Low down on the Isle of Wight
Jan 21st 2013 | 2:27 am
#16
Ping-ponger
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 12,090
From: Yam Yam land
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
It is an issue certainly. Here in rural New York, we've never locked our house in 17 years; not even when we go on holiday to England. We never lock our car (except in zucchini season, where the local lore is that you need to keep your car secure so folks don't give you unwanted gifts of garden produce.) If we return to live in the UK, we'll have to lock up every time, be a bit careful where we walk late at night, etc.
I can't help thinking that statistics of minor property crime, anti-social behaviour etc are hard to compare between jurisdictions, because the stats that are collected and the definitions are so different..
I can't help thinking that statistics of minor property crime, anti-social behaviour etc are hard to compare between jurisdictions, because the stats that are collected and the definitions are so different..
Jan 21st 2013 | 2:30 am
#17
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,526
From: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Jan 21st 2013 | 2:42 am
#18
Concierge
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 29,822
From: ex ex-pat, in Taunton
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
A few months ago there was a thread devoted to the IoW, and a fair amount of useful information emerged.. You could probably find the thread. One fact that came out that surprised me, there is no airport and so no commercial air service to the island. (Unless I misremember.)
Jan 21st 2013 | 2:04 pm
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,511
From: Burnham On Crouch Essex
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Anything less naughty than zucchini would be hard to imagine.
Crime? well theres a significant drug problem on the island, and it does attract a lot of people with mental health issues generally, but I found it fine....
Yeah it is a state of mind until you have to pay 50 quid to go shopping in Scum.... sorry Southampton!
Mar 1st 2013 | 2:59 am
#20
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
It seems that the Isle of Wight is now the retirement capital of the UK!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/pen...t-popular.html
The property prices are much cheaper than on the mainland and crime stats are low. Our daughter has moved there so last October we rented a couple of country cottages, one was near Carisbrooke Castle, which is really impressive. The countryside is lovely; lots of rolling hills, similar to Devon and Dorset. We didn't go to the beaches as it was the wrong time of year, but they are apparently very clean and there are lovely walks along the coastal paths.
The shopping in Newport was fairly good; I remember going to M&S, BHS, TJ Maxx, Thorntons, Black's (outdoor/camping) and Morrisons but there were loads more - including pound shops lol! We also went to see a movie at the Multiplex cinema. I also spotted a Lidl as I went round a roundabout.
There are ferries - and a hovercraft (Southsea - Ryde) for foot passengers and also car ferries; we rented a car at LHR and sailed on the crossing between Southampton and Cowes, which takes an hour and enjoyable.
My son had to return to the US so he took the foot ferry from Ryde to Portsmouth (it takes 20 minutes). A couple of days later my spouse took the hovercraft (10 minute journey from Ryde to Southsea with a free connecting 5 minute bus ride to the bus and train station at Portsmouth Harbour, he then took the train to London.
National Express & the Megabus also picks up passengers at Portsmouth Harbour ('The Hard') for Heathrow, Gatwick etc.
http://www.wightlink.co.uk/
http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/
http://redjet.co.uk/
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/
If I was returning to the UK to retire I would definitely investigate the IoW; it's about the same size and shape as Singapore where we lived for a few years.....except that Singapore has a population of almost 5 million right now compared to just under 140,000 on the IoW.....now we did get 'island fever' in Singapore but there is so much more space on the IoW!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/pen...t-popular.html
The property prices are much cheaper than on the mainland and crime stats are low. Our daughter has moved there so last October we rented a couple of country cottages, one was near Carisbrooke Castle, which is really impressive. The countryside is lovely; lots of rolling hills, similar to Devon and Dorset. We didn't go to the beaches as it was the wrong time of year, but they are apparently very clean and there are lovely walks along the coastal paths.
The shopping in Newport was fairly good; I remember going to M&S, BHS, TJ Maxx, Thorntons, Black's (outdoor/camping) and Morrisons but there were loads more - including pound shops lol! We also went to see a movie at the Multiplex cinema. I also spotted a Lidl as I went round a roundabout.
There are ferries - and a hovercraft (Southsea - Ryde) for foot passengers and also car ferries; we rented a car at LHR and sailed on the crossing between Southampton and Cowes, which takes an hour and enjoyable.
My son had to return to the US so he took the foot ferry from Ryde to Portsmouth (it takes 20 minutes). A couple of days later my spouse took the hovercraft (10 minute journey from Ryde to Southsea with a free connecting 5 minute bus ride to the bus and train station at Portsmouth Harbour, he then took the train to London.
National Express & the Megabus also picks up passengers at Portsmouth Harbour ('The Hard') for Heathrow, Gatwick etc.
http://www.wightlink.co.uk/
http://www.hovertravel.co.uk/
http://redjet.co.uk/
http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/
If I was returning to the UK to retire I would definitely investigate the IoW; it's about the same size and shape as Singapore where we lived for a few years.....except that Singapore has a population of almost 5 million right now compared to just under 140,000 on the IoW.....now we did get 'island fever' in Singapore but there is so much more space on the IoW!
Mar 1st 2013 | 4:31 am
#21
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 402
From: Wirral, UK
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Just one other question, is there much crime on the island? My husband is researching and is shocked at the higher rate of general street violence and home invasions compared to the USA. This is after I've had to endure news of 20 years worth of mass shootings
but still I have to reassure him...
but still I have to reassure him...
I know the phrase 'never say never' and am reluctant to say what I'm about to, but of all the friends and family I have in the UK I can say honestly none of them have ever been broken into at home or their cars nor have they had any kind of violence directed towards them from anyone at all, ever!
Oh and I (and family & friends) originate from Merseyside which is way up there in the top 10 places where crime is allegedly rife!
Mar 1st 2013 | 4:54 am
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,285
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Hi, I lived on IOW for about 2 years, the biggest thing I would say is that you are stuck on an Island, no road in no airport and the ferries are extremely expensive, different if you are there for a holiday. But living there I certainly felt very trapped.
Job opportunities are very limited and many commute, again very expensive and tiring. (and at times sick making!
)
Life is quiet, property (was) cheaper, its pretty good in summer when the population about trebles... nice beaches, everything has to be shipped in so more expensive.... there is a definate island mentality! We dont want to know what goes on on the mainland etc etc....
That was my experience!
Job opportunities are very limited and many commute, again very expensive and tiring. (and at times sick making!
) Life is quiet, property (was) cheaper, its pretty good in summer when the population about trebles... nice beaches, everything has to be shipped in so more expensive.... there is a definate island mentality! We dont want to know what goes on on the mainland etc etc....
That was my experience!
Mar 2nd 2013 | 4:56 am
#23
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 337
From: Westchester NY
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
I am an Islander (locally known as a corkhead!)
Born and raised on the IOW and all my family still live there.
I moved away to go to college in 1987 and haven't lived there since I'm now in USA so a big change.
I go back to visit my family every year and have to say its like stepping back in time
but I love the place.
Many of my friends moved off the Island when they were in their late teens early twenties but when married and starting families they have slowly drifted back, it has that type of pull.
The climate is also better than mainland UK
winters not as cold and summers generally warmer even with just a few miles of water between the Island and the mainland.
As far as crime is concerned I have to say I don't think its any different from anywhere else, the best thing is the Island is so small that most people know whats going on and who the trouble makers are (especially during the winter) In the summer with the influx of tourists there are obviously increases in petty crime but who is to say whether thats locals taking advantage of the tourists or tourists doing the crime!
Like anywhere if you are motivated and want to work there are jobs to be found, I guess it depends what you are looking for and what skills you have.
Born and raised on the IOW and all my family still live there.
I moved away to go to college in 1987 and haven't lived there since I'm now in USA so a big change.
I go back to visit my family every year and have to say its like stepping back in time
but I love the place.Many of my friends moved off the Island when they were in their late teens early twenties but when married and starting families they have slowly drifted back, it has that type of pull.
The climate is also better than mainland UK
winters not as cold and summers generally warmer even with just a few miles of water between the Island and the mainland.As far as crime is concerned I have to say I don't think its any different from anywhere else, the best thing is the Island is so small that most people know whats going on and who the trouble makers are (especially during the winter) In the summer with the influx of tourists there are obviously increases in petty crime but who is to say whether thats locals taking advantage of the tourists or tourists doing the crime!
Like anywhere if you are motivated and want to work there are jobs to be found, I guess it depends what you are looking for and what skills you have.
Mar 2nd 2013 | 8:11 am
#24
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
I am an Islander (locally known as a corkhead!)
Born and raised on the IOW and all my family still live there.
I moved away to go to college in 1987 and haven't lived there since I'm now in USA so a big change.
I go back to visit my family every year and have to say its like stepping back in time but I love the place.
Many of my friends moved off the Island when they were in their late teens early twenties but when married and starting families they have slowly drifted back, it has that type of pull.
The climate is also better than mainland UK winters not as cold and summers generally warmer even with just a few miles of water between the Island and the mainland.
As far as crime is concerned I have to say I don't think its any different from anywhere else, the best thing is the Island is so small that most people know whats going on and who the trouble makers are (especially during the winter) In the summer with the influx of tourists there are obviously increases in petty crime but who is to say whether thats locals taking advantage of the tourists or tourists doing the crime!
Like anywhere if you are motivated and want to work there are jobs to be found, I guess it depends what you are looking for and what skills you have.
Born and raised on the IOW and all my family still live there.
I moved away to go to college in 1987 and haven't lived there since I'm now in USA so a big change.
I go back to visit my family every year and have to say its like stepping back in time
but I love the place.Many of my friends moved off the Island when they were in their late teens early twenties but when married and starting families they have slowly drifted back, it has that type of pull.
The climate is also better than mainland UK
winters not as cold and summers generally warmer even with just a few miles of water between the Island and the mainland.As far as crime is concerned I have to say I don't think its any different from anywhere else, the best thing is the Island is so small that most people know whats going on and who the trouble makers are (especially during the winter) In the summer with the influx of tourists there are obviously increases in petty crime but who is to say whether thats locals taking advantage of the tourists or tourists doing the crime!
Like anywhere if you are motivated and want to work there are jobs to be found, I guess it depends what you are looking for and what skills you have.
Mar 2nd 2013 | 9:19 am
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,654
From: South Bucks
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
I love the IOW. It was the first place we looked at to retire! Then friends in Uk and others said we would feel trapped because of ferries. However I have just spent the past half hour looking up ferries and if you go as foot passengers it works out very cheap to get off. Now to pursuade my OH that taking public transport instead of the car when we want to visit family in London is the way to go! They also have a huge variety of bungalows and at reasonable prices and you are surrounded by the sea! Beware that the coastline is eroding at an alarming rate!
Mar 2nd 2013 | 12:17 pm
#26
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,204
From: Maine
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
I love the IOW. It was the first place we looked at to retire! Then friends in Uk and others said we would feel trapped because of ferries. However I have just spent the past half hour looking up ferries and if you go as foot passengers it works out very cheap to get off. Now to pursuade my OH that taking public transport instead of the car when we want to visit family in London is the way to go! They also have a huge variety of bungalows and at reasonable prices and you are surrounded by the sea! Beware that the coastline is eroding at an alarming rate!
Mar 7th 2013 | 11:06 am
#27
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,654
From: South Bucks
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
That's a deal! I have been looking at houses on Rightmove and for also possibilities of some rental properties for holiday lets - I may have to work and that does worry me, finding a job so perhaps self employment!
Sep 3rd 2013 | 9:54 am
#28
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,654
From: South Bucks
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Montfan, did you ever get to the IOW. ???
We are back to searching for a place to retire and always keep coming back to the island. We live on an island now and despite its size there is far less to do here than probably on IOW. I also figures that if we can pay 20 000 less on average for a bungalow there compared to Dorset or Devon, then we can afford the ferries and get a caravan and tour when we get cabin fever
Would be interested to hear from any expats who have moved to IOW in the last few years to retire or work. We are in the hospitality business here so are used to tourists and may even go into a venture ourselves there!
We are back to searching for a place to retire and always keep coming back to the island. We live on an island now and despite its size there is far less to do here than probably on IOW. I also figures that if we can pay 20 000 less on average for a bungalow there compared to Dorset or Devon, then we can afford the ferries and get a caravan and tour when we get cabin fever
Would be interested to hear from any expats who have moved to IOW in the last few years to retire or work. We are in the hospitality business here so are used to tourists and may even go into a venture ourselves there!
Sep 3rd 2013 | 6:00 pm
#29
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 55
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Arrived late to this thread, but my old man and I went to the Isle of Wight for a holiday, camping in a tent, the weather was 86f lovely weather. We travelled the whole Island as its only about 25 miles across.
If you like Islands and don't want to deal with ferries, then their is Hayling Island on the south coast, joined to the mainland by a bridge,so you can drive over to the Island, close to Portsmouth and Southampton and Hastings, where one could work.
If you like Islands and don't want to deal with ferries, then their is Hayling Island on the south coast, joined to the mainland by a bridge,so you can drive over to the Island, close to Portsmouth and Southampton and Hastings, where one could work.
Sep 4th 2013 | 4:55 am
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 225
From: Tennessee
Re: Low down on the Isle of Wight
Yes, having lived on an island for 7 years I remember you can get island fever - but don't a lot of ferries these days have special tickets for residents (like a 10-trip ticket, etc.)?
Where I lived, you had to catch a flight to get off - catching a ferry seems a lot more convenient and less expensive.
Island fever is more of a mental state than reality, sometimes. I'm sure many of us don't go more than a 10- or 15-mile radius of where we live, maybe for weeks.
Where I lived, you had to catch a flight to get off - catching a ferry seems a lot more convenient and less expensive.
Island fever is more of a mental state than reality, sometimes. I'm sure many of us don't go more than a 10- or 15-mile radius of where we live, maybe for weeks.
Tickets & Prices
Tickets & Prices Overview
Mainland Vehicle Fares
Foot passengers
Books of Standard Tickets
Season Tickets
Accessible Travel
Tesco token codes
Island Residents' Multilinks
1st January - 31st December 2013
Number of return journeys: 5 10 20 30
Car & Driver £235.20 £446.80 £823.20 £1110.00
Motorbike & Rider £123.40 £236.00 £440.80 -
Adult £55.80 £106.00 £194.40 £265.20
Child (5-15) £27.80 £53.20 £97.60 £133.20
http://www.wightlink.co.uk/ferry-tra...nts-multilinks
My FIL has a house that is about to go on the market on the IOW, it is his mother's house who has passed and his sister is now in a care home. My husband would love to buy it but I think it would cause a lot of inter family issues.
I love the island but from the times we have been there I remember it being on the expensive side.
