[Goldwingnut]

They are selling well in Middleton, but it is also a different market and target demographic so the volume and rate of homes being sold is not close to what is seen in the Age Restricted part of The Villages. Looking at the homes and prices they appear to be about 20-30% cheaper than in the AR part of TV, but then they are also not buying the same lifestyle. Looking around the state, the prices are comparable to many areas.

You don't have to work for The Villages or one of the designated companies to buy and live there, only to go to the schools. Interestingly a few weeks ago I was in one of the open houses looking around (very nice features in the homes!) and as always had my ears tuned into the conversations that were happening. One younger couple (mid-30's) was discussing the schools with the sales rep and how to get their children enrolled. They were directed to the charter school website and Villages website for information on companies that qualified. The couple wanted to get their children in the Charter schools because of their reputation and were going to relocate from the Orlando area to Middleton if she could find eligible employment and her would commute to Orlando daily and keep his apparently well-paying job. After the couple left, I started talking with the sales agent about the home and then and asked them about the young couple. Their scenario is apparently one the sales agents have been hearing frequently in the past few months and is helping to drive sales.

One has to wonder, did the developer anticipate this growth avenue and plan for it, and if they have, is this a new market they are developing? With over 8,000 family homes planned for Middleton plus the family homes in Coleman Ridge, it does seem a possibility.