What you need to know before relocating to St. John’s

If you’ve ever fantasized about living in a tropical paradise, St. John in the United States Virgin Islands might just be whispering your name. Just a few miles long and a mile wide, St. John is an eco-paradise that features lush greenery, white sand beaches, and a laid-back way of life—and yet, for all its lack of modern, touristy trappings, it’s just a short flight from the U.S. mainland.

But don’t make a move to island life until you read these seven things you need to know first – especially if you’re looking at MLS listings USVI St Thomas and thinking about making a move permanent.

St. John Is Paradise — but It’s Remote

The smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John has no airport. You’ll fly into St. Thomas, and then ferry to Cruz Bay, the main town on the island.

The isolation is part of its allure, but it also means:

No shopping malls or big box stores

Limited healthcare facilities

Slower delivery services

Pro Tip: Be minimalist and self-reliant. It’s an aspect of the island’s experience.

Search MLS Listings in USVI St John Before You Move

The real estate market in St. John is robust, but tends to be competitive. If you’d like to find your own perfect piece of paradise, be it up in the leafy hills in a little casita for two or more, down by the water in a  luxury villa, or a pristine, empty lot just waiting for your custom-built villa, you’re going to have to begin your search by browsing the latest MLS listings for USVI St John.

These listings include:

Residential homes

Investment properties

Condos and vacation rentals

Land for development

Tip: Utilize a local real estate agent who is familiar with island zoning, hurricane-proof building requirements and neighborhood idiosyncrasies. You can always reach 340realestate for your real estate finding in St. John

Housing Can Be Expensive

Real estate prices on St. John are high, said Tammy Donnelly, the owner of 340rreal estate on St. John, because the island is tiny and undeveloped (a significant portion is protected national parkland) and everything, food, building materials, etc need to be shipped in by containers from some where. 

You’ll also want to plan for the purchase price as well as for:

Hurricane insurance

Property maintenance

Cisterns are very common for water self sufficiency 

Solar or backup power options

Tip: Rent for the short term before buying to get a sense of different areas — from the busier Cruz Bay to the quieter Coral Bay.

The High Cost of Living  Exceeds the Mainland

The cost of living in St. John is higher than on the mainland, with higher prices for groceries, fuel, building materials and dining. Because most goods must be imported, costs go up. The cost of living is comparable to resort towns stateside. 

But you can be smart about how you live:

Shop at local markets

Buy in bulk when possible

Save on your monthly electrical bill with our solar systems

Yes, You Can Do Internet or work remotely. 

St. John is now popular among remote workers, and its beautiful setting and U.S. infrastructure ensure it won’t take long to bounce back. But the internet is a variable, according to the location, but there are several options for providers. 

Before you buy, confirm:

Accessibility to broadband in your area

Backup alternatives, like Starlink or simply a mobile hotspot

Back up power preparations (generators or battery storage)

You’ll Want a Car—Preferably Something That has 4 wheel drive capability

The lack of public transportation is available but not always reliable. And is restricted to certain areas of the island , especially in Coral Bay or further out.

Pro tip: You can ship a car from the mainland or buy one used on-island. There are several dealerships on St Thomas with many various offerings and types. 

Healthcare Is Scarce — but There’s a Way In

A couple of basic medical clinics in St. John are good for treating the needs that can be addressed in one day, but more complex care usually demands a trip to St. Thomas. Emergency transport is available, but a preparedness is key.

Make sure to:

Have health insurance. 

Refill essential medications, but there is a pharmacy on St John and stateside prescriptions and be called in. 

Understand the closest care and contingency facilities

It Is Not Possible to Be Too Prepared for a Hurricane

St. John is at risk from hurricanes. The 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria were a powerful reminder of nature’s force in the Caribbean.

If you plan to relocate:

Buy hurricane-proof windows and shutters

Get yourself a trustworthy home insurance policy

Have an emergency plan, supplies and alternate power sources

Hint: Lots of homes for sale in MLS listings here in USVI St John will likely list details on hurricane-readiness – ask your realtor for details.

Community is Small and Friendly

St. John has a tiny population, and everyone knows everybody. Whether you’re volunteering, hitting up the events around town, or just enjoying those Sunday Fundays there’s always somewhere to make the connection.

Follow island etiquette: Be sure to start your question / conversation with a Good Morning, Good Day, Good afternoon or Good Evening. 

Support local businesses!

Participate in the community

Why You Should Move to St. John

Living on St. John has its challenges — the logistics, price and sometimes the hassle, but the zest for life is worth it. The tempo is laid back, the setting is special, the way of life has a rare freedom and relationship to nature.

If you are ready for a change, kick off your search with the newest MLS listings on USVI St John. You could very well find your forever home nestled into a hillside overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Final Thoughts

A move to St. John is not just about moving it’s a lifestyle change. With the right property, and some planning and flexibility, island living can be everything you’ve dreamed of, and more.

Ready to explore? See the current MLS USVI St John listings now and start your journey toward a new island lifestyle!