Depends how far up the "hill" you are! I'd be more concerned with traffic issues (the roads are narrow in places) and the walk back up the hill. (heat issues) We are also going in July and staying in a villa for the first time,(many other visits though) so I hope the reality is as real as the pictures. Saint John a very safe place in my opinion, however the usual common sense rules apply. If you want a sense of what's going on on the island this message board is a great resource. You can also look at back issues of the local weekly paper Tradewinds (www.stjohntradewindsnews.com). The police report usually has some item that gives a sense of St. John. A recent favorite "man calls to report lost cell phone".

Thanks Wes! What Villa and company are you renting from?
Maria

I sent you a private e-mail. This is a friendly board and everything, but it's still the internet. The company I rented from was Catered To...I found them particularly helpful.

As Wes mentioned, it will all depend upon location. While the roads are narrow, etc. the 'traffic' in July is minimal and picks up as you enter Cruz Bay. We stayed in Reef Bay (southeast side of STJ) last summer and our kids went to Reef Bay all the time. Traffic is just not an issue there. That is true for most of that area and I would certainly say the same about Coral Bay (east side). The bigger issue will be the actual walk.
Just like kids, you'll probably find the beach or beaches they want to visit or spend most of their time at are not in your immediate area anyway. Nothing beats a 'road trip' on STJ and afterall, it is a family vacation.

Thanks Chris!