St. John - Virgin Islands

[kwaltersmi]

I've been offered a very stable job in St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands) with great benefits. However, real estate and rentals are terribly pricey there. Does anyone know if it's feasible to liveaboard a sailboat in St. John longterm?

There are many obstacles to overcome before I make a decision. For instance, how would the islands be for my 2 young children & wife? What's the St. John culture like? Is it safe? Luckily, I've got until January '07 to make a final decision.

Does anyone have postive/negative experiences sailing & cruising in the Virigins?

Any info., advice, etc. you can provide will be much appreciated! Thanks!

FYI - I posted this in the "Living Aboard" forum, but only got one response (thanks Camaraderie!)

[btrayfors]

Of the three main US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix), St. John is the best one for a young family, IMHO.

It has a smaller community, is drop-dead gorgeous, has less crime in general, and is relatively easy to access via ferry from Red Hook.

Liveaboards tend to stay either at the East End in Coral Bay or a few in Cruz Bay. It's been a few years since I've been there (after having cruised there for over 30 years), so things may have changed and it would be good to hear from those with current experience.

The kids will love the beaches.

Suggest you find a way to visit there and check it out before making a final decision, though.

Bill