About St Croix

About St. Croix
Imagine snorkeling in pristine bays of turquoise waters, relaxing on white sand beaches with the sound of palm fronds rustling overhead. Welcome to life on St. Croix! Just 82 square miles, St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, lying forty miles south of her sister islands of St. Thomas and St. John in the western Caribbean. St. Croix is located 1100 miles southeast of Miami and 1650 miles southeast of New York. Many flights arrive conveniently through Puerto Rico, our American neighbor just 90 miles to the west. The Virgin Islands are in the Atlantic Standard time zone which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard time, but only for the winter months. The Virgin Islands do not participate in daylight savings.

St. Croix is home to approximately 55,000 residents representing a vast array of cultural backgrounds. St. Croix has been blending backgrounds since olden times from the native Caribs who greeted Columbus, to African slaves under Danish rule, to today’s tourists greeted with a local smile.

Weather
Living up to its name as America’s Paradise, St. Croix’s weather is enviable no matter where you’re coming from. Tropical trade winds keep the island cool year-round with average temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 82 degrees in the summer. The average rainfall is 40 inches per year, with moderate 70-80% humidity year-round.

History
Man first inhabited St. Croix around 2500 B.C. Artifacts show that a pre-ceramic tribe was living on the island around 2050 B.C. Other than the pre-ceramic tribe, there have been three other pottery-making tribes who inhabited the island, the Igneri from approximately 50 to A.D. 650; the Tainos or Arawak from A.D. 650 to A.D.1425 and the Caribs from A.D.1425 to the late 16th century.

Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to visit the area and arrived in St. Croix November 14, 1493, his first stop on his second voyage to the New World. He sent a crew ashore in search of fresh water and a skirmish ensued as a canoe of Caribs came out to meet the newcomers. There were deaths on both sides, though no one knows for sure what really happened. Columbus claimed the island for Spain, calling it Santa Cruz or “Holy Cross.” (The French would later name the island St. Croix.) Continuing north, awed by the number of green hills rising out of the water,Columbus named the entire group of islands the Virgin Islands in honor of St. Ursula and her 11,000 martyred virgins.

The Spanish didn’t concern themselves right away with the settlement of the Lesser Antilles, concentrating more on the larger islands to the west. However, the two centuries that followed were full of battles between the English, Dutch, and French admirals, pirates and privateers all attracted by rumor of Spanish treasure and later by the region’s highly profitable exports.

Seven flags have flown over St. Croix: those of Spain, England, Holland, France, the Knights of Malta, Denmark, and finally, the United States. The influence of the long Danish rule in St. Croix is very evident on the island including the forts in both Christiansted and Frederiksted, and the elegant and sturdy architectural styles. St. Croix enjoyed a time of prosperity under the Danes in the 18th century as a result of the successful exporting of sugar, molasses, rum, and cotton.

In the early 19th century, the prosperity of the island was battered. Slave trade was ended in 1803 by Denmark, and in 1848, then Governor General Peter von Scholten made a proclamation that freed all slaves on St. Croix. In 1878, violent riots erupted that led to the burning and destruction of homes and plantations due to the oppressive labor laws. “The Golden Age of Sugar” ended for St. Croix and thus ended prosperity and glory.

Concerned about protecting the Panama Canal in World War I, the U.S. bought St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas from Denmark on March 31, 1917 for $25 million in gold. Eventually granted territorial status, the Virgin Islands saw a shift in the economic focus as tourists began discovering the islands in the 1950s. Today, St. Croix enjoys economic standings in tourism, agriculture, oil and rum.

Religion
St. Croix has been called the Land of Churches for both the number and variation of places of worship that dot our landscape. It has been estimated that over 150 congregations meet for worship on St. Croix.
Major religious influences arrived with each boatload of settlers. The first to come were the Moravians whose handsome yellow church still watches the entrance to Christiansted from its small hilltop. The English brought their Anglican (Episcopalian) churches built in beautiful Gothic style: St. John’s in Christiansted and St. Paul’s in Frederiksted. Holy Cross in Christiansted is the Virgin Islands’ oldest Catholic Church; also significant are St. Ann’s mid-island and St. Patrick’s in Frederiksted. The Danes brought the Lutheran church which also has a congregation in each town. These are just a few of the many churches on St. Croix , but many more faiths are represented from Seventh Day Adventist to Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, and many more.

Other faiths abound. We have a Jewish reformed synagogue, a Hindu temple, and a Moslem mosque. A complete listing is published by Interfaith Coalition or call (340) 778-2880 for more information. .

Schools
St. Croix offers a wide variety of schools, both public and private, for all age children, from nursery care to The University of the Virgin Islands. For a complete list of all of the local schools, please contact the Virgin Islands Government Education Department, at (340) 773-1095. For your convenience, below is a list of private schools including contact information:

• AZ Academy. Phone: (340) 773-7909 azvi.org
• Church of God Academy: Phone: (340) 775-1252
• Country Day School: Phone: (340) 778-1974 stxcountryday.com
• Glynn Christian Academy: Phone: (340) 778-1932
• Good Hope School: Phone: (340) 772-0022 ghsvi.org
• Kingshill School: Phone: (340) 778-6564
• The Manor School: Phone: (340) 718- 1448 manorschoolstx.com
• Randolph Lockhart Christian School: Phone (340) 719-2000 lockhartchristian.com
• Rattan Montessori School: Phone: (340) 773-8600 rattanmontessori.com
• St. Croix Montessori School: Phone: (340) 692-2859 stxmontessori.org
• St. Joseph High School: Phone: (340) 692-2455 sjhs.cybermeme.net
• St. Mary’s Catholic School: Phone: (340) 773-0117 hcccstx.org
• St. Patrick’s School: Phone: (340) 772-5052
• School of the Good Shepherd: Phone: (340) 772-2280
• Seventh Day Adventist School: Phone: (340) 773-6350 adventistyearbook.org
• St. Croix Christian Academy: Phone: (340) 718-4974
• West Indies Heritage Institute, Inc.: Phone: (340) 773-7221

Internet Access
Several companies provide Internet service on St. Croix. DSL service is available in most areas around the island at a cost of approximately $50-$200 per month. Satellite internet access is also available, but comes with a slightly higher price tag that includes purchase and installation of the equipment.

A list of internet providers is below. Please call to find out if DSL service is available in your area.

• Choice Communications (340) 778-8864 choicevi.com
• BroadbandVI (340) 719-2943 broadbandvi.com
• Innovative Powernet (340) 714-3700 vipowernet.net
• Pennswoods.net (340) 774-2000/ 1-877-716-2002 pennswood.net

Tax Incentives
The Economic Development Commission (EDC), or Economic Development Authority (EDA), is a branch of the government that seeks to foster economic growth within the United States Virgin Islands. The EDC offers tax incentives to qualifying U.S. corporations that move or open businesses in the U.S.V.I. The federal and territorial governments created this incentive to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
The tax incentives include substantial reductions in, or exemptions from many of the taxes imposed on U.S. businesses. For example, businesses can receive up to a 90% exemption on corporate income taxes, and up to 100% exemption on property taxes, gross receipts taxes, and excise taxes for building materials for up to 15 years. Qualifying businesses must in manufacturing, goods producing, product assembly, or a service business that provide a certain service to customers outside the Virgin Islands, For more information regarding the EDC, please call (340) 774-8104, or toll free, 1-877-432-8784, or visit their website at www.usvieda.org.

Real Estate on St. Croix
How you view our prices will depend on where you currently live.  Most feel that gorgeous beachfront estates are well below the market compared to any stateside equivalent...nothing is really equivalent to us in that we are surrounded by crystal clear blue water which is swimmable all year round.   It is best to use the knowledge of our real estate professionals at Coldwell Banker Land-de Wilde Realty when purchasing property on the big island. We know property values and can help you locate financing, builders and other necessary island professionals.

Homes sizes are 1500 square feet to 6,000 square feet and some include a rental apartment or cottage.  Often people have asked after looking at the home square footage on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) why our homes seem a bit smaller than in the states.  We mostly describe homes in interior square footage.  However, we live outside year round and most of our homes have ample covered galleries and additional alfresco living space.  Home prices start under $200,000 and can go to several million dollars.  If you are looking for a home that you will rent to other vacationers when you're not here, plan to spend $700,000 and more. 

Many who plan to be on island infrequently often choose to purchase a condo. This allows the tax advantage of property ownership with the reduction of responsibilities. Condominium prices range from under $100,000 to over $1 million.  Monthly condo fees range from $500 to over $1,000 due to the cost of windstorm insurance,full-time property managers and the type and number of amenities offered by the condominium complex.

Homesites range from a quarter acre to a couple of acres; most are between a half and a full acre. There are numerous factors to consider when buying a lot. Orientation to the tropical tradewinds, grade, salt spray, road access and availability of utility connections and, of course, location and view will affect the desirability, cost and the type of home you can build. Lots range from under $25,000 to over $500,000 for waterfront homesites. Construction costs per square foot start at about $200 and go up from there depending on your site, finishings and amenities.

There are more than fifteen commercial centers with office and commercial space on St. Croix. These spaces range from historical landmark buildings in downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted, to more modern and commercial sites. Typically, office space rents for $10-$20 per square foot annually, while retail space rents for $10-$50 a square foot annually.

The St. Croix Industrial Park, developed by the Virgin Island government and the public Industrial Park Corporation also have rental space available at rates starting at $2.50 per square foot and reserved for companies qualifying for benefits granted by the EDC www.usvieda.com. Prices for bare land in appropriate commercial areas start at about $60,000 and go up from there depending on acreage.

Real-Estate FAQ

 

Activities
St. Croix offers the sportsman and nature lover a wide range of activities that will please all ages. The St. Croix Environmental Association, (SEA) offers frequent organized activities including guided nature walks, leatherback turtle nesting tours, bird watching excursions and much more. Contact SEA at (340) 773-1989.

Below is a list of several of the companies that offer outdoor recreational activities on the island:

Sailing
Scuba Diving
Sport Fishing
Parasailing
Kayaking
Horseback Riding
Tennis
Golf
Hiking
Camp Sites

Day Sailing and Buck Island Tours
Go day sailing or explore the snorkel trail in the underwater gardens at Buck Island National Park. There are several charter boats departing Christiansted Harbor and Green Cay Marina daily:

Big Beard’s Adventure Tours: (340) 773-4482 bigbeards.com
Bilinda Charters: (340) 773-1641 sailbilinda.com
Captain Heinz’ Teroro & Dragonfly: (340)773-3161 captainheinz.com
Jolly Roger: (340)513-2508 jollyrogervi.com
Caribbean Sea Adventures: (340)773-2628 caribbeanseadventures.com
Ed Hamilton Yacht Charters: (800)621-7855 Ed-Hamilton.com
Jones Maritime Charters: (340)773.4709 jonesmaritime.com
Shabeen (340) 773-5807

Scuba Diving
Scuba divers travel from all over the world to experience the world class diving on St. Croix. Colorful tropical fish, eels, and lobster live in the reefs that surround the island, and just off St. Croix’s north shore is a sudden drop off known as “the wall” where larger fish and rays can be found. Dive shops offer dive packages, dive trips, certification packages, and scuba equipment rental.

Anchor Dive Center: (340) 778-1522 anchordivestcroix.com
Cane Bay Dive Shop: (340) 773-9913 canebayscuba.com
Dive Experience: (340) 773-3307 diveexp.com
Octavia’s Garden: (340) 773-1902 octavia
S.C.U.B.A.: (340) 773-5994 stcroixscuba.com
N2theBlue(SCUBA Shack):(340) 772-3483 n2theblue.com
Scuba West: (340) 772-3701 divescubawest.com
Score V.I. Divers: (340) 773-6045

Sport Fishing
Sport fishing is another popular activity on St. Croix. You can charter a fishing boat for either a full or half day fishing trip.

Fish with Carl: (340)277-4042 fishwithcarl.com
Captain Pete’s Louie G. (340) 773-1123
Catch-22 with captain Bunny (340) 778-6987
Lisa Ann Charters (340) 773-3712

Parasailing
St. Croix Water Sports: (340) 773-7060 stcroixwatersports.com
St. Croix Jet Ski Rentals and Tours: (340)778-7541 jetskirental.com
Cruzan Water Sports: (340)277-8295 cruzanwatersports.com
Cruzan Breeze Parasailing: (340)642-0723 stcroixparasailing.com

Kayaking
If you prefer to paddle around the beautiful waters and explore tranquil bays, several Kayak companies offer kayak tours, sales, and rentals.

Caribbean Adventure tours: (340) 778-1522 stcroixkayak.com
Chenay Bay Beach Resort: (340) 773-2918 chenaybay.com
St. Croix Water Sports: (340) 773-7060 stcroixwatersports.com
Virgin Kayak Co.: (340) 778-0071 virginkayaktours.com

Horseback Riding
Ride a horse along the scenic trails of the island.

Paul and Jill’s Equestrian Stables (340) 772-2880 paulandjills.com
Equus Rides: (340) 778-0933 equus.com

Tennis
Tennis is one of the favorite recreational sports on the island. Several hotels and condominiums have courts available to residents and visitors for a small hourly fee.

Buccaneer Hotel Tennis Club--340-773-3036 thebuccaneer.com
Tennis pro Don de Wilde is available for lessons. Membership to private club also available.
Chenay Bay Beach Resort: (340) 773-2918 chenaybay.com
Canegata Ball Park -public courts
Tamarind Reef Hotel: (340) 773-4455 tamarindreefhotel.com
The Reef: (340) 773-8844

Golf
Enjoy a round of golf on one of the three courses on St. Croix

The Buccaneer Hotel (340) 712-2100 thebuccaneer.com
Carambola Golf Club (340) 778-5638 golfcarambola.com
The Reef (340) 773-8844

Hiking
St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) offers guided tours around the island.

Call SEA for information (340) 773-1989 stxenvironmental.com
Ay-Ay Eco Hike and Tours: (340) 772-4079 Review

Camp Sites
Camping can be great fun for the whole family. Experience life close to nature in the beautiful Caribbean Islands.

Mount Victory Camp: (340) 772-1651 mtvictorycamp.com

In addition to the activities mentioned above, St. Croix offers beautiful white beaches and crystal clear water. Whether you prefer to relax on the beach with a good book or swim in the water with the colorful tropical fish, St. Croix is the place to be. In addition to beautiful beaches, St. Croix offers great shopping in both Christiansted and Frederiksted, and world class restaurants to fit every taste and budget.

 

Real Estate FAQ

Completing a Real Estate Transaction in the Virgin Islands
Although many people moving to the Virgin Islands have purchased or sold properties in other areas, real estate transactions in the United States Virgin Islands can seem different if you are not familiar with the process.

Below we have listed several items that take place during the transaction that may be a bit different from what you have experienced in the past. We hope that you find this helpful, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Who Pays for What?

While most everything in a real estate transaction is negotiable, here is a list of the fees associated with a real estate transaction and which party typically pays for each item.

Attorneys
Close all real estate transactions, and both parties have lawyers
Attorney fees to prepare closing documents including deed, tax clearance letter, and title review-Each side pays for his own attorney’s fees.

Sales Commissions
Usually the seller pays all real estate sales commissions.

Earnest money deposits
Unlike in the United States where earnest money deposits may only be a few hundred dollars, in the Virgin Islands the typical earnest money deposit for property is approximately 10% of the purchase price and is credited to the purchase price at closing.

Title search
The buyer will pay for a title search-- approximate cost is $125.

Owner’s title policy
The buyer pays for the title policy.

Recording fees
The buyer will traditionally pay for all recording fees.

Property survey
The title company will require a survey, and typically the buyer pays for the property survey.

Home inspections
In the Virgin Islands, inspections do not come with home warranties. Home inspections are not required but recommended for home purchases. The buyer pays for the home inspection.

Transfer tax
This is a tax placed on the contract price of the property and is traditionally paid by the seller.
The transfer tax is as follows:
2% for property valued up to $350,000
2.5% for property valued from $350,001 to $1,000,000
3% for property valued from $1,000,001 to $5,000,000
3.5% for property valued over $5,000,001