This is the travel forum ---- the moving forum will give you a much better chance to search the many questions you have - and plenty of other info. www.vimovingcenter.com

b_terry wrote:
Hey Everyone...
I'm coming to the VI in June to get engaged. I plan on being there for 21 days and then going back home for surgery. Following my surgery recovery time the plan is to back to the VI permanently. I'm a disabled veteran..the disabilities should be resolved with the weather there and an aggressive surgery schedule. Nothing I cant handle. (WE NOW). I am really into volunteer work, I have three degree's in business, own a construction company now, I do Business Development for friends and non-profit companies, I lived in Hawaii for 15 years and know Island Life... I had some questions.
1. 40 AND THIRTY YEAR OLD COUPLE - WE LOVE EVERYTHING. island LIFE IS CHEAPER IF YOU LIVE THERE - WHAT DO YOU GUYS RECOMMEND?
2. i LIKE TO START UP BUSINESS'..... FOR YOU THAT LIVE THERE; Whats missing?
3. Like Hawaii VI tourism is Huge...Hawaii's visitors bureau is gigantic is the VI'S?
4. I build Hurricane proof homes now ... is the Market there to do it also?
5. I plan on renting the first year, bring a truck with me (ford f-350 dually) or buy one there? Gas prices?
6. Where not to go? what not to do?
7. A good Realtor... my credits scattered now because of medical bills the military is slowly paying off but i wanna build there. The first home will be small as I get used to being disabled and see if I can live on my income.
8. Can someone live there comfortably on 4000.00 a month?

That's allot of questions but please feel free to answer any of them and thank you so much for your time!!!
Brian and Ashley.

I;m not a subscriber to the relocation forum but exitxzero is right on directing you towards that site where best you read a whole lot before asking questions on the forum as there's SO much to absorb in the archives. Just a couple of comments from a 27 year resident before you segue over there.

Island life is cheaper if you live here? Compared to what? Island living is VERY expensive for many reasons.

If your surgery requires follow-up then be prepared to fly to PR for VA medical assistance.

Starting a business here for a newbie is not for the faint of heart and isn't recommended. Work for a few years with an established business before even thinking about going out on your own. The attrition rate of newbies is astronomical.

Whether or not you can live on $4K/month is very subjective. With all due respect, it's very basic for one and pretty impossible for two.

You need to do some serious research before even contemplating such a move and then do a serious pre-move visit (PMV as it's described on the relocation forum in great detail) Good luck!

I agree with STT resident. I have seen people come and go. Each has had a dream of what to do. Few accomplish that dream. Thbis is what I would do.

1. I would not move until your surgery is DONE.

2. I would come down for a visit and see for your self what you can do and what you will need. 48K is doable but you will have financial problems.

3. Choose a small apartment for the first year. Get your feet on the ground. Then begin to move on what you want to do.

4. Don't bring anything. Buy what you need.

I've been here a long time. The above is the same advice I would give anyone.

billd

"I lived in Hawaii for 15 years and know Island Life"

The above quote made me smile - I too lived on Oahu but only for 2 years and Island life in Hawaii (at least Oahu) is nothing like island life in the VI's (imo) 🙂

See you on the relo forum

Pia