Isle of Wight

scaredlady

Paul_iow wrote: »

I grew up and lived on the island for 25 years and although it is a great place I would agree with a lot of things people have said above.

Firstly I would go for somewhere either central or east of the island. The west, freshwater etc, are very nice but are quite rural and although they don't seem far away in distance it can take a while, upwards of over an hour, to cross one side of the island to the other. Buses aren't cheap either but I guess you will probably be getting bus pass if you are looking to retire there.

Vent nor is nice, used to work there, but it has a lot of youth problems and is very very hilly! Not great as you get older with mobility problems. I used to work in the NHS and had many elderly patients moan about the hills. Just something to think about. Home insurance can also be very difficult on the south/west island as a lot of it is crumbling into the sea. Another thought.

Ferries. They are expensive. Especially in the summer and it can be hard to get on one, not impossible and you soon learn when they are busy, but it does become a pain especially for people visiting. It also adds a lot of time on to any journey.

St Mary's Hospital. Ts is one of the nicest hospitals I have worked in and heard/received very few complaints about. There will always be some who aren't happy but there is a private hospital if his is more your thing.

Bembridge is nice but very expensive. I used to live in St Helena, next village to Bembridge, and although it is a nice area there are an awful lot of holiday homes which are only occupied a few weeks a year. This means it can be dead in the winter and extremely busy in the summer. There are also very few shops about due to the low number of people around generally.

If I was in your position I would take 6 months and rent somewhere around Shanklin area. It will give you a good idea of island life, especially if you stat around June time so you get to know what summer and winter life is like there. It will also allow you to explore and find out if it is what you want.

Ay questions feel free to ask and I'll try and answer for you

Oh what a very helpful reply.thank you. We currently live next door to OHs father.he is over 90 but in good health at the moment. OH has lived in this village all his life so when the time comes it will be difficult to get him to move anywhere!!!!!!! I will bear all your comments in mind.We are hoping to visit next June and stay in various hotels around the island so we can get an idea which area we like best. I already have mobility probs so maybe Ventnoris not the place for. Us.