[Randall55]

Originally Posted by polirudb

My son and his family moved to Middleton almost a year ago. They originally were planning on moving to Oxford Oaks, a similar established non age restricted community off 301 and 466. They decided on Middleton because of the schools and because it was a brand new community. Fast forward almost a year later, they are extremely disappointed in Middleton. There was a lot of hype when the houses first went on sale. I remember our realtor telling us they may not be able to get in until phase two or three because phase one would sell out the first day. Over a year later, empty houses and empty lots everywhere. He has had numerous problems with his house and the customer service stinks. They have an excuse for everything. The lots are extremely small, nothing like Oxford Oaks. They have 5 feet between houses, and a seven foot backyard. The front yards are tiny, their bedroom is almost on the street. Almost a year later, there is no infrastructure and no signs of any coming soon, despite what their videos say. The only thing open is Citizens Bank, which just opened. They used inferior sod in many of homes and refuse to do anything about it. The closest grocery store or gas station is on Warm Springs (Magnolia Plaza), 7 miles and 15 minutes away each way. Same for restaurants and fast food, all things that are important, especially to young families. Phase Two has literally dozens of empty overgrown lots that have been empty and unsold since they were released well over a year ago. The dirt from those lots flies around the community and requires them to constantly pressure clean their walls and windows. The community pool is a nice feature, but the pavers they used get so dangerously hot it actually burns my grandson's feet going from the chairs to the pool. The houses are expensive, compared to other developments, especially when you add the bond. Most floor plans are complicated, the most practical ones seem to be the ones they copied from The Villages (the Endzone/Woodside). The only way your child can go to the schools is if one on the parents works for The Villages or works for a business on Villages property. That certainly limits the number of jobs available and the pay. They wish they would have bought elsewhere and like others are considering putting their house for sale at the end of the year and are also considering the Clermont/Mineola area.

Everything you stated is why my son and his family are planning to move. Looks like other families are feeling the same. Kiddos are young for a short time. Ours keep saying they feel "stranded in the middle of nowhere."