by Amy Land-de Wilde
St. Croix has long been a destination not only for vacationers, but for retirees. Their interest is sparked during a first visit, and is renewed by subsequent trips to America’s paradise. For those lucky enough to be able to retire on this tropical haven, there is much to choose from.
There are neighborhoods like Buccaneer Bay Estates on St. Croix’s east end characterized by upscale homes in an established community with gated entry and paved roads. The gorgeous crescent- shaped beach fringing the neighborhood is an energetic walk for those whose properties sit off the coastline.
All of the amenities of the famed Buccaneer Hotel are nearby for tennis and golf activities as well as restaurants, a spa, palm-lined beaches and other social activities like live music and wine tastings. Christiansted town, schools and shopping are all nearby as well making this a very convenient location.
Home prices range from $595,000- $8.6 million for three bedrooms or more and homesites start at $90,000. St. Croix is not an island of gated neighborhoods, but there are a couple more.
Carambola is located northwest in the lushest part of the island on a Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course. The homes, condos and homesites are scattered throughout the luxuriant course a few moments’ drive from several gorgeous beaches and with views of the verdant hills and valley. At this time, all are valued at a steep discount to their replacement cost, making this such a buyer-friendly market.
Carden Beach is a gated waterfront condo community in the northeast of the island. This is St. Croix’s newest condo product, with gorgeous views of the reef beyond and Buck Island, one of three St. Croix National Parks with a spectacular underwater trail. Coastal Living has crowned Buck Island one of the top 10 places to snorkel in the Caribbean. Prices start under $500,000 for a 3-bedroom condo.
Visitors to St. Croix can thoroughly justify why they’ve chosen their special location. The North Shore is one such place, very popular with retirees and second-home buyers, because of its lushness, varied topography, access to stunning beaches with diving, kayaking and snorkeling, sweeping views, and nearby to a number of fun and diverse restaurants. There are the options of single family homes and estates, condos, and vacant homesites.
The more adventurous have fallen in love with St. Croix’s west end–more adventurous because it is the least developed part of the island and a tad farther away from other conveniences. Of course, St. Croix is only 27 miles long and 7 miles wide, so nothing is that far away. It is the lushest part, has stunning beaches, gorgeous sunset views and lots of undeveloped rolling hills. There are a couple of condo developments and lone units are occasionally resold. Also available are homes and homesites, both waterfront and in the hills.
Broker Amy Land-de Wilde owns Coldwell Banker St. Croix Real Realty. She fell in love with the island on first sight and has lived here now for over 35 years.
Coldwell Banker St. Croix Realty
Gallows Bay Marketplace, 340-778-7000
Strand Street, Frederiksted, 340-643-3333
www.coldwellbankervi.com
