North side versus South side

Our island has a North side and a South side. Most islands do. And though St. Thomas isn’t really that big, there is a huge difference between the two. I find this extremely important when deciding where to buy.

First, I should disclose that I am a “Northsider.” I like to see the sunrise and the moonrise. I detest the afternoon sun shining into my home or porch. I embrace the winter breezes which are typically North of East. The North side typically receives more rainfall, creating lush vegetation and more water for the cistern. These are all great qualities, but the view from my house (yes, that is it above) made me choose this location. Views from the North side are typically referred to as “down island.” They stare over towards St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Hans Lollick, and numerous other small cays (Thatch Cay is in the foreground for this photo).

As for the South side, I am probably less convincing in support of the advantages. You may be better off speaking with people that live on that side of the tracks. But I see the advantage of watching the sun set from your home. I understand that it offers closer proximity to town, where many people work. There is also an excellent private school located on the South shore. These are certainly valid reasons to choose such a location.
The purpose of giving you this information is so you really think about these issues, as you do have a choice of where to live, but you can’t control these factors.