As a result, St. Croix is an ideal second home for some during the winter months and an attractive year-round residence for others. It is not just a retirement destination, either — thousands of young families, couples, and singles from the United States and other countries move here and feel at home in the cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Houses and condominiums are available for rent if you want to test the move first or for purchase, with good values available, even oceanfront. Undeveloped land is abundant if you plan to build your dream villa.

Job openings exist in many fields and the Territory has an Economic Development Commission (EDC) program offering financial and tax incentives for business owners who qualify. High-speed internet access now links us with the world faster than ever, making it easier to do business.

Yet the island retains a relaxing pace and is blessedly lacking in traffic jams. Motorists take turns and tap their horns in thanks. Everyone follows the gracious custom of greeting others with a polite "Good morning" before beginning a conversation. Holidays are celebrated—lots of them—but not over-commercialized. People say, "No problem," and mean it.

Still, there are challenges to keep in mind. Your favorite brand or ingredient may not be sold on island, or is "finished" till the next boat comes. Water can be scarce during dry spells, though you can buy it by the truckload. Electricity is occasionally erratic and always expensive, so many people have generators for emergencies and make use of solar power panels to make hot water. Our flora is beautiful, but our fauna may startle you—house lizards, centipedes, and millipedes, not to mention iguanas and mongooses.

When all is said and done, most of us wouldn’t live anywhere else.