Good Evening,

I am not sure if this should be on the relocation forum or not but I have attempted and failed to register on that forum using this and other similar screen names and emails. A little back ground: I live in Ohio and have boat on lake Erie near the Lake Erie Islands. (Google Put-in-Bay which is on South Bass Island.) There is a chain of several Islands. I have been island hopping for the last 15 years or so. Very beautiful, well at least for three or four months out of the year.

Many of us boaters, island residents and business owners, and entertainers travel each year to Key West for the annual Put-in-Bay Musicfest at Sloppy Joe's in February. Great times and you get to see folks you haven't seen all winter. The last few years I have looked into moving to KW or somewhere in the Keys when I am able to leave my current job in about 5 years. I plan on working when relocating at least part time.

I have never been one to put all of my eggs in one basket and so the last couple of years I have also looked into relocating to US VI. I was there once on a cruise for just enough of a taste to want more. As you may have read my previous post, I have taken another step in my exploration and booked a week in June. Accumulated time off at my job may allow me to take the month of February off in the coming years. Possibly the last three or four years.

Through researching and reading this board I have determined STT or STJ to be Islands that best suit me. StJ probably more but leaning toward STT because it seems to be a hub to visiting the other islands including BVI. I am hoping Ferry service to STX returns soon.

My request to those who feel like participating would be give me your opinions when comparing living in US VI compared to Key West or anywhere along the Keys. I most likely would want to head back to Lake Erie for 1 to 3 months in the summer. Probably 2 at the most so I could keep the same rental by just paying for the two months of not staying there.

A couple of differences that strike me immediately is the cost of housing. Though everyone says it is high in both places, I feel as though I can find a much better monthly rental on STT as opposed to the Keys and especially Key West. I like the idea of not having to have a car and you can get by in KW with just a scooter and walking. I've learned that is not a real option on STT so island car it would be.

The other question I have not seen addressed is Hurricane protocol. In the Keys I think I would drive north as early as I could if it was being predicted as a bad storm. What does everyone in the US VI do? Just Hunker down? I'll leave any other comparisons up to those who chose to offer opinions. I do not want this to become one place bashing the other because every place has something for everyone. I am just trying to decide what would be best for me and how I could contribute to the community I chose.

Thank you in advance.