Isle of Man

[Ste1115]

Not really sure what group to put this in. Im looking to move to the Isle of Man. I have 3 children aged 15, 6 and 3. Im looking for anyone who loves there or has lived there who can tell me the pros and cons. I do have some family over there and ideally would like to move to Peel, I like the simple life. I will be working at my auties business when I move.

Anyone any information? I will be renting so my auntie will sort that out. Im just wondering how much money o would need behind me to make the move.

Thanks guys

You need to check first whether you will get a work permit.

You can't just move there if you're not a citizen - they are quite picky about who they allow to live there. Also at the moment while Covid is around there is no chance of you being allowed in in the near future.

When things open up again, it's a nice enough place to live. Kind of like Britain but with a few quirks - no speed limits, that sort of thing. Plus plenty of motorbike racing when the pandemic is over - if you lived near the TT course get ready for your life to be disrupted significantly for several weeks of the year. (Of course you can make a killing with visitors if you live right next to the circuit, charging fans to watch from your garden.)

It's more expensive to live there of course because it's more expensive for things to be shipped over.

Peel might be alright for avoiding the TT, the course turns off at St Johns and heads to Kirk Michael via the A3.

I don't live there but have visited enough to have a bit of an insight.

A lot of day to day living is more expensive than the mainland due to the cost of getting things over to the island and reduced competition.

Eg petrol, food, eating out, I think there's only the main Tesco in Douglas, plus a few shops that sell Iceland and maybe Waitrose goods, then you're down to Co-ops and independents, which are generally more expensive. Some online shopping from UK businesses are likely to be more expensive, but might be the same price if delivered by Royal Mail.

But if you have enough to cover the basics and are happy with a simple, outdoorsy life, you might quite enjoy it there. Lots of walking, beaches, cycling etc available.

The Isle of Man government website will have all the information about work permits, schools, medical services etc that you'd need to arrange before moving there. Plus whether there's any financial help available for families on low incomes if that's relevant.

A basic question to ask your Auntie, unless you have savings you're planning to use, is whether what she'll be paying you will cover the rent, bills and other costs of supporting a family on the Island?

The Island is a great place to live if it suits you. The history and scenery is amazing and it is a very safe place to live. Great for the outdoors life! People are very proud to be Manx and the pace of life of slower and people do tend to know each other’s business.

There are limitations and obviously things are different at the moment with Covid but will put that to one side for now!

There is the obvious issue of being on a small island - you can’t get anywhere else very easily so holidays etc have additional complications. The weather can be awful at times (and glorious!).

Shopping is limited and lots of firms don’t deliver or charge large fees for IOM deliveries. You can’t just nip to primark for a top! Lots of people will have a day trip to Liverpool for a shopping trip. Things can be a bit limiting for teenagers if you have children.

Everyday items are expensive as is housing etc. You will pay less tax but do your sums! Peel is a very small town and possibly more “local” than other places but I guess you will know your aunt so that may not be so bad.

The Island is looking for new residents especially families at the moment but as a PP said have a look on the website.

Thank you. Im.lookimg to move in August time hopefully x

Lots of people will have a day trip to Liverpool for a shopping trip

In normal times, this isn't as extravagant or outlandish as it may first sound. I always went the other way as I was making work trips to the Island, but I've been numerous times for under £100 return and that's without booking ahead or looking for cheap flights.

Without covid and the collapse of Flybe getting in the way, it would have been very easy to go on a day trip or weekend break to Liverpool (or Manchester and Manchester airport is very near to the Trafford Centre) for maybe around £50 return flight and a cheap Travelodge or similar, which would definitely be worth doing a couple of times a year if you wanted a proper shopping day or cheapish break away or visit friends and family on the mainland.

I think covid has obviously got in the way of the lost Flybe flights being properly replaced, but seeing as the Island relies on sending patients to big hospitals in Liverpool and Manchester for some more specialist medical treatments, eg some cancer therapies, once everything gets back to normal, this will probably be available again.

A day trip on the boat to Liverpool is even cheaper again so it is a very regular thing. People even do it to attend football matches!

Just as note to the reality of island living. Due to adverse weather the boat hasn’t sailed today. That means no freight so no newspapers and delayed deliveries. They can send some stuff via plane but delays like this are the reality of island life! No same say Amazon prime deliveries for sure

Oh and having to go away for medical treatment as mentioned above is another consideration. This covers a lot of specialities and can cause added stress.

I do think this is funny - an insight into island thinking

Thanks everyone. Does anyone know what the wage is there for a plumber i cant find it anywhere xx