Living on St John USVI: Pros and Cons in 2026
Are you considering living on St John? As one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, living on St John is well-sought after and often dreamed of, but not often done. Before you move, there are many things to consider.
I know how you feel! After tons of research and talking to lots of friendly locals, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about living in St John US Virgin Islands, and whether it’s right for you!
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Living on St John USVI
Living in St John will be the adventure of a lifetime for you if you choose to move to this incredible island. Living on an island comes with seclusion, beautiful beaches, culture, history, and adventure.
But, it also comes with a downside. The cost of living on St John is significantly higher than in the states.
It’s also less developed and provides less job stability and healthcare. Let’s take a look at all the pros and cons of living in St John USVI before you make your final decision, and see if island life is right for you!
Pros of Living in St John
1. Live Life on Island Time
The only thing better than island life is island time! Islands move slower than the mainland. People aren’t in a rush to do much of anything and neither should you!
There’s no need to adjust to the island like immediately, you have all the time in the world. Sit back, feel the island breeze, and enjoy the new ride!
2. St John is an Untouched Paradise
Two-thirds of the island of St John is considered property of Virgin Islands National Park. So, much of the land is protected, uninhabited, and untouched, but you can still enjoy and explore it!
Also, many people don’t know about all the incredible things St John has to offer, so it’s relatively low in tourism, which gives the island plenty of room to grow and flourish
3. Enjoy Sunny Skies and Great Weather
There’s no doubt about it—one of the biggest pros of living on St John is the weather. With an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and very little rainfall, just about 45 inches each year, you can enjoy the outdoors all year round.
The rainiest months are June to November, which is also when hurricane season falls.
4. Proximity to Virgin Islands National Park
Another big pro of living in St John USVI is nearly two-thirds of the island is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring.
You can explore many of St John’s hiking trails, snorkel in pristine reefs, and soak up the sun to your heart’s content.
You’ll also be a short ferry ride away from St Thomas, where you’ll find even more hiking trails to explore.
5. Beautiful Beaches
Another big pro of living on St John, and my favorite part of the island, is its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and arguably some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.
Because most of the land in St John is protected under the Virgin Islands National Park, the beaches are also protected. This makes for clean, white-sand coastlines and spectacularly clear waters for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
Trunk Bay Beach, for example, is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean thanks to its clear water, gentle waves, and picturesque setting. Honeymoon Beach is another one of my favorite beaches on the island.
If you love the idea of beautiful beaches, living in the Cayman islands might also be worth checking out.
6. Full of Culture and History
Last but not least, St. John boasts a rich culture and history that is unique to itself. The island was first settled by the Arawak and Carib Indians before being colonized by the Danish in 1625. The Virgin Islands were sold to America in 1917 for $25 million.
There are numerous ancient ruins dotted around the island, as well as traditions dating back centuries ago. Some of the most popular things to do in St John involve hiking to these ancient ruins and old sugar mills.
7. Low Tourism Compared to Other Caribbean Islands
Compared to the more popular island of St Thomas, St John is known for being a relatively low-tourism island; perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
There are under 5,000 residents on St John, so you won’t run into much of anyone on this secluded island. Of course, this makes the potential for island fever to take over. If you need a break for the small island, just hop on the ferry to St Thomas.
Ferries are easy to catch; I’ve planned ahead and decided day of to go, and have never had a problem catching a ferry. There’s also a car ferry that connects the two islands. If you want to drive around St Thomas and explore, get some shopping done, or meet up with friends, it’s easy to bring your car.
8. St John is a Safe Island
St John is an extremely safe island, holding the lowest crime rate in the US Virgin Island’s territories. Many of the communities in St John are gated and secured.
Outside of petty theft, there isn’t much crime action on St John. As you would in any city, you should always be aware of your surroundings, lock all doors to your cars and houses, and avoid wandering around secluded areas alone at night.
I have never once felt unsafe in St John. Of course, I always take precautions, as I do anywhere. But overall, St John is one of the safest islands I’ve been to in the Caribbean – on par with Aruba.
9. St John is a US Territory
One of the pros of moving to St. John is that it is a US territory. This means that if you are a US citizen, you will not need to go through the process of applying for citizenship in order to live there.
Additionally, as a US territory, St. John enjoys many of the same benefits as other US states, such as access to voting, federal programs, and assistance.
It always falls under US Law, so if you want to enjoy continued US citizenship while island living, St John is for you.
If you’re looking to live in the Caribbean outside of US territory, consider living in Aruba.
10. US Currency
Being a territory of the US, St John using the dollar as their primary form of currency! This means no currency barrier, no exchange rates, and easy moving in terms of money.
St Thomas and St Croix, the other two US Virgin Island territories, also use the dollar. This means you have plenty of opportunities to explore your neighboring islands with ease.
Cons of Living on St John
11. Cost of Living in St John
Cost of living on St John can be quite high; housing costs are especially expensive due to the limited supply of available properties.
Everything on an island needs to be imported in, which immediately raises prices. You may not have access to some of your favorite household staples when you move to an island.
The cost of groceries, utilities, and other average necessities are higher on St John.
Building houses not only requires important materials but more aggressive materials because your house in St John needs to be able to withstand hurricane season!
12. Risk of Hurricanes
Speaking of hurricanes, hurricane season in the Virgin Islands runs from June 1 – November 30. One such downside is hurricane season: powerful storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike.
Although hurricanes don’t frequently hit the Virgin Islands, Hurricane Maria and Irma hit the USVI in 2017, and many places on the island, from homes to businesses to infrastructure, are still being rebuilt.
It’s important to keep in mind these risks before investing. If you’d feel safer living on an island outside of the hurricane belt, where the risk of hurricanes is actually lower, despite being in the Caribbean, check out the pros and cons of living in Aruba.
13. Island Fever
Living on an island can be slow and monotonous. Living in St John, though? That may be even worse! With a low tourist turnout and a population of 5,000, don’t move to St John if you’re not prepared to spend a lot of time alone with your own thoughts.
For some, this may seem like a dream. But for others, that could quickly turn into island fever. Make sure you’re prepared for little interaction if you decide living on St John is for you.
The good news? St Thomas is a 20-minute ferry ride away, and it’s full of restaurants, nightlife, a population of 50,000 new people, and packed with tourists throughout the year!
14. Fewer Employment Options
Additionally, there are fewer employment options in St. John than in some of the other US Virgin Islands; many people who live there work in tourism-related jobs or in positions with the US Federal Government. There is also a University in St Thomas.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t something for you! Just because there aren’t as many traditional positions available, you never know what island life might bring you.
15. There is Not a Traditional Hospital on St John
Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center is located on St John. When necessary, they will helicopter or ferry patients to St Thomas, where the main hospital is.
If you’re a high-risk medical patient or concerned about needing a hospital, living on St Thomas nearer to the hospital might be a better choice for you.
16. Underdeveloped Infrastructure in St John
A potential con of living on St John is that there is a lack of updated infrastructure. The roads are narrow, and some are damaged, still not being completely fixed from the 2017 hurricanes. There may be potholes and bumps along the way and unpaved roads in more seceded areas.
You’ll probably want to consider a 4-wheel drive or larger vehicle to make it around these bumps, holes, and steep hills easier.
17. Lack of Public Transportation
Going along with the undeveloped infrastructure, public transportation is not widely used or convenient if you’re looking to use it in lieu of a car.
The VITRAN is the Virgin Islands’ public bus system. It’s affordable, but doesn’t run frequently, or go everywhere you may need to get on the island. Sometimes, it’s great! Others, you’re better off having your own car and taking taxis when you need to.
18. There is No Airport in St John
In addition to the lower levels of infrastructure and lack of transportation in St John, there is no airport to fly into in St John. The closest airport to St John is Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
From STT, you’ll take a short ferry ride to St John. This can make a bit more work when you’re trying to leave the islands and more difficult for guests to visit.
Neighborhoods in St John
Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay is located on the west side of the island. If you want to be close to the action, you’ll want to stay in Cruz Bay. This will be the most heavily trafficked tourist area and is where the island’s main downtown is located.
You’ll find beautiful beaches, dining, and beach bars around Cruz Bay.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is on the opposite side of the island, and the opposite sort of town! This small town is home to locals and tourists alike who live on “island time”. It’s much quieter on this side of town than in Cruz Bay.
You also may know Coral Bay as home to some friendly off-road donkeys. Many locals and travelers live in their boat houses in Coral Bay Harbor.
Trunk Bay and Peter Bay
Trunk Bay is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island for awesome water adventures like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.
There are very few restaurants and accommodations in this area, but many villas, gated communities, and vacation homes. Because it’s not near the attractions and lively town of Cruz Bay, you will find this area of the island to be extremely quiet and secluded, making it attractive to locals wanting away from the hustle and bustle.
Caneel Bay
Caneel Bay is a secluded bay located on the north coast of St John. There are just a few small hotels and vacation rentals here. The beaches here are absolutely stunning, and there’s plenty of opportunity for snorkeling and swimming.
Honeymoon Beach is located in Caneel Bay. This is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Where Do the Locals Live on St John?
Most of the population is in the lively town of Cruz Bay, and others are in Coral Bay.
If you aren’t looking to be in the cities, Chocolate Hole and Peter Bay are both good options. You might find lower price points in Chocolate Hole, whereas Peter Bay holds more luxury villas and homes.
Reasons to Move to St John USVI
If you love adventure and seclusion while living on island time, you should definitely consider moving to St John USVI! With its proximity to the Virgin Islands National Park and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, there is much to do and explore.
The people on the island are also very friendly, and you likely already have something in common with them – you all want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the island breeze, living on your own time.
A few additional reasons we went over earlier:
- Live Life on Island Time
- St John is an Untouched Paradise
- Enjoy Sunny Skies and Great Weather
- Proximity to Virgin Islands National Park
- Beautiful Beaches
- Full of Culture and History
- Low Tourism Compared to Other Caribbean Islands
- St John is a Safe Island
- St John is a US Territory
- US Currency
Nothing comes without a negative side though! From the high cost of living to potential hurricane damage, there are also a few reasons to not move to St John
- High Cost of Living
- Risk of Hurricanes
- Island Fever
- Fewer Employment Options
- There is Not a Traditional Hospital on St John
- Underdeveloped Infrastructure
- Lack of Public Transportation
How to Prepare to Move to St John
If you’re thinking of making the move to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, there are a few things you’ll need to do in order to prepare. you’ll need to choose a method of shipping your belongings to the island. You can either ship them by boat or by plane, but keep in mind that boat shipping is often more expensive.
Next, you’ll need to purchase a car – unless you plan on using public transportation, which is available but extremely limited on the island. This can help make getting around the island much easier, especially if you plan on doing any exploring outside of the main town area.
Finally, you’ll need to find a place to live – whether that’s renting an apartment or buying a house. No matter what your plans are, with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to enjoy all that St. John has to offer.
Moving to St John with Pets
Considering moving to St John USVI with your furry friends? Flying to USVI with pets is the same as it is within states. Keep a vet-signed vaccination record on hand. If they have the proper paperwork, they can fly in the cabin with you. If not, they’ll have to fly in the undercarriage.
If that’s not for you, there are companies that will ship your pets safely to their new home!
How to Get Around St John
Getting around the Virgin Islands is fairly straightforward. At the end of the day, you’ll need a car to access the ins and outs of your new island. The VITRAN system and taxis are options, but you probably don’t want to rely on them.
Living in St Thomas Pros and Cons
Living in St Thomas, the main US Virgin Island territory, is home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie also has its pros and cons. St. Thomas is much larger and busier than St John.
If you prefer an island with nightlife, easier access to the airport, busier tourist season, a larger population, and more things to do, consider living in St Thomas (pros and cons).
Living on St John FAQ
Can US citizens live in St. John?
US citizens can live in St. John USVI! Because it’s a US territory, you won’t need to worry about passports and visas. This can make the moving process much less stressful!
Is it better to live in St. Thomas or St. John?
If you prefer seclusion, beaches, and a low year-round population, you’ll prefer living in St. John. If you want more shopping, bars, and tourists to keep the island alive, you’ll want to live in St. Thomas.
What is the cheapest US Virgin Island to live on?
Living in St Thomas will be much cheaper than living in St John or St Croix. You’ll have access to better infrastructure, direct flights from the mainland, and a larger population.
Which US Virgin Island is the most affordable?
St Thomas is the most affordable US Virgin Island. They offer shops, accommodations, restaurants, and activities for any budget!
What is the best US Virgin Island to live on?
This comes down to preference! If you want to live with nature, St John will be the best US Virgin Island for you. But, if you want access to cities and more activities, St Thomas or St Croix will be better options.
Living on St John Pros and Cons Summary
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of living on St John, hopefully, this post has helped tip the scales in favor of making the move.
Yes, there are some challenges that come with island life – but what you gain in return is worth it. With stunning natural beauty, a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle, and an easy-going culture, St John is hard to beat as a place to call home. Are you ready to start packing?
