I have not lived there, but flew helos out of St. Thomas, USVI and flew into both Gran Cas Airport (French side) and into Princess Juliana Airport (Dutch side) frequently. It is a beautiful island, people are very friendly, and like the rest of the Antilles, is generally expensive. I am sorry I can not enlighten you on the cost of housing, etc. there. There are a few American Eagle Airlines pilots commuting from there, the airline out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Possibly you could find a way to contact that group of pilots and get more info. The island is somewhat small, so getting off the island helps in preventing "island fever." There are non-stop airline flights back to the US and to Europe from there. French wine is cheap, and it is a "free port" so many consumer goods are cheap. At the French Grand Cas Airport you leave your declaration in a box in the terminal, as there is rarely anyone there. A little of the honor system. Nearby islands are great to visit, including Saba, St. Barts, and many others. Always wear lots of sunscreen!
Cheers,
Check 6
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Kick the tires, light the fires, first off is lead, brief on guard.