It’s great to see another article spotlighting St. Croix as a fantastic travel destination! A travel writer from Travel Weekly recently published article where she highlighted her experience on St. Croix and said, “I couldn’t imagine a better spot to reflect on both the tranquil pace of island life and the rich history that had revealed itself to me just a few steps away.”
As the writer pointed out, St Croix currently is “experiencing a bit of a resurgence, with the help of revamped hospitality businesses and pioneering new conservation efforts that are preserving what was always perfect about it.” At the end of last year, Congress designated St. Croix a National Heritage Area, recognizing the unique confluence of historical, cultural and natural attractions (see our article about it here).
Read the full article on Travel Weekly here, where you will find references to the wonderful Alexander Hamilton walking tour in Christiansted by the Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, a visit to Buck Island Reef National Monument on a catamaran, and learning about coral reefs and marine life and more.
The Thrillist’s recent article shares a common view that many of us who love and live on St. Croix already knows — St. Croix is a desirable Caribbean destination. Compared to the St. Croix’s other sibling islands, it is less tourist and cruise-centric and therefore sees fewer vacationers. However, with less commercialism, St. Croix’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, many outdoor activities make it ideal for visitors. As Realtors, we often meet Buyers from the states select our island for their forever home or as a second home.
As the article points out “[St Croix] a less-visited Caribbean destination is a winner in our books. It also doesn’t hurt that the tropical island abuts a turquoise stretch of the Caribbean Sea or that its 84 square miles offer a mixture of both metropolitan perks and rural retreats.” … “And with temperatures that rarely dip below 70 degrees during any season, travelers can immerse themselves in idyllic warm weather pastimes like boat rides, snorkeling, food tours, nature conservation, shopping at small businesses, walks along the beach, and much more.”
Read the full article to see the Thrillist’s review of St. Croix and suggestions for what to do on island. There are references to some of the wonderful local businesses on St. Croix. Here’s a list:
If you are a prospective home buyer or home seller, we encourage you to take a look at the February Coldwell Banker real estate reports — available below for each category: All Properties, Condos, Single Family Homes, and Land! The sales data will be help you understand the number of listings sold, days on market, the median price listed and sold, and much more.
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.
Our client, who recently bought a condo with our help, shared some photos and information he received from the Schooner Bay Condominium Association. If you haven’t visited Christiansted recently, you will be interested to know that Christiansted is undergoing some major property restorations and renovations! Architect and developer Chris Pardo is in the process of completely renovating the historic King Christian Hotel and the VI Government is completing major work along the waterfront from the fort down to the King Christian. Approaching Gallows Bay, developer Peter Zelke is acquiring and continuing a meticulous restoration and renovation of four buildings along Hospital Street. Here are some photos showing how these projects are coming along.
Below is a view from Fort Christiansvaern toward the beautiful restored facing of the King Christian Hotel. Over the past two years the VI Government has also replaced the seawall and a beautiful walkway has been constructed between the harbor side of the fort and the King Christian. Re-seeding of the park grounds is currently underway.
This photo below features the Great House on the south side of Hospital Street approaching Gallows Bay. Note the unbelievable larger than life size mocko jumbie bronze sculptures. The understanding is that this building will be a high end B & B when complete.
Next is the building on the north side of Hospital Street on which restoration was started this past summer. Every brick is being removed, hand scraped, cleaned and re-mortared back into place by local masons.
This building at the corner of Lobster Street and Hospital Street was most recently (many years ago) a Thai Restaurant and previously home to the now defunct “Miss V’s” Hot Sauce. Exterior renovation appears complete but we do not know of the planned use.
Restoration underway to the Great House on the north side of Hospital Street just east of Savant Restaurant.
Question: “What are the different advantages of renting as long-term vs vacation rental?”
Chris’ Answer:
As a long-term rental you will have a steady income all year, and potentially a tenant you will know. Your costs are lower due to the tenant taking care of the cleaning and other expenses which would accompany vacation rentals.
With a vacation rental there is the possibility of a higher income. Our high season is roughly mid-December through mid-April. This is when you will be earning the most. May, June, July, and November can be good rental months, too. Between each guest the property will be professionally cleaned, and your manager will be able to take care of any issues. You will have more eyes on the property.
