Are you considering living on the Isle of Wight?
Moving to a new area is never easy, especially when relocating to an island!
The Isle of Wight offers a unique lifestyle, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming community, but it’s important to understand exactly what to expect before you move.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from house prices and employment to schools and healthcare, giving you all the information you need about living on the Isle of Wight.
1. House Prices on the Isle of Wight
Although property prices on the Isle of Wight have historically been lower than those on mainland UK, recent years have seen prices steadily rise.
However, the island remains affordable compared to nearby Hampshire, with an average property price of £297,525, considerably less than Hampshire’s £391,118.
The Isle of Wight boasts a mix of characterful Victorian homes and modern developments. Areas like Bembridge and St Helens offer high-end homes, while locations such as Ryde provide more affordable options starting from around £50,000 for a one or two-bedroom flat.
Popular locations to consider include:
- Bembridge
- St Helens
- Ventnor
- Shanklin
- Godshill
- Yarmouth
2. Best Places to Live on the Isle of Wight
Each area on the Isle of Wight offers its own charm:
- Bembridge: Exclusive coastal properties and a relaxed community.
- Cowes: Famous for sailing, bustling with vibrant events and activities.
- Ryde: Affordable housing, popular beaches, and easy ferry access.
- Ventnor: Beautiful seaside views and a thriving arts scene.
- Yarmouth: A quaint and historic harbour town.
3. Cost of Living
The overall cost of living on the Isle of Wight is comparable to mainland southern England. Grocery prices can be slightly higher due to ferry transport, but budget supermarkets like Lidl, Asda, and Morrisons help offset costs.
Local farm shops, such as Farmer Jacks near Newport, offer excellent fresh produce at reasonable prices. Residents also enjoy numerous markets, car boot sales, and flea markets throughout the island.
4. Education and Schools
Education on the Isle of Wight has transitioned from a three-tier system to a two-tier system (Primary and Secondary), and most schools have small class sizes, ideal for one-to-one teaching.
There are 69 local education authority-maintained schools, as well as two excellent independent schools:
- Ryde School with Upper Chine: Day and boarding from nursery to Sixth Form.
- Priory School: Independent education from ages 4-18.
Further education is available at Medina College near Newport, offering a broad range of courses and adult learning opportunities.
5 . Healthcare on the Isle of Wight
Healthcare services on the Isle of Wight are high-quality but somewhat limited due to the island’s size. St. Mary’s Hospital in Newport has an Accident & Emergency department and provides comprehensive care. However, specialist treatments occasionally require travel to mainland hospitals, supported by patient transport services.
Upon moving, it’s important to register with a local GP to ensure access to primary healthcare.
6. Job Opportunities and Employment
Employment can be challenging, but opportunities exist, especially within:
- Tourism and hospitality
- Agriculture, notably salad and vegetable growing
- Maritime industries and boat building
- Renewable energy and composite materials manufacturing
Major employers include Vestas, St Mary’s Hospital, and various holiday companies.
Job seekers can explore current opportunities on the dedicated Isle of Wight jobs website.
7. Local Transport: Getting Around the Isle of Wight
Transport options are plentiful. Frequent ferry services from Portsmouth, Southampton, and Lymington connect the island to the mainland.
Residents enjoy discounts on ferry services, especially at off-peak times.
On the island, comprehensive bus services provide affordable and eco-friendly transport. For drivers, the island’s compact size makes exploring by car easy and convenient.
8. Isle of Wight Weather
The Isle of Wight enjoys some of the UK’s best weather, with significantly more sunshine hours compared to London and most of the mainland.
The average high temperature in August is around 22°C, providing pleasant summers ideal for beach days and outdoor activities.
9. Online Connectivity
Internet and mobile connectivity are continually improving on the island, attracting a younger demographic and remote workers.
The area with the best internet speeds is West Cowes, offering average speeds of around 173.32 Mbps.
Click here to check out some of the current speeds.
10. Things to Do on the Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is brimming with attractions and events, including:
- Cowes Week: A famous sailing event every August.
- Walking Festival: The UK’s largest walking event each May.
- Family Attractions: Blackgang Chine theme park.
- Historical Sites: Carisbrooke Castle and numerous museums.
- Beautiful Beaches: Appley Beach, Seagrove, and Sandown.
11. Pros and Cons of Living on the Isle of Wight
Pros:
- Affordable housing compared to nearby counties
- Exceptional outdoor lifestyle
- Friendly community
- Lower crime rates
- Good schools with smaller class sizes
Cons:
- Slightly higher grocery prices
- Limited specialist healthcare facilities
- Ferry costs and reliance on the mainland for certain services
Ready to Begin Living on the Isle of Wight?
Whether you’re drawn to its beautiful landscapes, friendly communities, or slower pace of life, moving to the Isle of Wight offers a unique and rewarding experience.
For professional assistance with your move, Curtiss & Sons Portsmouth is an experienced and trusted removals company.
Contact us today on 023 9298 5830 or fill out our quick quote form, and let our friendly team assist with your move to the Isle of Wight.
FAQs about Living on the Isle of Wight
Is the Isle of Wight a good place to retire? Yes, the Isle of Wight offers excellent healthcare, a relaxed lifestyle, and vibrant communities ideal for retirement.
What job opportunities are there on the Isle of Wight? Tourism, agriculture, maritime industries, renewable energy, and healthcare are prominent employment sectors.
How long is the ferry from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight? The ferry from Portsmouth takes around 45 minutes by FastCat or approximately one hour by car ferry.
What is the Isle of Wight weather like year-round? Mild and sunnier than most of the UK, with warm summers and mild winters.
