Just had a quick look at the review before this and I know its been a while - but thought I would give an idea of the IOM etc.

The population is approx 72000 - of these I believe only about 40-45% are Manx people.

There are 4 main Towns in the IOM. Douglas (the capital) in the East, Ramsey in the North, Peel on the West side and Castletown in the South.

The island is approx 32 miles long by 12 miles wide.

Tthe main "working" centre of the island is in Douglas - as are the shops. Dont expect massive shops - but there is a Tesco, M & S, Woolworths & Boots to name a few.

The main employment industry is now in banking, offshore insurance and finance in general. It has been a number of years since the Island thrived on Tourism for its income.

The local language is English and there are still a small number of people on the island that speak the local language - Manx.

If you wanted to move & work on the IOM - you may need a work permit. There are a number of exceptions to this and these can include being classed as and IOM worker (married to an IOM worker or has a child that was born in the IOM), or is from a specialist occupation such as doctor, dentist, minsiter of relion etc.

Unemplyment is low and is less than 1% of the population at this time.

Living on the IOM can be expensive - as shopping (general food shopping) can be inflated and follows Ireland prices. Property prices for buying & renting are also more expensive than mainland UK. However - a lot of employers do offer a higher salary than they would on the mainland.

It should also be remembered that txation is 10% for the lower band & 18% for higher tax band. Child Benefit is also slightly higher.

From personal experience - the island in the spring & summer months can be beautiful, with some lovely beaches and rambling countryside.

However in the winter months - when darker nights and wet & windy weather arrives - it can be very bleak and "cold". Its also times like these you have to remember that the only way to get on & off is by plane & boat and in the winter it is not unknown for either of these (especially the latter) to be cancelled due to bad weather!

There is also very little to do & places to go for families & children.