If you are new to the island, there are a few things you should know before you start your search for that perfect rental.
Even though St. Thomas is a relatively small island, only 13 miles long by about 4 miles wide, there are very distinct areas to live. I won’t cover each neighborhood in this article. Instead, I will highlight some of the more sought after locations. The East End, home to Red Hook, the Ritz and many condominium communities, is popular among sailors and those who commute to St. John. The Northside, which is generally quieter & cooler, is great for those who love nature. And Frenchman Bay, which finds many of its residents working downtown and at the Marriott. The first step is deciding where you would like to live. I always encourage people to visit first and to never rent sight-unseen.
Another thing to consider is transportation. Will you have a vehicle or do you need to be on the safari route? If you have a car, is it a 4×4? Some great rentals feature bumpy, dirt roads that some smaller cars would not enjoy. I don’t think a 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary on St. Thomas, but without one, you can be limited on where you can go. Our household has a Jeep Wrangler 4×4 and a sedan and I pick what to drive based on my day.
What’s your budget? Are you ready to put down funds equal to 3 month’s rent? It’s not uncommon for landlords to require first and last month’s rent and a security deposit at move-in. This is something that can be negotiated, but be prepared to pay if it’s your perfect rental. Most apartments start around $1,000 per month, but there are some you can find for less. The saying, “you get what you pay for” really applies when it comes to rentals on St. Thomas. I have seen some amazing deals, but they generally go fast!
You will also want to let your Realtor know if you have any pets, if you have a job, and when you plan on arriving if you aren’t already on island. Ready? Call Nick Wassum at Sea Glass Management to help you find your new home!
Nick Wassum, 340-690-0883
www.seaglassmanagement.com