the four inlets that make up Hurricane Hole which are largely surrounded by mangroves. Here you will find excellent snorkeling of a different sort with baby fish and lobster sheltering amongst the mangroves as they mature, along with giant colorful starfish in the seagrass beds. And you will encounter far fewer people here as the only way to get to this part of St John for most people is to rent a Jeep and drive. There are a few businesses on this side of the Island, the Hansen Bay Campground and Saltwell Bottom Beach.
Reef Bay Quarter
Reef Bay Quarter offers six beaches and one of the most popular hiking trails in the Caribbean. Much of the area comprises national park lands, though there are some lovely beachfront residences as well. The beaches here are especially beautiful and include; Grootpan Bay Beach, Little Lameshur and Great Lameshur Bay Beaches, Europa Bay Beach, Reef Bay Beach and Fish Bay. It is a favorite tourist destination for visitors looking for secluded hiking, picnicking, sunbathing, or even surfing. There is an old sugar mill located in the area as well, which is one of St John’s primary historic tourist attractions.
Maho Bay Quarter
Maho Bay Quarter offers seven world class beaches sited within the VI National Park; Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, Little Maho Bay, Francis Bay, Mary’s Creek and Leinster Bay. White sand and tranquil, turquoise waters provide unparalleled snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sun bathing. Private properties located within the confines of the park fetch the highest prices due to high demand and limited supply. These neighborhoods or “Estates” for address purposes include Peter Bay Estate, Maho Bay Estate, Estate Annaberg, Estate Miland and Abraham’s Fancy.