Living in St. Brelade as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expats moving to St. Brelade will need a work permit before starting employment on the island. This can be obtained from the Home Department of the Citizenship and Immigration Service. Self-employed expats will also require a work permit, along with a business license, which is issued by the Jersey Development Company.

Language resources

Although English is the official language in St. Brelade, many locals speak a blend of English, French, and Jersey Norman, which can sometimes create communication difficulties for new expats. Expats looking to improve their language skills can join local language groups, enroll in language courses offered by the Jersey Language Tutors, or participate in conversation groups.

Housing

The cost of housing in St. Brelade is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other European destinations. Expats can find a range of accommodation options, from shared houses to one, two, or three-bedroom apartments and houses. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment ranges from around £1,000 to £1,200 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is around £1,200 to £1,400 per month. Three-bedroom houses can be rented for around £1,800 to £2,500 per month.

Groceries

Food expenses in St. Brelade are relatively affordable, with a range of supermarkets, grocery stores, and specialty food shops available. The average cost of groceries for a family of four is around £550 to £750 per month, including eat-outs and dining-in. St George's Market is a weekly market offering locally grown vegetables and fresh fish & seafood delivered on the day of purchase. The price is cheap, and the quality is unforgettable. Daily food markets are available at the St. Lawrence Parish in Barnes & Church Street, called Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

Transportation

Transportation costs in St. Brelade are relatively low compared to other European destinations. The LibertyBus network operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, with fares starting at around £1.60 for a single journey. Monthly and annual bus passes are also available, which provide significant discounts on fares. Taxis in St. Brelade are reasonably priced, with fares starting at around £20 for a short journey.

St. Brelade has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and winters. The summers (June to August) are pleasantly warm with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C. The winters (December to February) are mild, with temperatures averaging around 8°C. Jersey experiences frequent soft rains, known as 'Jersey Weather,' often followed by bright and sunny skies.

The St. Brelade area offers diverse job opportunities across multiple industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. Jersey is home to several leading tech firms, such as HSBC, Barclays, and PwC, who have established significant operations on the island. The finance industry is a major employer in St. Brelade, with several global banks, including JP Morgan Chase and Royal Bank of Canada, maintaining a presence in the area. The healthcare sector is also thriving, with several private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers providing a range of services to the expat community.

St. Brelade has access to high-quality healthcare facilities, including a number of private and public hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. The parish is home to the Jersey General Hospital, which offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, critical care, and specialist medical and surgical treatments. In addition, St. Brelade has several private healthcare providers, such as Jersey Medical Care and The Harbour Clinic, which offer a variety of medical services, including general practitioner care, specialist treatments, and preventive health programs.

St. Brelade has an efficient public transportation network, making it easy for expats to navigate the island. The parish is served by a number of bus routes, operated by LibertyBus, which connect St. Brelade to other parts of Jersey. The buses are frequent, reliable, and affordably priced. In addition, St. Brelade is home to several train stations, including Gorey and St. Aubin's, which offer regular services to other parts of the island. Newer electric cars called 'zreeks' offer eco-friendly transportation options.

St. Brelade is considered to be a relatively safe place to live, with low crime rates. However, expats should take precautions and observe basic safety measures, such as locking windows and doors, avoiding deserted areas at night, and storing valuables in secure locations. Residents should also be aware of natural hazards, such as sea surges and strong winds, which can occur during extreme weather conditions. The double accident prevention system ensures that the accompanying emergency ambulance will be dispatched in the event of any medical emergency.