St. Croix Real Estate

A new museum exhibit in the St George Village Museum on St Croix honors the enslaved Africans who were the manpower of the St George sugar plantation.  At one time, the plantation had 150 slaves living in 33 cottages.  The exhibit is in one of the cottages, shown at left, and restored, on what is now the St George Village Botanical Gardens. 

The museum contains artifacts from as far back as the first inhabitants of the area, the Saladoid Indians, who lived on St Croix some 2,000 years ago.  Other exhibits feature those Amerindians, with depictions of Taino dwellings as well as pieces of pottery, amulets, and tools.

Very interesting film clips taken between 1903 and 1919 are broadcast on a TV monitor. These show laborers at work planting and  harvesting sugar cane and taking it to the mill. The earliest film shows the laborers working with oxen under very difficult circumstances.

Another exhibit is a diorama of the estate.  The work is meticulous and gives a feel for how life must have been in the early 1800s.  The  exhibit includes many photos and a short biography of one long-time enslaved African resident, "Mina."

Susan Ladwig VP of the Board of the museum, said, "This museum is important because when visitors and residents know the history of Estate St. George; they know the history of St. Croix."  The garden, located on 16 acres, is owned and operated by its members and receives no government funding.  For more information, visit the garden's website at www.sgvbg.org. 

We are pleased to honor the lives of the African slaves who helped build St Croix.  Be sure and visit the museum when you visit our island.
 

November is typically a fairly wet month here in St. Croix.  We have lots of storms passing thru and many showers.  Consequently, it is also a month of lots of RAINBOWS!  

I saw three yesterday - this one (actually two - see the double?) was shot from my front porch early in the morning.  That's Buck Island sitting there - about to get a soaking!

And as spoiled as we are here (we have sunshine nearly every day), seeing a lot of rainbows and so many beautiful white butterflies (Cruzan Snow as I like to call them) - I'm grateful to be here even in the "rainy month!" 

Come take a look.  I'll help make your dreams come true.

The new GoToStCroix.com webcam is now live! The Frederiksted Pier Cam is broadcasting live from Polly's at the Pier, so take a look on those cold winter days and dream of coming to St Croix.

The cruise ships are back (it's that time of year) so you can watch the cruise passengers shop and mill around.  Locals can check the weather on the west end of the island with the Cam, and misplaced/displaced Crucians can get a glimpse of home.  As I write this and look at the webcam, the sun is shining brilliantly off the water which looks smooth and very blue.

The Christiansted Harbor Cam has been operational for 8 years, and viewed by more than 2 million people.  Come join us, if just vicariously, in sunny warm St Croix.  When you decide to visit, be sure and contact me for a free Relocation package, or How to Retire in St Croix package.  I'll help your dreams come true.

I've been saying for years - if you want a home with a sea view in St Croix, you'll have to pay at least half a million.  Well - thankfully - there are now a dozen or more homes on the market here with an Oceanview for under $500,000!   Click the link below to view my favorites.  They are all in established residential areas, dotted around the island - ranging from west, to south shore, to north shore, to east end - something for everyone!

My favorite is the charming, traditional cottage in Cotton Valley.  Great views and such a warm, homey place!  These homes are priced to sell and compete with condo properties!  So if you are in the market for a condo - have a look at these and consider owning your own home instead!  You could afford to put in a pool in a few years with the amount you'd be saving in monthly condo fees!!!

Asking $359,000, 2 bedrooms/2 baths, 0.52 acres.

Follow this link to see the page:

Click to view listing(s)  (Link only good until 12.5.09 so take a look now!)

Contact me for relocation information, rental ideas. neighborhood insight, and market statistics.  St Croix has the lowest prices in the Virgin Islands - don't miss this opportunity!

The third quarter of 2009 saw continued success for Crime Stoppers USVI, including an increased rate of tips, arrests and rewards, and the addition of a second law enforcement coordinator within the VI Police Department (VIPD).  They continue getting more positive outcomes than anybody would have predicted.

Here are the figures from their launch in January 2009 through September 30, 2009:

As you can see, there have been impressive increases for each quarter as Crime Stoppers gains traction in the community. The statistics directly reflect all of the efforts of Crime Stoppers USVI and their partners, and show how the community has jumped on board to provide tips, and to trust the program to maintain their anonymity. So far, many rewards have been unclaimed. Crime Stoppers believes a lot of the tipsters don't want the money; they just want to do their part to help reduce crime.

In the third quarter, in addition to the removal of 16 weapons from the streets, there were arrests for the following crimes: 1 Homicide, 4 Burglaries/Robberies, 1 Bail Violation, 8 Drug Offenses, 1 Harboring a Fugitive, 1 Person of Interest, and 4 Weapons Offenses.

As Crime Stoppers gains traction, the investigating officers have become more enthusiastic about the community's tips. In the early months of the program, it was sometimes difficult to get law enforcement to look at the tips, but now the officers are not only acting on them, they are asking for them. Recently, there have even been more tips than law enforcement can handle at times, but they remain committed to investigating each tip thoroughly.

Lieutenant Hannah of VIPD noted that there is a renewed sense of cooperation between VIPD and the community that probably would not have happened as quickly without Crime Stoppers, and further stated, "What has been accomplished in this short period is testimony to the drive of the volunteers, to the community, and to VIPD. Although there have been some bumps, Crime Stoppers is helping to clear the path to a safer, more viable community. Crime Stoppers will remain ever so important to law enforcement as a bridge between the community and policing. We at VIPD appreciate the service provided by Crime Stoppers USVI."

WHAT YOU CAN DO

SUBMIT TIPS:
By phone: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
By web: http://www.crimestoppersusvi.org/
By text message: Text "USVI" plus your message to CRIMES (274637)
All tips are completely anonymous. We don't ask your name, there is no caller ID, no voice recording, and our stateside operators will not recognize your voice.

DONATE: As the reward payments increase, so does our need for funding. Donations are currently our only source of funding, and donating is a quick and easy way to play a part in a program that is working. If you are not already a member or sponsor, please see http://www.crimestoppersusvi.org/supportus.aspx for instructions on how to donate by check or by credit card. Student memberships are $10 per year, individual memberships are $50 per year, business memberships start at $100 per year, and sponsorships start at $1000 per year, or you can donate as little or as much as you want. We also accept in-kind donations and sponsorships for things like advertising, printing, etc. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.

Crime on any Caribbean island is a concern to residents and visitors alike.  It's great to know this volunteer effort is having such a positive impact. 

The St Croix CZM (Coastal Zone Management Committee) has approved an application from William and Punch Partners to develop a $640 million marina and casino resort.  They plan to break ground next year.

The company owns almost 600 acres on St Croix's northwest shore, and will include condominiums, a boutique hotel, spa, restaurants, retail shops, a casino, timeshare units, a championship golf course and a 64-slip marina for the property.  They had to agree to "beach restoration" to get the approval, and the plans still must pass the US Corp of Engineers, obtain legislative approval to relocate a section of Emancipation Drive to accommodate the marina, and have the Legislature approve a submerged land lease for the marina.

The CZM permit was approved in January with 36 special conditions. In July, the developers asked the committee to modify three of the conditions - changing the specifications of the entrance channel and flushing channel that lead in and out of the marina and restoring the beach. The modifications for the channels were approved but the beach modification was not.  In August, the developers came back to the committee with some more data and environmental studies supporting their request and it was reconsidered at a St. Croix CZM Committee meeting Monday.

In the original CZM application, the developer asked to extend the beach 250 feet, but that request was denied. The new modification will allow William and Punch to extend the beach 46 feet seaward from the mean low tide line. Kevin Rames, VP of William and Punch, said the sand that will be used will come from the dredging channels leading to and from the marina.

The sand will cover the exposed rocks at the shoreline and continue into the water, gradually sloping down to the sea floor. Rames said adding the sand will restore the beach to the way it was prior to Hurricane Lenny in 1999.

Named Amalago Bay (from a common plant of the region as best I can tell, the Spanish-elder), the developers will tie the resort to an international brand.  The announcement of which hotel they will use is expected in a month.  A deal is almost finalized with a celebrity golfer who will design the resort's golf course.  They already have the reservation for a casino license from the Casino Control Commission. 

Here's a PodCast on the development.  Read local comments about the proposed development at Trip Advisor.

St Croix is building for the future and is still the best buy in the Caribbean.  Combine this news with the planned community on the other end of the island called the Clusters - read my blog about the Villages at Orangestaad - and...what are you waiting for?  Make your dream of living on an island in the blue Caribbean come true.  Contact me today!

(resource:  Virgin Islands Daily News, photo courtesy of Trip Advisor)

The commemorative quarter-dollar coin honoring the United States Virgin Islands was officially launched Friday, Oct. 9 by United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart and United States Virgin Islands Governor John P. deJongh Jr.

"The United States Virgin Islands commemorative quarter-dollar coin reflects a rich culture steeped in the outstanding natural beauty of the three islands," said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.

The United States Virgin Islands quarter was released into circulation on September 28.  The coin's reverse (tails side) design features an outline of the territory's three major islands.  The design also includes the Yellow Breast or Bananaquit, the official bird of the United States Virgin Islands; the Yellow Cedar or Yellow Elder, its official flower; and a Tyre Palm Tree.  Inscriptions on the coin's reverse are U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS and United in Pride and Hope.

The new VI Quarter isn't the only valuable commodity here - come check out our real estate!

Governor deJongh has announced an agreement with Fortune Brands that will keep Cruzan Rum on St. Croix and expand the brand and its importance in the portfolio of Fortune Brands, the largest U.S. spirits company and the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world.

This agreement is a comprehensive solution to the challenges Cruzan has faced, and it is a very good agreement for the Government and people of the Virgin Islands. It means that we will keep Cruzan in St. Croix for at least the next thirty years, which is something that I am especially proud to have accomplished for our Virgin Islands. 

The agreement will also provide Cruzan with the resources to promote their environmental sustainability, and it will provide Cruzan the ability to expand their distillery, and to grow new brands on St. Croix, including the Beam Global brand, Ronrico. 

This is a real partnership that benefits the company and the people of the Virgin Islands. This partnership is projected over the coming years to allow us to more than double the amount of cover-over revenue to be collected from the sale of Cruzan Rum from their modernized and environmentally compliant distillery in Estate Diamond on St. Croix. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands now, and long into the future, will be home to the #2 (Captain Morgan) rum sold in U.S. markets as well as the #4 (Cruzan) and the #5 (Ronrico) rum brands sold today. We will also be working with their owners to help them grow these brands for their benefit -- and for ours.

This is very positive news for the St Croix economy.  Contact me to discuss real estate opportunities, and search homes for sale on my web site.

Living in the US Virgin Islands

I received an email from a prospect who wanted information on how to choose one of the 3 Virgin Islands for investment and retirement.  Here's my (somewhat prejudiced) viewpoint. 

St John

If you like St John, you will really like St Croix. I had vacationed in St. John many many times before I'd ever even heard of St Croix, and loved it.  But, I could never afford it there.  Honestly, I really would not want to live there.  That said, it is truly one of the most beautiful places on this earth and is a great place to vacation. St John is much more expensive (real estate-wise) than St Thomas or St Croix. It's also less "livable" - not many grocery stores and certainly no large ones.  80% of the island is a national park.

St Thomas

St Thomas is much more crowded and the traffic can be really bad and very congested. I, personally, do not care for this island, and would not consider living there.  Yes, it it beautiful, as are all the Virgin Islands - but it is also very touristy.  St Thomas is the cruise ship capital of the world! The real estate prices are also higher than they are in St Croix.

St Croix

St Croix has about the same land mass as St Thomas, and many fewer people. St Croix has very diverse topography.  It is only 22 miles long and 7 miles wide, but there's desert and rainforest land, and agriculture and residential uses.  Cruise ships visit, but nowhere near the number that dock at St Thomas. The cruisers come to port in Frederiksted, which is currently what I consider a sleepy little town with great restaurants and bars and the best beaches on the island.  I'm sure that will change someday - and it will be bustling and busy - but now it's quaint and lovely, except when the cruise ships are here.

Crime

We do have crime, but it's no worse than anywhere else, and tends to be petty stuff.  Much of it is drug-related. It doesn't slow me down one bit - I feel very safe in my home and going out too.

Real Estate

The real estate prices on St Croix are very good, especially now.  It'sdefinitely a buyer's market.  There are a couple of gated communities on the island.  Judith's Fancy is my personal favorite.  It's very centrally located, nicely diverse, and has 24/7 security. Homes in this neighborhood range from $450,000 - millions.

Economy

I also believe that St Croix is poised for some major growth. A new distillery is currently being built, Home Depot will be breaking ground soon, a new resort/casino/marina has been approved - so there are many jobs coming and new developments on the horizon.  More cruise ships are scheduled, which creates more opportunities for vendors and shop owners throughout the island.

Jobs

If you show up on time and are reliable, you probably won't have any problems.  If you are in the building/ construction trades, you should be able to find work. I wouldn't count on getting rich here - the pay is not great - but boy oh boy are the benefits good!

Lifestyle

Enjoy the 365 days of sunshine and warm weather, gorgeous beaches, friendly people, lots of fun things to do (read my blog for this weekend), and many, many volunteer opportunities. We have all the advantages of being a US citizens in a US territory on an island that has a real "island culture" - laid back, friendly, relaxed. YA MON!! DIS IS GOOD!

Come on down to experience St Croix - a week is about minimum - and I'll be happy to give you a nice island tour! I have an ocean front condo that I rent out at a 20% discount for my customers - check it out at www.sunsetsuitevi.com.  Visit US VI gives a good overview of the 3 islands, and search St Croix properties for sale on my web site, to get an idea of prices.

Helping you live the dream,

The Villages at Orangestaad will be the first fully planned development on St. Croix.  Under construction currently is the Clusters, 222 solid concrete residential units, with choices of villas, townhomes, and condos with ocean views.

The Clusters is the first of four residential communities which will center around the future Ann Heegaard's Town Center, planned to include:

• Restaurants
• Mini markets
• Banks
• Shops
• Office
• Recreational Parks
• Beautiful plazas
• Underground parking spaces
• Apartments and lofts focused on the elderly, newlyweds, young couples and executives.

64 homes are now available, priced from $157,500 for a 2 bedroom/1 bath unit of approximately 788 SF, $199,500 for a 2/1.5 of 1,018 SF, $168,000 for a 3/1 of 968 SF, and $230,000 for a 3/2 of 1,192 SF.

Ground breaking is scheduled for October, 2009, with build-out in about 12 months.  This is new construction, so please contact me to sign up and reserve your spot.  Take a look at the short slideshow below for floor plans and aerial views of the project. 

Villages at Orangestaad is a very exciting concept for St Croix real estate.  Call or email me for more details about buying a home in the Clusters on St Croix.