"It's the rather inbred or elderly population, lack of "culture" (cinemas, theatres, etc) and (in the case of the IOM) the dreadful weather. I've been to most of these places and it feels like living in a small UK village, with the net curtains probably twitching as you walk past, with everybody gossiping... except if you live in the "right" sort (i.e. expensive property) of UK mainland village you are only a short distance from a train station to London, Brighton, etc."
This is why many CI "residents" are not to be found on the islands for much of the year! According to a patient of mine who is a tax avoidance specialist nobody is counting days residents spend on the islands (or on the mainland for that matter). Just remember to pay for everything is cash and not use your credit card!!
IO, I would much rather be in St Helier than Peckham at the moment - the ASBO count is just so much lower and handguns are not de-rigeur, also some good restaurants and bars.
The thought of being run over by Jeremy Clarkson puts me off IOM, I agree too bloody cold by half - Jersey has at least 1-2 degrees difference.
SB