Boomer Retirement Abroad - Why I decided not to relocate to the Caribbean

After visiting 8 of the most beautiful islands in the southern Caribbean, I thought I'd look into the possibility of spending some extended time there, after I retire. I wasn't going to set a time limit as to how long I would stay. I would stay until I decided it was time to move on. I added the islands to the list with the intent of researching them just as I would the other possibilities.

I decided to start my search with the USVI (St Thomas, St John and St Croix) because I had been to St Thomas and because living there would mean that we would retain our U.S citizenship, could collect social security, use medicare and a whole host of other privileges which we would be entitled to. An additional big plus -- these islands are English speaking.

I then set out on my search.

First I looked online for information, but the islands were not listed as top recommendations, so I decided to do my own research. Next I joined a forum sponsored by one of the world's largest travel guide publishers and posted my first question about retirement possibilities in the USVI.  Since we had only spent a day on St Thomas, we wanted to plan a return visit/vacation to the islands to spend a couple of weeks (several days on each of the 3 islands). We hoped to get a better feel for which one we liked best to determine whether we wanted to come back for longer stays in the future.

What I found out after an exchange of more than 60 lively posts (combined with other online info) was that the cost of living on the islands is between 25% - 35% MORE expensive (to maintain the same stye of living as I currently enjoy in the states) based on figures I shared regarding costs in the SF Bay Area. Poverty is wide spread on the islands with islanders working 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet.

The USVI and most of the other Caribbean Islands have some of the highest electricity rates in the world (not good for a city girl who wants to stay cool in the year round island heat). I found the weather to be quite hot and humid when we were there.

Island roads are not the best. On St Thomas the roads are steep and the traffic moves slowly. Also, there are no open container laws (just imagine, steep, winding, bumpy roads with no shoulder...and alcohol? Hmmm)  Drivers really utilize their horns - a lot! (it's a form of communication over there and I can personally attest to the horn blowing). Most all the cars have dings in them and the salt water wreaks havoc with the paint (not a place where I want to ship my car -- shipping costs about $1,500). The tropics rust everything with the sand, salt and breeze. Appliances and mechanic devices are always breaking down and in constant need of repair.  Power outages are the norm.

Lily - one half of the Urbandoggs (Lola was camera shy for this photo session)

A word of caution to pet owners - There are problems associated with bringing your dogs/pets to the islands. Some diseases I read about included Heartworm which is a frequent problem for pets; it is suggested to have your pet on preventative medication the entire year (and begin medication a year prior to your departure) You will need to treat monthly for ticks and fleas. Erlichiosis or “tick fever” is transmitted by these pests and can be deadly if left untreated. Also there have been reports of pet poisonings, by people who have found dogs on their property and some by people who just don't like dogs. Typically locals are afraid of dogs! So beware.

Water is very expensive and can run about $200/mo. Although commercial water is available, cisterns are still widely used. It costs $25 to purchase a 5 gallon plastic container to collect the water.  Electricity can run about $800/mo. Food prices are astronomical. Most items cost twice what they cost in the states with milk priced at about $7.99/gal. I read that there is a $15/mo charge for a mailbox. And, once outside the tourist area there is no such thing as 'customer service'.

And last but not least, the local inhabitants (called Islanders) are slow to warm up to outsiders.  This is partly due to the transitory nature of newcomers. Folks from the U.S mainland are called Continentals. Since I am black, I thought it would be interesting to live on an island where the majority population is black. As, it turns out, being black would get me no where in the Virgin Islands! Although racial issues are not common, nationalistic issues are. Virgin Islanders stick together. Caribbean people in general do the same. I would still be an outsider. It was never my intention to go to an English speaking country and have my circle of friends consist only of Americans.

There was much more, but I had collected enough information to know it was time to nix this option. No need for any further research.

Why is the cost of living so high? Because EVERYTHING has to be imported!

There's an old saying that goes something like this: 

Q - How do you leave the Caribbean with $1 million? 

A - Start out with $3 million!

The Virgin Islands are beautiful. From what I saw of St Thomas, it's a great place to visit. As far as a place for long term residency on a fixed income, it's not for me and probably not for the budget conscious. 

Do your homework BEFORE you decide to make a move. That advice goes for any place you decide to go.

I'm Just Sayin