Be sure to check out the relocation board on a separate string. Look at the links at the top of the page. Great information there. Good luck to you!

Denise, I wanted to take a quick moment to completely support VILover's suggestion to go to the relo side here. Since most people who move to the islands go back for a variety of reasons, they always recommend a pre-move visit (PMV) (which is longer than a wonderful vacation where everything always looks great.) We've been to STJ 4 times so far, and last visit spent a fair amount of time on STT. Based on what we saw at length and heard about, we would NOT move permanetly to the islands as much as we LOVE them and the people we've met there- its all very, very expensive and the services are limited and frustrating. Vacation is not real-life so read the relocation board VERY thoroughly and don't cut your contacts back home, just plan to come, grab 2-3 jobs (to survive) and see what you think after 6 months or more. Yes, Maine is frigid (we're from Boston and visit there alot) but heat/cold are far from the only quality of life issues to think about. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks so much for your advice. I truly appreciate it. The PMV is a great idea and I certainly will check out the relocation board. Being close to 50 and having been abroad several times and having raised three incredible humans, worked many years, I am so ready and determined to change the path I am on. And you are so right in saying the heat/cold are far from the only quality of life issues to think about. Boy, could I give you a list! I am at a point in my life where I can pick up and leave if I want to. And I want to. But if I decide in a year or two to go back to Maine, I can do that too. I am ready to make a change. I have given this a great deal of thought and time. I am looking forward, with alot of excitement and energy, to moving to St. John in the fall. Again, thank you so much for your advice. And if you can think of anything else please let me know!

Denise

Denise...."GO GIRL"... from the sound of your writing, at this time of your life why not !!?? also great that your sister is going with you...it'll be nice to have a companion while you aclimate to living on st.john vs vacationing. my sister spent a year there,for the company she worked .after many yrs of vacationing there and her company doing business on island she had a good handle on what she was in for. through her i've met alot of people living there and yes, for many it can be a struggle to pay the bills...some gave up...others stayed and are content/happy....you won't know untill you try !! when my sister 1st went there i traveled w/her & stayed a few weeks...my job was helping her find housing...this isn't easy. you'll need to constantly look, talk to everyone you meet and ask if they know of apts. to rent, just be friendly, polite, you'll have no problem. daily/sometimes twice a day, i checked the boards at Connections and Starfish Mkt...owners list available apts....they go fast.she finally got her place through a friend of a friend etc. life is too short..since i'm in your age bracket i can say it's getting shorter...so go for it. what's the worse that can happen? after a yr or two, if life there is not what you want/need, you go back to maine and pull out the winter coats..but i'm sure you and your sister will have some great stories/memories of the time on st. john to tell while sitting around the fireplace up north..BRRRRRRRR...give me st. john any day !!! i wish you both the best of luck in your new adventure !!!

Hey Rody,

You just brightened my day! Thanks for your encouragement and positive outlook. We are going to give it our best and looking forward to a new chapter to unfold in our lives. I'm printing your paragragh because of all the useful info and optimism (sp).
Thank you again!
Denise