ST. JOHN — Three years ago, Hooman Pedram was ready to pack up his life on St. Thomas and head back to the states. He’d come to the island in 2008 after selling off his shares of a Washington ...

Cruz Bay, St. John. Power was restored to the main town nearly two weeks ago. ... and where the sense of community effort is equally strong as Cruz Bay, several restaurants had also reopened.

St. John, population about 5,000, consists of two towns. Cruz Bay, on the west coast and closer to the airport on neighboring St. Thomas, is bigger and more bustling.

Plan on a full day to get here: a direct flight from Boston to St. Thomas, an SUV/jeep rental at the airport, a 45-minute drive to ferry dock, a 30-minute car ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John, a 45 ...