The 3 most important things in real estate:
Location, Location, Location

Amenities
 

Middleton residents don’t get access to The Villages amenities.

Yes. We both work qualifying jobs to keep our kids in school. Nice thing is if one were to lose a job. The other qualifies the kids.

Actually there are a number of families who live here in Middleton whose kids go to Sumterville or Panofskee or where ever.

And there are a lot of ex-villagers who bought here for the “more for less” house. A lot of retirees here.

After over 15 years of living in TV one thing we realize there are many who live here who don’t play golf don’t join clubs or use any sports facilities. They moved here because of convenience the closeness of shopping sometimes they don’t drive a car sometimes their health doesn’t allow them to do .

The developer built schools for the betterment of employees offspring years ago. There are Hundreds who live in Oxford Oaks & Middleton, work for businesses on TV properties, just to have access to the Schools. I only know of a few occasions in 15 years that a parent lost their on property employment. We know many physicians who work on property for VHS privilege. With the addition of the Spectrum Center, the on property draw is sought after. We would never worry about losing employment, our jobs were already in high demand even if we needed employment in TV, just look for a different opportunity within the guidelines.

We know many who would sacrifice living a different area or life, so their children can have a safe, quality education. Do they worry about selling a house later, or missing the amenities you point out. Definitely not.
Children first, parents life second, thankfully our parents and our children believe if you choose to have a child, sacrifice of golf game, club meeting, driving countless hours to the multitude of sports events, or for some delaying retirement is never a difficult decision.

That’s why I’m stuck here. I cannot in good conscience put my kids back into a public school. Not after having them in this school.

And actually I’m counting on the appeal of the school and the neighborhood to jack the price of my Middleton home up so when I’m done. We can cash out and smile smile smile.

Interesting! So glad Middleton is a success, and the schools look amazing to me. We are just a 20 minute golf cart ride to that area and enjoy visiting occasionally to see what’s new. It just keeps getting better and better. :)

Middleton vs. The Villages
 

I had the most up front, honest sales rep at the Villages and through our conversations tailored it to this:
-Middleton is a lot cheaper yes, for the same build quality product
-The Villages proper gives you access to all the clubs/amenities - not importantly, this doesn't just mean Golf. Let's ignore all the golf options for a second. Maybe you want to join the Corvette Club. Or the Softball Club. Especially for single retirees wanting to meet people these clubs / rec centers are clutch.
-Middleton prices won't come up to Villages prices (sorry Ruger) because of the above point
-Middleton will have a great downtown (though it may take 1-2 years to feel it) and Eastport is super close. Those living in Middleton can thus go to downtown Middleton and/or Eastport for restaurants/things to do/nice walks, etc. + if they want go to the other Town Squares further up north.

Middleton has a great community of people/neighbors from what I'm hearing and you can have a great life there. Just depends on your individual situation. If you care more about the town squares and have a spouse/good friends in the area already it's fine. If you're a single retiree and don't know anyone paying more to be in the Villages ecosystem could make sense.

And what 2 retired people need that?

I don't need Middleton to come up to The Villages. I need The Villages prices to keep going crazy to increase the demand and subsequently the price of my home. $1,000,000 water front homes just make my waterfront home that much more desirable (to Villagers and non-Villagers alike). But I get what you were trying to say.

In a few years we will probably have the ability to go South or SE or SW to a square as well. Surrounding Middleton by The Villages will only increase our desirability..........I think.

Middleton is killing the retirement feel in that area. 6-8 passenger golf carts full of kids doing 25-30 mph on the MMP's, kids on scooters and ebikes zooming down the MMP's after dark , without lights, on their way to McDonalds, soccer Mom's driving like Mario Andreti rushing the kids to school - might as well be in an Orlando suburb.

Guess I haven't noticed that. Makes sense Marsh Bend trails would be busy with kids headed to Magnolia.

I do notice the school traffic. But that's more likely non-Middleton people bringing the kids in and out. Just wait until the school kids are on Shallow Creek Golf Course all fall.

Where?

Are the Middleton kids really taking their scooters and bikes five miles up the MMP to the McDonalds at Magnolia? Where are the soccer moms coming from as they are driving like Mario Andretti to the school in Middleton?

It's probably more the high school kids. I see them leave everyday. Same as when I was 16 and leaving the school, aggressively and with speed.

You live in Middleton, yes? So kids are acting like kids in their own neighborhood??? Have we forgotten what we were like as kids or am I the only one who had an active childhood?

Yes I live in Middleton. Reading your response it appears you are borderline attempting to call me out on something. If so, you best reread my responses.

I personally get a kick out of watching the kids be kids. And more so I get a kick out of watching seniors who moved to Middleton bitch about kids being kids.