Isle of Wight.

[Moonflower12]

I know this shouldn't be really in this topic but posting for traffic- I'd posted in Local and only had a reply saying that no-one would reply!

There is a high chance we are moving to the Isle of Wight. We would like recommendations of where is nice to live, primary schools etc. Our daughter will be year 1.

We would like a family orientated area if possible but willing to look anywhere. We plan to rent for 12 months or so to get to know the island before buying but just wondering if there's any parts that are nicer than others.
My DP is on the island today so having a good look round for a couple of days.

elephant if your DH is a foodie, you should definitely get him crab on chips on the beach from Blake's. Yes it's the most expensive fish and chips you'll ever buy but it is a foodie experience not to be missed and is 😋 Believe it's won all sorts of awards.

La cantina is great.

For a cuppa and cake you cannot get better (or friendlier service) than the Tea House.

VBG itself is also v nice for fairly sandwich-type lunch. Sometimes they have more formal lunch in their downstairs restaurant

I should work for the tourist board!

@elephantoverthehill and @Marmaladegin- hijack away. All good info.

Hope you all have a lovely day.

I'm researching like a loon on the internet and Overners on FB. Lots of info on Overners. Thank you for that- @SubtitlesOn.

Elephant - it was The Tea House.

Were off to our cottage in Ventnor at the end of the week. Blake’s crab and chips are very good - and Sophie will always find a beach hut.
We love the Royal for supper and never had a bad meal. Drinks beforehand up on the terrace overlooking the bay is lovely.

Cowes still pips Ventnor in my experience though. Generally easier access, greater choice of good restaurants. Better school option. Easier to mainland. Agree East Cowes could be a good investment.

Update- DP has been offered one job but unfortunately the money wasn't what he'd hoped for. But he has another interview on Sept 7th so keep everything crossed for us.
I've seen lots of 'signs'that it will happen....

Room to negotiate?

£700 for a three bed with parking? I’m packing right now.

Good luck OP. I’ve many happy memories of the island as we were yachties. Practically grew up in the marina!

Unfortunately there was no negotiation available on their part.

I'm sure things happen for a reason so I think it means something better is on its way!

Thank you @glueandstick

moonflower you HAVE to move to the isle of wight we have a drinks appointment on the sun deck remember ? - to toast our new lives, oh and when you get settled pop round for a brew or a vino !

@paintinmyhairAgain
I know!! I know!!
OH has another interview on Sept 7th. Keep it all crossed for us....

just wondered is there much call for childminders on the island? would love to move there but worried about work...

memememe there definitely was a shortfall in childminders when I needed them, but my youngest Dc is now 13. I used to find childminders initially through FIZ - family information zone, irc, so it might be worth looking them up.

Hi I moved over in 2010 West Wight freshwater dd1 starting school this September

The downs are great for dogs but unless yours in not a chaser don't let it off lots of dogs go over clifs after rabbits and dp (lifeboat) often has to bring them back

Ferry are the worst part of island life dd2 sees a specialist on the mainland not Southampton and the cost is extortionate even if you get a discount for medical travel winter prices are ok but summer can still be £100 return

According to what I hear from friends, there's room for more childminders

Child mind for older home kids and you'd be laughing. Massive home ed population here and families often like/need sessions

My family has lived in Ventnor full time for 8 years and I love it. There is a real community spirit here, you can't walk into town without someone stopping to chat, though it does take a while to get to this point. You see plenty of older children out on their own on the beach or in town or out on their bikes; it has a safe feel. Yes, the ferry is pricey and the shopping and job opps are not great but if you want a relaxed, more rural life and aren't too bothered about going back to mainland very often, it's life changing.

I grew up on the island. West wight middle, brighstone and totland primaries. Carisbrooke high school.
The schools were ok, but not awesome. I was very academic and went to boarding school on the mainland with a scholarship in the end.

Great place to grow up - beach after school, lovely riding, stunning walks -but not great to be a teenager. There’s a lot of hidden poverty. Driving around takes longer than you’d think as roads bit ropey.

Ooooh I'm a qualified Nursery Nurse/TA. Might be worth us setting up together @memememe!

We are looking to move to IOW. 2 young kids and a vulnerable adult. Family of 5. Love Portsmouth and Bristol but as IOW isn’t too far away and is less expensive we figured it could be ideal. We are both 40. Hubby is French and a welder. I’m an actress. Is this the right place for Us! We miss the nature, the sunshine of France but I like buzz and hustle And baby clubs and family stuff. Is this a good place to make friends? Easy to get into different Clubs Etc? A young family community vibe like Brighton or Bristol or Essex? Arts n crafts? Things to do - changing and evolving... Etc etc I’m worried it could be a bit dead for us ... I’m very excited about this place but I need to hear some more about what’s good for family living?!

Hello there,
Sorry I know this is an old post but I just wondered how you were getting on and if you made the move?

I have a 5year old and 3 year old girls. We love the IOW for holidays and my parents are retiring there. Just trying to decide if we follow them and move too.

Due to the pandemic my husband has rhe opportunity to work from home permanently, so jobs aren't an issue.

Thanks so much, really hope it's all worked out for you and the other people who were planning to move x