ST. CROIX REAL ESTATE
Whether you’re seeking a permanent residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, St. Croix has something to offer everyone. St. Croix offers a desirable blend of convenience, comfort, and natural beauty that continues to entice people to make the move and call this enchanting island home. The practical benefits of living in St. Croix, such as favorable tax policies and no additional residency requirements for US citizens, make it an attractive option for expatriates and retirees looking to stretch their dollars without compromising on quality of life. St. Croix is divided into “Quarters” which indicate the geographic regions of the island. 77 “Estates” further divide the areas.
St. Croix Map
West End Quarter
Located on the western end of St. Croix, the West End Quarter offers a mix of natural beauty and historical charm. Fredericksted, one of the main towns in this quarter, boasts colorful Danish colonial architecture and a vibrant waterfront area. Visitors can explore the historic Fort Frederik, which dates back to the 18th century and now houses a museum showcasing the island’s history. Sandy Point National Wildlife Reserve, located nearby, is a critical habitat for endangered leatherback turtles and offers pristine beaches perfect for sunbathing and birdwatching. Mahogany Road winds through lush rainforest, providing scenic drives and hiking opportunities. The quarter is also home to several museums, including the Estate Whim Plantation Museum, offering insight into St. Croix’s plantation era. With its cruise ship pier, Fredericksted welcomes visitors from around the world, who can enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.
Northside Quarter A & B
Northside Quarter offers a diverse range of attractions, from lush rainforests to stunning coastal vistas. Carambola Golf course, nestled within the quarter, provides golf enthusiasts with a challenging course set against a backdrop of tropical scenery. Adventure seekers can explore Cane Bay, renowned for its world-class diving opportunities, including the famous “wall” dive. Annaly Tidepools offer a unique natural experience, with hidden pools carved into volcanic rock formations. VI Sustainable Farm showcases organic farming practices and offers educational tours. The quarter also encompasses Mt. Eagle, the highest point on St. Croix, providing panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean. Water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities along the quarter’s pristine beaches.
Prince Quarter
Situated in the mid-island area, Prince Quarter is home to a mix of cultural and recreational attractions. Salt River National Park preserves the island’s natural beauty and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking through mangrove forests. Visitors can tour the Cruzan Rum Distillery, where the island’s famous rum is produced, and sample various flavors. Henry E. Rohlsen Airport provides convenient access to St. Croix for travelers. St. George Botanical Gardens showcase a diverse collection of tropical plants, while the horse track offers entertainment for equestrian enthusiasts.
King Quarter
Central to the island, King Quarter is a hub of activity and commerce. The Diageo Rum Factory produces a range of rum brands and offers informative tours for visitors. Shopping opportunities abound in the quarter, with a variety of boutiques, galleries, and markets offering local crafts and goods. Parks and green spaces provide opportunities for recreation and relaxation, while the shipping dock facilitates the movement of goods to and from the island.
Queen Quarter
Queen Quarter encompasses a mix of natural and urban attractions. Salt River National Park offers scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Juan F. Luis Hospital serves the healthcare needs of residents and visitors alike. Shopping options cater to diverse tastes, with malls, boutiques, and markets offering everything from designer goods to local souvenirs.
Company Quarter
Company Quarter is steeped in history and culture. Christiansted is located in this area, along with historic sites such as Fort Christiansvaern, Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse, and the Scale House. The quarter’s vibrant dining scene includes restaurants and bars serving a variety of cuisines, from Caribbean to international fare. The seaplane dock provides convenient access to nearby islands, while ARTfarm showcases local art and craftsmanship. Beeston Hill Medical Center offers healthcare services to the community.
East End Quarter A
East End Quarter A offers a blend of residential neighborhoods and tourist attractions. Gallows Bay serves as a commercial and recreational hub, with shops, restaurants, and waterfront activities. Buccaneer Resort & Golf Course offers luxury accommodations and a championship golf course. Tamarind Reef Resort features beachfront villas and a secluded beach perfect for relaxation. Green Cay bird sanctuary provides opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks.
East End Quarter B
The easternmost part of the United States, East End Quarter B boasts breathtaking natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Point Udall, marked by a towering monument, offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Buck Island National Park is a protected marine reserve known for its pristine coral reefs and underwater trails. St. Croix Yacht Club caters to sailing enthusiasts, while Cramer Park provides picnic areas and scenic views. Divi Hotel & Casino offers accommodations and entertainment options, with stunning views of the coastline.
St. Croix History
St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, boasts a rich and complex history that stretches back thousands of years. Originally inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, the island was encountered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage in 1493, who named it “Santa Cruz” or “Holy Cross.” Over the centuries, St. Croix was claimed by various European powers, including the Spanish, Dutch, French, English, and ultimately the Danes, who purchased the island from France in 1733.
Under Danish rule, St. Croix flourished as a sugar-producing colony, with large plantations dominating the economy. This prosperity, however, was built on the backs of enslaved Africans who were forcibly brought to the island to work the fields. The harsh conditions and brutal treatment of the enslaved population led to several significant slave rebellions, culminating in the major 1848 slave rebellion on St. Croix. This revolt, led by Moses “Buddhoe” Gottlieb and other leaders, was a pivotal moment in the island’s history. The uprising, which saw enslaved people demand their freedom, forced the Danish governor, Peter von Scholten, to officially abolish slavery on July 3, 1848. This date is now celebrated as Emancipation Day in the Virgin Islands.
St. Croix remained under Danish control until 1917, when the United States purchased the Virgin Islands, including St. Croix, from Denmark for $25 million in gold. This purchase was motivated by strategic interest in the Caribbean during World War I. The residents of St. Croix, along with those of the other Virgin Islands, were granted U.S. citizenship in 1927.
Today, St. Croix is celebrated for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and beautiful landscapes. The island’s history is reflected in its well-preserved colonial architecture, from the vibrant towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted to the ruins of old sugar plantations. The legacy of resistance and resilience is a fundamental part of St. Croix’s identity, making it a unique and significant place in the Caribbean.
Attractions and Entertainment
Our Top 10 Things to Do in St. Croix
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
A must-visit for nature lovers, Buck Island Reef is a marine reserve offering some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. The underwater trail and vibrant coral reefs make this a popular day trip from St. Croix. - Christiansted National Historic Site
Explore the well-preserved colonial architecture of Christiansted, including Fort Christiansværn, the Old Danish Customs House, and the Scale House. This site offers a glimpse into the island’s Danish colonial past. - Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Step back in time at this restored 18th-century sugar plantation. The museum showcases the history of sugar production and the lives of those who lived and worked on the island during the plantation era. - Cane Bay Wall
Renowned as one of the best dive spots in the Caribbean, Cane Bay Wall offers breathtaking underwater views where the sea floor drops dramatically. It’s a favorite for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. - Frederiksted Pier
Ideal for both day and night diving, Frederiksted Pier is also a popular spot for snorkeling and fishing. The pier is home to vibrant marine life and offers stunning sunset views. - Cruzan Rum Distillery
Learn about the history and production of rum at the famous Cruzan Rum Distillery. Tours include a look at the distilling process and, of course, a tasting of the island’s finest rums. - Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Located in Frederiksted, this museum and cultural center features rotating exhibits of Caribbean art, as well as workshops and performances that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. - St. George Village Botanical Garden
This 16-acre botanical garden is located on the ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane plantation. It features a wide variety of tropical plants and trees, as well as historic buildings and scenic walking trails. - Agrifest
St. Croix’s annual Agricultural and Food Fair, known as Agrifest, is a major event celebrating the island’s agricultural heritage. The fair features local produce, livestock, crafts, and traditional foods, drawing visitors from all over the Caribbean. - Crucian Christmas Festival
This month-long celebration, held during December and January, is one of St. Croix’s most vibrant events. The festival features parades, calypso competitions, pageants, and food fairs, culminating in a lively Carnival atmosphere that showcases the island’s rich cultural traditions.
Helpful Links
- Visit St. Croix (Tourism Website)
- GoToStCroix (Tourism and Travel Information)
- St. Croix Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
- St. Croix Landmarks Society (Historical Sites and Preservation)
- Christiansted National Historic Site (National Park Service)
- Frederiksted Community
- Estate Whim Plantation Museum
- Cruzan Rum Distillery
