Contemplating to relocate to the island

papusica · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 2

My husband and I contemplating to relocate to the island in the near future but we would like to know how is it like to live there? We are mature people with no children so it is only myself who is 45 and my husband who is 75 happily married (10 years) and making this move will give us a grand opportunity to settle, hopefully for a nice retirement in the years to come. We are very pleasant people, friendly, sociable, maybe a bit shy to start with but that's not a problem especially with myself, we like meeting people, we like things English which unfortunately, as anyone knows, this sort of identity is gradually disappearing specially where we live in NW London, with the influx of immigration, we are environmentally friendly and many good qualities that surely the island will benefit, it deserve it as it is such a lovely place. What we are terrified about is crime. We've heard that Ryde is, sadly, full of crime committed by yobs... it brakes our hearts to hear/see that such evil can take over and turn one into a bad guy. Where do you think it is safe, pleasant to live. We'd love to be close to amenities but also not far away from the beauty of nature, so something in between. We do rely on advice from you friends and then we can process it in our minds then act accordingly. How are medical facilities like hospitals, doctors, dentists? We look forward to hearing from you and as it is the New Year let us wish you all the best and prosperity and a very Happy 2010!

Papusica (dolly)

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lsc73 · Joined: 09 Apr 2009 Posts: 37

EinsteinsGhost · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 92 Location: Ryde

Hi Papsicua,

I live in Ryde having moved here from London, Ladbroke Grove, but also worked in Kilburn in NW London. Ryde can be a bit ' lively' in the summer months, but in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour it's a dream compared to London. That said, if you want real peace and quiet, West Wight may be better for you. But don't rule out the east, including Ryde. It's better for transport linkes for example if you need to travel to the mainland and there are plenty of shops/restaurants/bars etc..

Wight Portal · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 316 Location: Carisbrooke

It amazes me how many people turn to local forums for information about a place they feel would be a good place to relocate. To up sticks and move is a big decision, reading the rose coloured experiences of others isn't really going to help, you are an individual with individual ideas on what makes life good or bad.
When you buy a car whether it be new out of the showroom or used out of the local paper, you test drive it right?

That's my advice here Papsicua. Have yourself 2 fortnight holidays, one in the middle of the summer season, the other in the depth of winter. Don't stay in one place, book into a different B&B each night, because if you are relying on our public transport then you'll be clock watching all the time.
By having 2 holidays, you get to see the Island warts and all.

As for crime, I don't know much about North London, as my paternal side of the family come from South of the river, but I guarantee that there's more crime in a month between Thornton Heath and the end of Purley Way than there is here on the Island in a year.
It's also a totally different sort of crime here. We suffer with vandalism and petty theft. Ten years or so ago I walked out of East Croydon Station and there was 2 youths, no more than 17-18, re-enacting the gun fight at the OK Corral. We don't get that here yet!

The health service here is no different to anywhere else. It's pot luck, some people can't praise it enough other unfortunates who haven't had such a good experience will slag it off no end. At the end of the day these poor people are just trying to do their jobs under immense pressure from those in charge not to spend money.

papusica · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 2

Thank you very much for giving us good news about our concerns. It is much better now to know that whatever we thought of Ryde is not soooo scary. We are pleased for the people there and for us because it'll make it easier to think further about our future move.

As you rightly say west Wight is very quiet but also the east or rather south east can be good. We hope we are not being cheeky by trying to ask too many questions... and it is great to be able to get feed back from people who have done the same thing as us and now they, hopefully, are very happy.

We were wondering how are the summers like? Can they get very hot and very dry? In NW London when it gets hot it is unbearable hot and we don't like it. Are there good doctors, dentists, hospitals? Are there any landslides? We have heard that this can happen and it is a bit worrying.

We know that there is no work at all but as I have worked as a receptionist for many years maybe a part time job will be somewhat easier and that will be ok, hope the communities there a nice and friendly and so we can feel relaxed.

Well, once again we are grateful for your replies and we thank you very, very much and give our kind regards to you all. Smile