What's it like living on the Isle of Wight?

I'm a native, NotTooOld but we left in 1971. We go back whenever possible because although all my family have now moved off (or died) we still have lots of friends there.

When we both retired we were soooooo tempted to sell up and move back but I was heavily involved with Mum's care so knew we would have to wait until she died and that wasn't for another four years by which time we'd abandoned the idea.

Plus points......The lovely climate, stunning scenery, laid back way of life and a wonderful sense of community. Everywhere on the Island is 'near'. You can be in a holiday hotspot one minute but just a short drive away is the peace and tranquility of West Wight.

Drawbacks.....The high cost of the car ferry which means spontaneous visits from friends and family are practically unheard of. Everything tends to be planned in advance.

Our DCs and DGCs are all on the mainland so we would feel cut off from them if we moved back now. The other consideration is health. I'm not sure how good St. Mary's Hospital is these days but when we were living there serious illnesses were referred to Southampton General so the ferry comes into play again.

I'll be dead envious if you go

We had several holidays there and I loved it. At the time it reminded me of the coastal Essex where I was brought up - slow pace of life, lots of bungalows. It was like going back in time. And of course the sea and the scenery. There is something very special about islands.

I live on the Isle of Wight. We've been here for 40 years so obviously we love it! It has been a great place to raise our family, but they are now all on the mainland and merlotgran is so right - the cost of the ferries is a real pain. The price changes with the dates and times. Christmas fares are ridiculously high. Yes, trips have to be planned and I do miss that spontaneous visit out to a special garden or NT house. Family visits usually have to involve overnight stays.
Being so near the sea is lovely and there is plenty of countryside to walk in too.
Another advantage is being near Southampton/Portsmouth for holidays on cruise ships!!!
Two or three of our TG ladies have moved back to the mainland to be nearer their families - having come over here after retirement.
However, it is a great place for the grandchildren to come for their holidays (while the mums work!) and I suspect we shall be here for many more years.
NotTooOldYou will have to come for another holiday and have a good look around again and see if you still love it!

Thank you for the replies. We lived in Guernsey for 9 years so I sympathise with the cost of to-ing and fro-ing and also the fact that you always have to get off the island before you can go anywhere else. I think you've confirmed my doubts - we would be better on the mainland. Maybe Lymington or Sway.

On second thoughts, Lymington looks a bit overpriced and also a bit 'yachty'. We lived in the New Forest once at Bransgore, which is a nice place, perhaps we should widen the search area. Mind you, we still have to sell this house.................

DD2 lives near Gosport so we have a good base to leave the car if we want to pop across and see friends on the Island as foot passengers.

Problem is I don't want to come back.

I need to win the lottery then we can have a holiday home in Ventnor which is my spritual home.