MIddleton update from The Villages
 

Drone flyover in Middleton takes a look at Lake Harlow & Dry Creek Parks.

Shows the construction progress on the many homes, pools and various amenities.

https://youtu.be/BxECkp88v2I

Update on the childhood development center.

https://youtu.be/igiKBu3tQVE

Executive Golf Updates

https://youtu.be/ejsY4LPTOck

Love the idea of Middleton, but the feedback I've received from our kids, and that has been relayed to me by others I know that have kids, is "not interested".

Their reasons vary, but mostly it's just "not where I want to be" or "not where I want to raise my kids".

Those are more emotional responses, but I would also ask:

1. Where will everyone shop? - Other than Magnolia Plaza, it's a long way to the stores on 441. Working parents aren't going to be too interested in that.

2. Charter School system eligibility - One of the biggest draws, but young people change jobs with some frequency. If I start out with an eligible job, but that changes in a couple of years, what happens? Do I have to pull my kids out of school? Will I have to sell my house and leave?

I don't think it helps that there is a prison just a mile away either. Certainly not a benefit, unless you want to be close by to visit someone there :laugh:

I know people with children who easily found good jobs here, have bought homes and are moving there

Initial/primary attraction will likey be people with children already in the schools. And to help recruit long term employees who want their children in the charter schools.

A (walkable) commercial center is under construction in Middleton. Plenty of shopping in Clermount or Leesburg far easier to reach than 441. Probably more to come in the commercial property zoned near 470/Turnpike.

The reality is that prison is quieter than a National Park and safer than being near the commercial strips along 441.

I look forward to the opportunity to attend high school football games and maybe the theatrical/musical performances of the students.

When it comes to the topic of shopping (other than the basic "wash and repeat" Villages style Publix shopping plazas) near Middleton my posts are "broken records". There isn't any. You have to drive about 20 miles to hit a Walmart super store up north or drive to Leesburg another 20 miles at least. Ocala same 30 plus.

It baffles me that more stores don't see the need for their services south of 44. Shopping seems to be absent from the minds of developers that are what, too successful to need to shop themselves or do everything online?

Not sure what gives but once you live in T V you realize you need to make a list and plan a day of shopping if you don't really like driving that far. I hate taking business away from local shops but Amazon sadly is the easiest method of shopping.

I hope you are right. Really. I want to see it being successful, and maybe at some point convincing my kids to move in.

But right now I'm skeptical. Let's see how things go.

I make it a point to ask the people working in the Developer commercial spaces about the school. Most/many took the job because of the ability to send their kids to the school. Having housing near by will help.

Exactly.

People with school age children probably prefer living close to schools than shopping. Within walking distance is even better.

Just FYI Middleton to Walmart Leesburg is 24 minutes, that's faster than Fenny to Sam's Club on 441.

Google Maps

But I'm so with you on the lack of stores south of 44. It's like they can't pack them in tight enough on 466a but down south it's a retail desert. I'm sure it'll get better, old timers say 466 used to look just like Warm Springs back in the day.

Joe

Thank you
 

I love it a positive response!! Look for the good not the bad all the time. Thank you

If you build it, they will come. There will soon be lots of retail surrounding Middleton because there are lots of open commercial lots in the area and because you are building a consumer base. Let's see if I'm wrong before you criticize.

Good videos.

Which is why we say this place isn't for everyone. There are those that recognize the value and those that do not. Not sure why it's important that your kids don't want to be here, it is their choice.

It will take a couple years but you may be surprised on the shopping opportunities that will be available. You will have access to the closest Costco location for one. The marketing groups of businesses make the decision on where to locate and density will help that. When TV started everyone drove to Ocala to shop, as population and demographics changed business's moved in. Not a Developer issue, they are making the facilities available including a couple in Middleton but it will be up to the business's to determine if it is for them.

There is no rule that says your kids must go to the Charter School. If they choose to attend it is a family commitment. There are rules for attendance which are available online.

I find it interesting that people with less than a couple hundred posts have the "sky is falling" attitude so early in their opinions.

Why would anyone go all the way up to 441? Leesburg is much closer, and has plenty of stores and things that Lady Lake doesn't have. Lady Lake doesn't really have much that any town in Florida with 25k people doesn't have.

In the medium to long term Middleton has a more desirable location than Spanish Springs really. 40 mins to Orlando (Costco, Trader Joe's, Ikea, theme parks, etc).