Just in the beginning stages... but looking to relocate to St Maarten. We are Americans, and have the income. We want to rent a bit before we start to look to purchase. We have only been to St. Maarten a couple of times, BUT we lived in the Netherland Antilles for over 10 years. We know it is more "Americanized", but we prefer to be in a nice "local" area with a 3/2 house and a garden. Lookng to be around 20 minutes or so from Little Bay / Phillipsburg area. I've been searching and the majority of rentals are all condos or apts. Can someone recommend a nice local neighborhood? Also I still have my Netherlands Antilles driver's license, is it valid on St. Maarten? Do I have to take another driving test etc?

Thanks!

St Maarten is no longer part of the Netherlands Antilles as the Netherlands Antilles have been dissolved. St Maarten is a country by itself within the Kingdom of Netherlands, so you should check about immigration issue before making any move... just my humble opinion. As far as your driving license, I don't know if it would be recognized or not, Barbara may be able to answer that.
Regarding "local" neighborhood, it will depends on your definition of "local" as local and expats live pretty much all over the island, but in my opinion there are plenty of neighborhood that are very nice to live in... Madame Estate, Saunders, Cul de Sac, Upper Prince Quarter, Mary's Fancy, St Peter, etc....

Kind Regards,
Philippe



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Phillipe,

Thanks, Yep... I was living in the Antilles 10-10-10, so all aware. Our neighborhood was mostly local people, people that owned businesses, professionals, etc. Looking for a similar neighborhood. Don't want or need fancy. just a nice 3/2 with covered parking area or garage, with a nice outside porch area for relaxing, airco in the bedrooms, as long as good breeze. Nice garden so we can plant things. We want to rent, unfurnished/partial furnished is fine. Just don't want a "tourist" area. Our island has "neighborhoods" that were mostly for tourists, that people would buy then rent out to tourists, or would only live part time. Don't want that.

Thanks for the neighborhood list.

We will bring one vehicle with us after a few months, but I will need a rental for a few months... do they have long term car rental companies? Thanks.