You drive on the left
The USVI is the only U.S. jurisdiction where traffic keeps left — usually in left-hand-drive cars. Take it slow on steep, winding roads.
Guide
Photo: Fred Hsu, CC BY-SA 3.0 · credits
Island living for educators
Three islands, one territory. Compare lifestyles, check the weather live and build a realistic monthly budget before you commit.
Compare
Choose your island
Tip: link directly to an island with #st-thomas, #st-croix or #st-john.
St. Thomas
The busy heart of the territory. Home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie, the main cruise port, the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands and the largest cluster of public schools in the St. Thomas–St. John district.
32sq mi
~42kresidents (2020)
STTairport code
Best for: educators who want city energy, shopping, nightlife and quick flights to the mainland.
80s°F
Typical tropical conditionsLocal time: AST
St. Croix
The largest island and the most rural: rolling hills, historic Danish towns in Christiansted and Frederiksted, farms, rainforest and a slower pace. St. Croix is its own school district with high schools, K–8 schools and a technical high school.
84sq mi
~41kresidents (2020)
STXairport code
Best for: teachers who want more space, a strong local community and generally lower rents.
80s°F
Typical tropical conditionsLocal time: AST
St. John
Around two-thirds of St. John is Virgin Islands National Park. Village life centres on Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, with a small public school population served within the St. Thomas–St. John district.
20sq mi
~3.9kresidents (2020)
Ferryfrom St. Thomas
Best for: nature lovers comfortable with small-community living and higher housing costs.
80s°F
Typical tropical conditionsLocal time: AST
Everyday life
Things nobody tells you before you move
“Island time” is real
The territory uses Atlantic Standard Time all year (no daylight saving). Paperwork, deliveries and repairs can take longer — build in buffer time.
Power & water matter
Electricity is expensive and many homes rely on cisterns for water. Ask landlords about average bills, generators and cistern condition.
Easy to reach home
Direct flights connect St. Thomas and St. Croix with several mainland U.S. hubs. No customs for arrivals from the mainland — but you clear U.S. customs when flying back.
Community is everything
Say “good morning” and “good afternoon” — greetings matter here. Carnival, Crucian Christmas Festival, church and sports events are how you meet people.
Plan for hurricane season
June 1 to November 30. Renter's insurance, a go-kit and a plan are part of island life. Read our guide.
Interactive tool
Monthly cost-of-living calculator
Drag the sliders to match your lifestyle. Rent and groceries adjust automatically for the island you choose. Figures are illustrative starting points — always check current listings.
Want a personal relocation plan?
Our Relocation & Island Onboarding package covers budget, neighborhoods, shipping, pets and your first 30 days.