Making up your mind to relocate to the USVI can be a challenging exercise. Many times people find themselves presented with an opportunity to relocate. Others study the possibility for months or even years, considering the benefits of what seems like an ideal island life weighed against the negatives of leaving family and friends, starting over a whole new process of cultivating relationships, coping with the surprises that invariably come with every move, minimizing the financial burden of a long move across hundreds of miles of open ocean, distancing oneself from the mainland which can now seem far away, and mentally coping with the challenges that you inherently feel will be waiting for you in this supposed island paradise.
Moving to the islands as a winter retreat is one thing, while moving on a permanent basis is something completely different. If you are a person with significant financial resources, making a move like this may not be such a large decision,as one can always curtail your activities on island and return home with little concern about the financial ramifications. But if you have financial constraints that most of us face, this decison requires as much understanding of the challenges you will face as you can possibly obtain.
Questions about the advisability of shipping your vehicle to the islands. Can you practically move a pet? What do you do about furniture? How do you establish new friendships and a support network in the islands when your family is now likely thousands of miles away? Do you have to worry about security? What are the alternatives for schools if you have children at this point in your life? Do you have an understanding of the medical questions you will face? What is the cost of living compared to what you are used to? Can you accept the reality of integrating yourself into a new culture that is superimposed on life in the Virgin Islands? How will hurricanes impact your new life?
In the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center and the subsequent security issues associated with terrorism, we have seen yet another reason people are considering the USVI as a alternative to stateside living. Many consider the islands to be outside the radar of terrorists bent on taking actions against U.S. population centers.
Island News provides access to hundreds of back issue research reports addressing these subjects. In each issue, for over ten years, there have been profiles of other families and couples that have made the transition to the islands. You can learn from their experiences. Your first issue comes with a subscriber kit that will begin filling in the holes in your knowledge base. Island News is a tool you can use to help you make the very best educated decision before you commit to this adventure. It's not for everyone, but on the other hand, it can be a rewarding experience if you are prepared.
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