Chris & Christie Powers

When designing an outdoor living space for a St. Croix home, what should I consider?

Nov 8, 2024 | QA

Question: “What are some tips for designing an outdoor living space in a home on St. Croix?”

Our Answer:

When planning a comfortable and useful outdoor living space, here are some considerations:

Comfortable seating – One of the first things you should invest in is comfortable seating. This may mean some combination of tables, chairs, couches, lounge chairs, benches or hammocks, depending on the space and your preferences.

Lighting – An attractive set of solar garden lights along your walkways will illuminate the paths between your plants. This is as much to create a mood as for safety. You might also want to think about hanging some string lights, perhaps with a fanciful and distinct design. This offers soft lighting for evening entertaining.

Outdoor storage – You will have outdoor supplies which you will want to keep conveniently available. Cabinets and storage benches will keep things tidy and uncluttered.

Awnings or umbrellas – Yes, the sun is great, but shade is also very important! If you don’t have a covered space, you will need some shade. This can be from large trees, umbrellas, or a retractable patio awning.

Outdoor cooking – One of the most popular items people purchase is a portable lightweight stove or grill. Some people who enjoy cooking outdoors create an outdoor kitchen with a sink, prepping counter and a small refrigerator.

Cushions and pillows – One way to make your patio look and feel cozy and inviting is with cushions and pillows. These should be comfortable and attractive. Some people choose colors similar to the indoor colors to give a smooth transition to their outdoor space.

Decor – There is an endless selection of decorative items you can find. There are lights, sculptures, fountains, birdbaths and beautiful pots for your plants. Some friends of ours sunk a bathtub into their garden to create a small pond. They also found the inside of a baby grand piano and hung it on the fence. Outdoor decor can beautify your space and express your personality!

Contact us with any questions about outdoor living spaces OR real estate on St. Croix!

Microgrid Projects Wins Senate Approval

Oct 23, 2024 | Island News

Advance Power LCC sought legislative approval of two leases that would allow the company to develop two alternative energy sites. Senators approved the $160 million investment for microgrids on St. Thomas and St. Croix; projects expected to offset 23% of territory’s fossil fuel use and create 150 jobs during construction phase according to the VI Consortium. The wind energy sites project has won Senate approval. It is part of the territory’s ongoing effort to create alternative and renewable energies to support our Water and Power Authority.

This proposed investment into the U.S. Virgin Islands could employ 150 people during the two year construction phase. For the full article, go to VI Consortium.

St Croix Real Estate Market Reports (September 2024)

Oct 18, 2024 | Reports

Is it the right time to list your property? September 2024 sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market is available in our downloadable Coldwell Banker real estate reports. The is a report for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land!

If you are not familiar with with the implications of the data, please give us a call or email us directly with any questions. We are Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and have the experience and local knowledge to help you in every step of the process. We can help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. We can also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods.

Open reports by clicking on links below:

Homes & Condos – September 2024 Report

Homes – September 2024 Report

Condo – September 2024 Report

Land – September 2024 Report

Note: The average sales price and the average days on market could be skewed greatly by only one sale or because of the small number of sales

Will Ride-Sharing May Be on the Horizon on St. Croix?

Oct 16, 2024 | Island News

Senator Samual Carrion, St. Croix, is working to write legislation to allow ride-sharing service to be licensed in the territory. The process will take some time. Ride-sharing, such as Uber and Lyft, is available in every U.S. state, but not in USVI. According to a recent St. Croix Source article, many people agree it would benefit residents, visitors, and the economy. The article also said One compelling reason in favor of ride-sharing is the lack of public transportation after 6 p.m., residents say. Taxi-vans do not run unless contracted by individuals for transportation. Workers cannot get home if they don’t have access to a vehicle. Visitors who want to see the island often say they don’t want to drive on the left side of the street or on two-lane roads littered with potholes. There have been reports of travelers stranded at the airports because visitors thought taxis or Uber would be available.

The article also said several people are setting up ride-sharing businesses, but have not actually begun operations. One company has already been providing the service.

Read the full article from St. Croix Source here.

For other stories about ride-sharing on St. Croix recently, check out:

VI Consortium’s May 2024 story about Digicab here.

WTJX’s September 2024 story here.

GoToStCroix’s Taxi & Rideshare page here.

Island-wide road paving initiative on St. Croix from FEMA investment

Oct 16, 2024 | Island News

FEMA has announced a significant $3.2 billion investment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with one of the most substantial projects being the island-wide road paving initiative in St. Croix according to the VI Consortium. $1.75 billion in funding is allocated to repair over 481 miles of roads, including the addition of ADA-compliant ramps, curbs, and culverts where required.

The article also said FEMA has allocated $1.25 billion to overhaul St. Croix’s potable water distribution system. This project will see the replacement of pump stations, water tanks, pipes, and fire hydrants in Christiansted and Frederiksted, modernizing the island’s water supply to meet current industry standards.

This is great news for St. Croix! There are additional projects such as electric metering replacement, upgrades to potable water and wastewater systems, and educational facility repairs. Read the full article here.

Photo courtesy of VI Consortium