Moving to IOW....
Discussion
hornetrider said:
Or you could buy your own RIB for 3k and sort out a mooring somewhere.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142229438817
I lived on the IoW for a couple of years in 2001-2003. Moved there for the sailing, then sold the sloop and bought a fast boat for 'commuting.' Several unplanned for changes happened: mooring fees doubled, berths became scarce in the summer as they would be reallocated for larger boats, squeezing out the 24 footers.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142229438817
Edited by hornetrider on Tuesday 10th January 08:22
Crossing from Yarmouth to Lymington or Portsmouth would often get 'tricky' as the Solent Chop can run to a couple of metres on a bad day. I got over the mooring squeeze by becoming a drinking-buddy with the Yarmouth harbour-master. I spent as much on beer for him, as I did on the boat, but could always get summer 'parking.'
The rest of it is as posted; living on an island 'That Time Forgot' is quiet in the winter, busy in the summer. Island 'mentality' often strikes if you need services like kitchen fitters or plumbers; "We're busy, call back in a month", and so on. WightLink fares also went up by 40% while I was there, so after a couple of years it was time to flog the boat and flee. Local GP was hopeless, dealing mostly with gout and arthritis. Anything that needed hospital meant a trip to Southampton. Visits from mainland chums decrease due to the faff and expense.
The final nail in the coffin was getting my new Merc doors dinged on the BlightLink ferry two trips in a row. Sardines have more parking space.
The Totland end of the Island also suffers bad sea-fogs in the summer, I'd phone up my g/f, fogbound, and she'd be sitting in her garden sun-bathing, five miles away on the mainland. "What's that awful noise?" she'd ask: 'Needles Lighthouse Foghorn'.
Maybe if they built a bridge, the IoW could enter the 20th Century. (I know it's the 21st.)
There are similar places to exist on the mainland, without the hassle, at some expense, Barton-on-Sea, New Milton and so on are a bit more moneyed, good for dogs, cycling, retiring, walking, and are BlightLink-free.
North of P/Mouth is the Wickham/Forest of Bere area, Soberton/Meon Valley; lovely place to live with good hospitals at Winchester, useful if you're getting long in the toof.
Easy access to the IoW from those for 'holidays' if you must, without becoming a social hermit.
Edited by Slushbox on Tuesday 10th January 10:20
SS2. said:
As someone from the mainland who visits the Island at least six or seven times a year, I'm 100% no thanks to a fixed link - I think it would change the entire feel of the place and make it far less 'island like'.
The fact that it is only accessible by water (or air, if you have sufficient means) is one of the big appeals - the minute you get onto the ferry / RedJet, your holiday / break has started. Driving across a bridge or through a tunnel just wouldn't be the same.
As far as commuting is concerned, I think a Southampton / Cowes season ticket on the RedJet works out at about £10 per return trip for a typical working year, cheaper if you throw in a few shopping trips to the mainland.
I agree entirely - but there is a small band of folk who want to do an "Isle of Skye" to the IOW.....I strongly doubt it would ever happen. As I get older, I very much appreciate having grown up there....The fact that it is only accessible by water (or air, if you have sufficient means) is one of the big appeals - the minute you get onto the ferry / RedJet, your holiday / break has started. Driving across a bridge or through a tunnel just wouldn't be the same.
As far as commuting is concerned, I think a Southampton / Cowes season ticket on the RedJet works out at about £10 per return trip for a typical working year, cheaper if you throw in a few shopping trips to the mainland.
Edited by SS2. on Tuesday 10th January 09:15
& as you say....once at the port you are on hols (or the way home)! for us it is a 2.5-3hour drive....we enjoy the crossing!
I can, however, see how teenagers can get bored. That said, the internet makes the world a small place......& even the island does have the odd festival or two (although the Robin Hill Bestival is moving off this year).
Oh yes, OP - when living on the Island you can get reasonable season tickets for <Blackgang Chine + Robin Hill>" - kids LOVE spending a day there, even if the "overners" laugh at the "thrill rides" !
Enjoy your investigations!
We are planning to move to IOW too! Hopefully later this year.
For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
Huntsman said:
We are planning to move to IOW too! Hopefully later this year.
For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
Excellent For the last ten years we've spent a lot of time on IOW as we have a small boat, typical year we'd spend 40 to 50 nights onboard, most of which would be on the Island. As a result, we've come to love it over there.
We live in Southampton, the South Coast is one big horrid traffic infested nightmare.
The Island food is excellent, a real foodie scene. There's a great Jazz scene too. Plenty of attractions for the kids and loads to do for little cost.
IOW schools were in a state, until about 3 years ago when Hampshire Education Authority took control, its much better now.
A friend of ours had an aneurism in Yarmouth, helicopter to Southampton General and he was saved!
You'll spend some money on ferry fares, but property is cheaper.
See you there!
What area are you looking to move too? The house we want is just under £600k which I don't think is bad considering size, location and land with it.
Huntsman said:
And out of all the cars, they shove a Saxo VTR on it!!My parents retired there from Bedfordshire 2 years ago and my sister and her family have just moved there in the last 3 months.
They love it there as its a laid back place and has lots of unspoilt areas to enjoy without costing a fortune.
They all live in Freshwater which is in west wight. This tends to be regarded as the nicer quieter end of the island which it is.
I love going there for long weekends during the summer.
They love it there as its a laid back place and has lots of unspoilt areas to enjoy without costing a fortune.
They all live in Freshwater which is in west wight. This tends to be regarded as the nicer quieter end of the island which it is.
I love going there for long weekends during the summer.
Snowdrop_ said:
Excellent
What area are you looking to move too? The house we want is just under £600k which I don't think is bad considering size, location and land with it.
I don't know....I'm, 45, we could just about afford a tiny cheap small flat and not need to work. But its a bit tight! Reality is I need to work for a few more years. I think we'll rent to start with, while we sort out 2 houses a building plot and lot of junk!What area are you looking to move too? The house we want is just under £600k which I don't think is bad considering size, location and land with it.
928 said:
From a few visits last year for work I was struck by the wonderful views from the north of the Island, straight into Fawley refinery and Soton docks. Not sure where I was (around Newport/Cowes somewhere), but not a view I'd want to live with.
Fortunately it's not all like that, this is my view when I'm there looking past Bembridge.
I spend a lot of time on the Island and have plenty of chums who live there and love it. I do wonder sometimes if they don't get a bit wary of coming over to the mainland, they certainly don't like the traffic when they get here!
http://www.isleofwightweather.com/wx3.html has some averages.....generally it is a mild climate
Nearly forgot the TOP eating out guide - http://mattandcat.co.uk - Crab & Lobster is a top pub for Bembridge....& I always have a penchant for a cuppa and cake at the Tollgate Cafe - quirky, old (bit like me.... ;-)
Nearly forgot the TOP eating out guide - http://mattandcat.co.uk - Crab & Lobster is a top pub for Bembridge....& I always have a penchant for a cuppa and cake at the Tollgate Cafe - quirky, old (bit like me.... ;-)
I live just down the road from Shorwell - I am born and bred here and my family have been here since the 1950s they moved to get out of Manchester and my wife's family moved to get out of London in the 1970s.
Generally wages are lower but most people I know work for themselves and are doing well. Unemployment is high but that is because there is a huge number here who don't want to work. THe island is full of lazy people who can get by on not much £££. As a contrast there is a lot of £££ here as well - a lot of people move here downsizing from the mainland and that keeps property prices high - decent property always sells over here and the top end of the market is doing well. Most of the secondary schools have had a slating in recent years but have had resources thrown at them. MY kids go to Christ the King which is regarded as the best state school. I went to Ryde school which is the Islands private school but I don't think it's good value any longer and if your kids want to get on and can learn then they will do well. Most people I know left to go to university - some have returned I did not do that and commuted to the mainland daily for nearly 5 years - the ferrys are expensive particularly during the summer but if you buy multi tickets or have a good friend like I do with an account at Red Funnel it eases the pain particularly if you trailer to trackdays. If you need any help PM me I know a lot of people over here including estate agents, accountants, IT bods, plumbers, electricians etc etc - Shorwell is a very quiet place and if you like walking, mountain biking etc it's right on your doorstep my kids are up on cheverton down every day in the school holidays on their bikes or down the beach. Brighstone has excellent primary school and a good local shop and dr surgery where you can normally get in within 24 hours . Decent places to eat if you know where and lots of local produce - we do our own lamb and pork get my beef from over the road and lots of game in season - fresh fish delivered to the door if you know the right people - did I say that before ? Knowing the right people helps ...
Generally wages are lower but most people I know work for themselves and are doing well. Unemployment is high but that is because there is a huge number here who don't want to work. THe island is full of lazy people who can get by on not much £££. As a contrast there is a lot of £££ here as well - a lot of people move here downsizing from the mainland and that keeps property prices high - decent property always sells over here and the top end of the market is doing well. Most of the secondary schools have had a slating in recent years but have had resources thrown at them. MY kids go to Christ the King which is regarded as the best state school. I went to Ryde school which is the Islands private school but I don't think it's good value any longer and if your kids want to get on and can learn then they will do well. Most people I know left to go to university - some have returned I did not do that and commuted to the mainland daily for nearly 5 years - the ferrys are expensive particularly during the summer but if you buy multi tickets or have a good friend like I do with an account at Red Funnel it eases the pain particularly if you trailer to trackdays. If you need any help PM me I know a lot of people over here including estate agents, accountants, IT bods, plumbers, electricians etc etc - Shorwell is a very quiet place and if you like walking, mountain biking etc it's right on your doorstep my kids are up on cheverton down every day in the school holidays on their bikes or down the beach. Brighstone has excellent primary school and a good local shop and dr surgery where you can normally get in within 24 hours . Decent places to eat if you know where and lots of local produce - we do our own lamb and pork get my beef from over the road and lots of game in season - fresh fish delivered to the door if you know the right people - did I say that before ? Knowing the right people helps ...
Snowdrop, I dare say you generally know what it's like having visited but you're also probably aware that things can be different when living permanently in a location. I have lived here for 25 years and since then have seen change like an increase in the pace of life, increased property prices (relatively) etc making it more like the mainland. The biggest thing we miss is family can't just pop round (all live on mainland).
It is a friendly and safe place. The biggest thing for us at present is securing a good education for the kids and as said before the post primary provision is currently poor.
We live 5 minutes from Shorwell which is a lovely village. We like it but we're not city types. Mrs works 3 days a week near Portsmouth which is only an hour door to door (9 mins on Hovercraft). Disruption is surprisingly rare. Wightlink vehicle ferry crossings increasingly frustrating probably due to development of terminals at each side. Expensive in high season but multilink tickets help.
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to help you out.
It is a friendly and safe place. The biggest thing for us at present is securing a good education for the kids and as said before the post primary provision is currently poor.
We live 5 minutes from Shorwell which is a lovely village. We like it but we're not city types. Mrs works 3 days a week near Portsmouth which is only an hour door to door (9 mins on Hovercraft). Disruption is surprisingly rare. Wightlink vehicle ferry crossings increasingly frustrating probably due to development of terminals at each side. Expensive in high season but multilink tickets help.
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to help you out.
Thanks for everyones feedback.
We decided to leave moving to IOW for a while, as something came up work/project wise which meant we were going to stay put. However, that hasn't pulled off so we have decided to open back up to IOW, we both agree it's best to move there - a lot of my work can be done remotely so that isn't an issue.
We need to start looking for a decent house now, as the other one was pulled from the market.
We decided to leave moving to IOW for a while, as something came up work/project wise which meant we were going to stay put. However, that hasn't pulled off so we have decided to open back up to IOW, we both agree it's best to move there - a lot of my work can be done remotely so that isn't an issue.
We need to start looking for a decent house now, as the other one was pulled from the market.
Of PH interest on IOW
https://iowmcc.co.uk/
http://www.wightwarriors.co/
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/intern...
We'll have to have an IOW meet.
https://iowmcc.co.uk/
http://www.wightwarriors.co/
https://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/whats-on/intern...
We'll have to have an IOW meet.
Huntsman said:
Its on!
I've got a new job over on the Island. Just in the process of renting a house and selling out place. Boat already in Bembridge in the store.
We''re taking a CR-V (I hate it), a Silver Shadow, a Morris Minor and we've just bought a VW T4 to help with carting junk.
What is the job and when are you going?I've got a new job over on the Island. Just in the process of renting a house and selling out place. Boat already in Bembridge in the store.
We''re taking a CR-V (I hate it), a Silver Shadow, a Morris Minor and we've just bought a VW T4 to help with carting junk.
We've got a few cars to take, but maybe it's time to sell a couple.
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