I used to live there.
it is a nice place to visit, but if you have dreams It seems IMO not to be the place to get them.
if I was 65 then I would love the place.
whoever said it was dirty must of had blinkers on, most places on the UK mainland dont come close to the sea area and layed back way on the IOW and are dirty, you weill fine the streets clean, maybe not every house have a window cleaner, but being dirty I think not, oldie worldie yes for sure.
Go there make your own mind up is what I would say.
Ian
p.s go from from portsmouth or southampton, I didnt even know lymingtom was still available, cheapest is not always best