East of St Thomas across the Pillsbury Sound is the pristine, protected, less developed Island of St John Virgin Island. Its rocky coastline is dotted with crescent shaped bays and beautiful white sand beaches. For naturalists and bird watchers, St John is a paradise having miles of hiking trails leading plantations ruins to panoramic views high atop hills. The USVI government intends to keep St John as more of a natural, undeveloped area and the preservation of St John is enforced by the US National Parks service. A philanthropist named Laurance Rockefeller purchased nearly all the St John real estate and then donated it to the US Government. The area that is within is now known as the Virgin Islands National Park. This park takes up almost two thirds of the total are of the island. The coral sea beds surrounding the island are vigorously guarded so you know that St John will be restricted in real estate development for sometime.

Despite its natural, unspoiled character, St John still offers amenities and accommodations for travelers. There are spectacular hotel resorts and villas on the island. For campers, St John is a paradise. Cinnamon beach on the north side of the island is one of the most well known campsites in the Virgin Islands. Although there is a ferry service that runs to the island of St Thomas, there is no airport on St John. A popular way to get around St John is by 4 wheel drive trucks and jeeps.

St John may be peaceful, friendly, and secluded but it sees a lot of visitors via the port at Cruz Bay. It's noisy at the port, but after you follow any of the narrow streets away from it, you're into natural, quiet areas, and then onto secluded beaches such as Jumbie Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Trunk Bay Beach, Cinnamon Bay Beach and Maho Bay Beach.

Although the Island isn't nearly as modern and developed as St Thomas, it does offer many of the recreational and sporting activities you'll find on St Thomas. Popular activities include Day Sailing, On shore fishing, Deep Sea fishing expeditions, diving, and of course swimming in utterly beautiful locations. There are hiking trails all over the island and there is some amazing vertical terrain for those who like a walking adventure. You can hike on the Reef Bay Trail to see pools rimmed with Petroglyphs thought to have been inscribed by the one time resident Taino Indians many centuries ago.

As befitting a natural environment, you can go horseback riding too and ride along quiet lanes and cobblestone beaches. There are only a few resorts on the island, so you do have an opportunity to play tennis if the mood should strike you. In or near the water, you can partake in scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, and just floating around on one of the many sparkling beaches enjoying palm fronds swaying in the warm Caribbean breeze.

Other important sites to see are the Annabella Plantation and Catherineberg Ruins. The Annaberg Plantation has a windmill that rises above the old stone plantation grounds. This harkens back to the time of slavery and you'll see the slave quarters, a garden, jail cell, kitchen, and sugar factory. You can see across the Waterlemon Bay to the Tortola Islands of the British Virgin Islands. The Catherineberg Ruins are harder to get to but offer better preserved historical sites including an old stone windmill house.

Tourism is big in the tropics and St John Virgin Islands is about the most unspoiled place left in the Caribbean Islands. This 19 square miles of real estate is very precious and offers one of the best ecotour experiences you will find anywhere.

Retiring in the US Virgin Islands

Few locations promise a better, more enjoyable lifestyle for retirees than the US Virgin Islands. Where else can you feel almost at home in an English speaking, US-influenced Caribbean culture that is relaxed and friendly? There are homes and condos on St Thomas that would be perfect for you and your spouse. If you can only stay part of the year, you might consider time share condos or renting out your own condo for that part of the year you're not here. The lifestyle here is relaxed, healthy, and the climate is clean and warm. The tradewinds keep the Islands cool and you can enjoy cool breezes on the mountain tops. Play golf, charter fishing boats, and dine in fine restaurants on any of the US Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands have many advantages over other retirement possibilities such as Florida, Arizona, Mexico and California. Sauter & Associates sells more St Thomas Real Estate than any other Virgin Island Broker. Buying and selling St Thomas real estate is our only activity. St Thomas real estate is the focus for most Caribbean real estate investors. Call us today for the best real estate investment opportunities.

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