Two scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently visited St. Croix to study St. Croix’s coral reefs to guide protection efforts. According to the St Croix Source, the NOAA scientists who visited St. Croix from Miami included Ian Enochs, Ph.D., head of NOAA’s Coral Program at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), and oceanographer Nicole Besemer, the Caribbean Climate Operations Coordinator for the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP).
Enochs said, “NOAA recognizes the incredible economic and societal value of coral reefs, including the billions of dollars in tourism and fisheries they support for the U.S. economy, as well as the coastal and storm protection they provide to homes and communities,” he explained. “Our work is targeted at making sure that our American reef infrastructure is maintained for all that benefit from it.”
Enochs also said, ““St. Croix is home to beautiful coral reefs that support important fish populations and buffer the shore from wave energy, as well as provide amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities that bring in tourists and support local businesses,” and “Anyone walking through the towns can see the importance of diving and ocean tourism, and anyone that is lucky enough to actually see the reefs themselves underwater can view their beauty. Reefs are such a vital part of what makes St. Croix what it is.”
Vulnerabilities also exist in St Croix’s coral reefs. In some areas, there has been coral death from bleaching and disease. Besemer shared her observations, “My first time at the monitoring sites was in 2019, and we have now visited in 2022 and 2025,” Besemer said. “I have seen firsthand the difference and amount of coral that we have lost due to bleaching and coral disease in our photomosaics. It’s very important to track these changes and make sure managers, stakeholders and the general public are aware of the status of their reefs so informed decisions can be made to protect and restore them.”
Greetings, we are Chris and Christie Powers, your St Croix Realtor team! We are happy to share the latest sales data, inventory, and days on market for the St. Croix, USVI real estate market. Here is few quick highlights about August’s data:
There were 22 new home listings and 11 homes sold on island. The number of total homes sold from January through August 2025 is up 9.9% compared to same period a year ago.
There were 36 new condo listings and 16 sold listings on island, the number of total condos sold from January through August 2025 is up 10.98% compared to same period a year ago.
Download the Coldwell Banker St Croix real estate market reports for each category: Homes & Condos, Condos, Homes, and Land to see all the details!
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 will help you narrow down neighborhoods based on your priorities. Whether you are searching for a starter home or a forever home, we will also advise you on the market trends in your desired neighborhoods. Let us help you find your dream home. Contact Chris and Christie! Luxury real estate, residential real estate, condominiums, and more — contact us here.
There are typically three options when inheriting a home:
1. Move in:
If the property meets your needs and budget, moving in could be a meaningful and practical choice. Be sure to consider any outstanding mortgage, necessary repairs, or updates.
2. Sell the home:
Many heirs choose to sell, especially if the home doesn’t suit their lifestyle or if there are multiple inheritors. Before listing, you’ll want to handle any required repairs and clear out belongings. This can take time. Be sure to be gentle with yourself. Often selling a property brings up a lot of emotions.
3. Rent it out:
If you’re not ready to sell, but don’t plan to live there, renting can provide income while you figure things out. Just be prepared for landlord responsibilities, local rental laws, and potential property management needs.
For more information about what to do when you inherit a property visit our recent newsletter on the topic here.
Watch our YouTube video on What to Do When You Inherit a Island Home below.
Inheriting a home is one of those life moments that often brings mixed emotions. Before rushing into decisions, give yourself time. A home tied to a loved one can carry emotional weight, and there’s no need to tackle everything immediately.
Start by gathering key documents. These will help you get a clear picture of what you’ve inherited and what is still owed or required:
The will or trust
Mortgage information (if any)
Homeowners insurance policy
Utility bills
Tax records
Deed/title paperwork
Determine ownership and legal standing. If the home was left to you in a will, the estate will likely need to go through probate before you can take ownership. If the property was in a trust, this process may be quicker. It’s smart to consult a probate attorney or estate planner, especially if there are multiple heirs or unclear ownership.
Understand the financial impact. Inheriting a home can come with financial considerations:
Property taxes
Capital gains taxes
Ongoing expenses – mortgage payments (if applicable), insurance, utilities, and maintenance will all need attention
For more information about what to do when you inherit a property visit our recent newsletter on the topic here.
Watch our YouTube video on What to Do When You Inherit a Island Home below.
We are excited to see this in the news! According to the VI Consortium, Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens has formally requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to restore the eroded shoreline at Fort Frederik Beach, one of Frederiksted’s most iconic coastal areas. His proposal seeks to combat ongoing environmental damage and to revive shoreline fishing opportunities that have long been part of local culture. Homeland Security protocols limits public access to port facilities after hours. Due to erosion and storm damage, Fort Frederik Beach is in need of help to bring it back as a recreational hub and a cultural landmark for St. Croix.
We think a restoration and revival project would be a great benefit to the greater community. Local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the area.
