  |
 |
  |
 Residential ($400,000 to $999,999) |
|
|
Do you want to stay in tune with real estate on St. Croix? If the answer is yes, then click here to find out how.
|
St. Croix, USVISt. Croix combines all the best of the Virgin Islands. It is more laid back than neighboring St. Thomas, and a few paces faster than St. John, its two sister islands. As a U.S. territory, St. Croix offers U.S. investors many advantages -- U.S. laws and jurisdiction, the same currency, English as the prime language, no restrictions on U.S. ownership, and the security of a stable, democratic government. St. Croix is located 1100 miles southeast of Miami and 1650 miles southeast of New York City or approximately 90 miles south of Puerto Rico, surrounded totally by the Caribbean Sea. The island is 84 square miles in size occupying approximately two-thirds of the total land mass of the U.S. Virgins, measuring 23 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. This location blesses the island with near perfect weather averaging 72° - 82°F. year-round with constant cooling trade winds, sparkling blue green seas, and white sandy beaches. The first tourist to arrive in St. Croix was Christopher Columbus in 1493. Columbus claimed the islands for Spain and named the largest island "Santa Cruz" meaning Holy Cross, which later changed to St. Croix by the French. The flags of the seven nations have flown on St. Croix, thereby adding to a diverse cultural heritage among its people. In addition to Spain, the other countries were Holland, England, France, the knights of Malta, Denmark and finally the United States which acquired the islands in 1917 as a means to protect the Panama Canal. The Danes acquired St. Croix in a smart move in 1733, leaving a strong legacy of architecture and urban planning still evident today. The current population of 60,000 includes a human potpourri of locals, U.S. transplants, other islanders, Europeans and Middle Easterners, creating a wonderful mixture of lifestyles. Small inns, elegant resorts, West Indian cottages, rental villas, condominium properties, and waterfront hotels offer the traveler or potential purchaser a variety of accommodations to suit any budget. St. Croix is also a great place to settle down, even as a seasonal owner. And the two towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted (note the Danish influence) offer their own unique charms. Though Christiansted is the busier of the two, Frederiksted boasts the deep-water port for cruise ships to dock and offers western sunsets. Both towns have their share of duty free shopping and businesses, as varied and competitive as any in the Caribbean, though somewhat dignified and calm. The island has superb restaurants, white beaches, varied terrain and landscape in a town and country lifestyle setting. The U.S.V.I. Senate recently passed a law to permit casino gambling on St. Croix after a public referendum supported this initiative. A pro-business and tourism - friendly government coupled with the prospects of hotel development have brought a heightened sense of economic optimism to the island. Special tax incentives offered by the Economic Development Commission make St. Croix ripe for various industries in financial services and consulting, even light industrial or manufacturing, and hotel / guest house operations. Additionally, St. Croix's duty free status, foreign trade eligibility, good commercial rental rates, exquisite climate and security of the U.S. flag all promote a favorable business atmosphere for the potential investor. These factors lead to an exciting real estate market, whether in the residential or commercial development sectors. There are both small and large hotel properties for sale, being eyed by large hotel operators and sophisticated developers who are seeing to make a niche with a casino hotel and/or convention center. Likewise we have had "Mom and Pop" entrepreneurs who are ready for a lifestyle change, many of whom have taken over other inns and becoming newly established to serve our tourism market. Residential properties range, based on taste and need, from $250,000 to multi-million dollar estates. In light of the lackluster stock market, we have been busy with second home buyers who are purchasing homes and condominiums. Additionally, we are seeing many more new residents making St. Croix their home to take advantage of Economic Development Commission (EDC) tax benefits, which can be viewed on my website under Business Demographics or on the VI Government site at www.usvieda.org. A comfortable two bedroom, two bath home with seaview and pool can be purchased in the $300,000 - $600,000 range. The condominium market is a "buyers' bonanza" with some prices for beachfront units under $100,000 or one-half the mid-1980's prices. The opportunities are abundant and accommodate almost any budget and need... and David is "tops" in professional service! Just email your parameters and requirements! |
| Copyright © David FedelesSite Design & Maintenance by Media Mate, Inc. |