living on the isle of white and commuting to the mainland

markw · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi, I'm looking to move the island later this year but will need to commute most week days to Southampton. Was thinking that probaly Cowes is going to be the best or at least the most convenient place to live. Does nayone have any views on living in Cowes and cummting daily to the mainland. Also, have two daughters who will need to go to school in Cowes. Hope to get some feedback.
Cheers,
Mark

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laineyiow · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 184

Hiya Mark

Have you now moved to the Island? When I first moved here I commuted to Southampton on a daily basis on the Redjet passenger ferry and didn't find it that bad, but will admit it can get a bit of a drag at times and can be very tiring. Are you thinking of using the passenger or car ferry? as, of course, this could have an affect on which side of Cowes you live!

markw · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
In the main I will use the Redjet and leave a car on the Red Triangle car park in Southampton. Can't believe they've just put the car park season ticket up from £1,040 to £1,500 per annum! Will have to commute at least 4 days a week but will try and make some Fridays a home working day. From Southampton docks i will have about a 20 minute drive.
Cheers,
mark

laineyiow · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 184

If the car parking is over £1,000 per annum your cost of commuting is going to be extremely high - isn't the cost of a redjet season ticket now over £1,000 too?

Have you decided on the area where you are going to live? It does sound like you are going to need to live quite close to the centre of Cowes in order that you can walk to the redjet terminal, as you wouldn't want the added expense of a bus ride (bus fares are astronomical!). You could of course live East Cowes as I understand that housing is a little cheaper on that side of Cowes and get the floating bridge across - think this might still be free for foot passengers, but not sure about that.

markw · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi,
Yea it is now well over £1,000 for a season ticket and actually nearly £2,000! Was thinking of looking for a place fairly central in Cowes and had thought about E Cowes but not looked seriously yet as to what is available. Will probably rent for six months or so to get a feel of the place first and then buy. Even with the cost of commuting, living on the IofW still seems a lot cheaper than buying on the mainland and particulalrly on the outskirts of the new forest where i had been looking. I hear they are going to completely redevelop E Cowes?

big gus · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 9

Hi Mark,

We're in the process of buying a business in Ryde and the links to the mainland are good there (althought to Portsmouth, rather than Southampton).

There is a huge development planned there - of the promenade/seafront/pier and so transport will get even better.

Have a look, it may give you a different option than purely relying on Cowes. I'm not an expert on either area.

Good luck,
Gus

laineyiow · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 184

Suppose it depends where Mark works? If he works not far from Southampton then Portsmouth isn't going to be that good for him to commute to as he will spend any savings on extra commuting.

goonerman · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 2 Location: West Wight

Hi everyone

Just wanted to say hello. My family and I are moving to the Island in July, and have bought a house in Freshwater.

Been planning this move for years now, and finally the time has come. My situation is a bit different travel wise, I will be staying in London for 4 days and return to the Island for 4 days etc, and will be using the Lymington/Freshwater route mainly.

Really looking forward to becoming a part of the IOW, and hopefully we can make a positive contribution to a wonderful place.

Take care

Mark

laineyiow · Joined: 16 May 2008 Posts: 184