Is Kissimmee, Florida a good area? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want easy access to Disney World, warm weather year-round, and low taxes, it’s a strong contender. But if you’re hoping for quiet streets, top-tier public schools, or a walkable downtown, you’ll hit some bumps. Kissimmee isn’t just a Disney suburb-it’s a real city with its own rhythm, challenges, and surprises.
Why people choose Kissimmee
Most people come to Kissimmee because of Disney. The city sits just 10 miles from the Magic Kingdom, and hundreds of vacation rentals line the roads leading to the parks. But beyond tourism, locals stay because of affordability. Compared to Orlando’s urban core, housing here is cheaper. A three-bedroom home in Kissimmee averages around $350,000, while similar homes in Orlando can push $450,000 or more. That difference adds up, especially for families or retirees on a fixed income.Florida has no state income tax, which means your paycheck stretches further. Property taxes are higher than in some states, but they’re still manageable, especially if you qualify for the Homestead Exemption. For many, it’s the combination of low taxes, warm winters, and proximity to theme parks that makes Kissimmee appealing.
The downside: traffic, crime, and sprawl
Kissimmee’s growth hasn’t been smooth. The city added over 20,000 residents between 2015 and 2025. That means more cars, more congestion, and longer commutes. US Highway 192, the main drag connecting Kissimmee to Disney and Orlando, turns into a parking lot during peak hours. If you work in Orlando or need to get to the airport, plan for at least 45 minutes of driving time, even on a good day.Crime is another concern. Kissimmee’s violent crime rate is about 20% higher than the Florida average, and property crime is even higher. Most incidents happen in the downtown core or near major tourist corridors-not necessarily in the family neighborhoods. Still, it’s something to consider. Areas like Gateway and Poinciana have better safety ratings, but they’re farther from the action.
The city feels spread out. There’s no real downtown with cafes, bookstores, or local shops. Most shopping happens at big-box stores like Walmart, Target, or the Osceola County Mall. If you’re used to walkable towns or farmers’ markets, you’ll miss them here. Kissimmee doesn’t have the charm of St. Augustine or the vibe of Sarasota. It’s functional, not picturesque.
Schools and family life
Public schools in Kissimmee are a mixed bag. Osceola County Schools rank below the Florida state average in test scores. Some schools, like Gateway High, have made progress in recent years with new programs and community support. But if you’re looking for top-tier academics, you’ll need to look at private schools or consider moving to nearby Celebration or Windermere.For families with young kids, the parks and playgrounds are decent. The Kissimmee Lakefront Park has splash pads, picnic areas, and even a small train ride. There are also plenty of youth sports leagues-soccer, baseball, and flag football are big here. The city hosts annual events like the Kissimmee Rodeo and the Holiday Lights Festival, which draw crowds and give a sense of community.
Weather and outdoor living
Florida weather means long summers and short winters. Kissimmee averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Winter highs hover around 75°F, making it a popular destination for snowbirds from the North. But summer? It’s hot, humid, and rainy. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in almost daily between June and September. You’ll need a good umbrella and a plan for indoor activities.On the bright side, there are plenty of lakes and nature spots. Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) is a hotspot for bass fishing-pro anglers come here for tournaments. The St. Cloud Wetlands and the Kissimmee River offer kayaking, birdwatching, and quiet trails. If you like being outside, you won’t run out of options. Just be prepared for mosquitoes, snakes, and the occasional alligator near the water.
Is it good for investors?
Kissimmee’s vacation rental market is strong. Short-term rentals near Disney bring in solid returns-some owners report 8-12% annual ROI after expenses. The demand stays high year-round because of events like the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Christmas at the Parks, and spring break crowds.But it’s not all profit. The city has tightened short-term rental rules. You now need a business license, proof of insurance, and to comply with noise ordinances. Some neighborhoods ban rentals entirely. And Airbnb and Vrbo fees can eat into your margins. If you’re thinking about buying a property to rent out, make sure you understand the local regulations before signing a contract.
Long-term rentals are also in demand, especially near the I-4 corridor. Tenants often work in hospitality, retail, or healthcare. Vacancy rates are low, and rent has climbed about 15% since 2022. But tenant turnover is high. Many renters are seasonal workers or families moving for jobs. You’ll need a solid screening process.
Who should live here?
Kissimmee works best for people who:- Work remotely or have flexible schedules
- Want to be close to Disney without paying Orlando prices
- Don’t mind driving everywhere
- Value low taxes and warm weather over walkable streets
- Are okay with average public schools if they’re using private or charter options
It’s less ideal if you:
- Need a vibrant downtown scene
- Prefer quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods
- Have teens who need strong public schools
- Want to avoid high humidity and summer storms
- Are looking for a low-crime, suburban feel without the commute
Final thoughts
Kissimmee isn’t perfect. But it’s not a mistake either. It’s a place where practicality meets opportunity. You won’t find the charm of a coastal town, but you’ll find more space, lower costs, and easy access to one of the world’s biggest tourist destinations. For many, that’s enough.If you’re thinking of moving here, visit in the summer. See how the heat hits. Drive the highways at rush hour. Talk to locals at the grocery store. Ask about their schools, their commute, their insurance rates. Don’t just rely on vacation rental listings or YouTube tours. Kissimmee rewards those who look beyond the theme park gates.
Is Kissimmee Florida safe to live in?
Safety in Kissimmee varies by neighborhood. Overall, the city has higher property crime and violent crime rates than the Florida average. Most incidents occur near tourist zones and downtown. Areas like Poinciana, Gateway, and the southern parts of the city have lower crime rates. Always check specific block-level data before renting or buying. Use resources like SpotCrime or the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office crime map for real-time updates.
How much does it cost to live in Kissimmee?
The cost of living in Kissimmee is about 5% lower than the Florida average and 20% lower than Orlando. A single person can live comfortably on $3,500-$4,500 a month, including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. A family of four might spend $6,000-$7,500. Housing is the biggest variable: a three-bedroom home averages $350,000, while a one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,400-$1,800. Property taxes are around 1.2% of home value, but the Homestead Exemption can cut that in half for primary residents.
Are the schools in Kissimmee any good?
Public schools in Kissimmee are below the state average in test scores. Osceola County ranks 58th out of 67 Florida counties for education. Some schools, like Gateway High and the STEM-focused Osceola County School for the Arts, have improved with new funding and community programs. For families serious about academics, private schools like St. Joseph Catholic School or charter schools like the Florida Virtual Academy offer better outcomes. Many parents also use homeschooling or online learning options.
Can you make money renting out property in Kissimmee?
Yes, but it’s not easy. Vacation rentals near Disney can earn $2,500-$5,000 a month in peak season. Annual returns of 8-12% are possible after accounting for cleaning, maintenance, platform fees, and property taxes. However, regulations have tightened. You need a business license, insurance, and must comply with noise and occupancy limits. Some HOAs ban short-term rentals entirely. Long-term rentals are more stable but offer lower returns-typically 4-6% ROI. Always consult a local property manager before investing.
What’s the best time to visit Kissimmee?
The best time to visit is between November and March. Temperatures are mild (65-80°F), humidity is lower, and crowds are smaller than during summer or holidays. April and May are also good, with fewer rain showers. Avoid June through September if you dislike heat and storms-afternoon thunderstorms are daily, and temperatures hit 90°F with 80% humidity. Hurricane season runs June to November, so check forecasts before booking.
Samuel Bennett
October 28, 2025 AT 11:49They say Kissimmee’s safe? Lol. You ever check the crime map at 2am? That ‘low crime’ area near Poinciana? The one with the 12 surveillance cameras and the guy selling ‘Disney tickets’ from a minivan? Yeah. That’s the one. They’re not just selling tickets. They’re selling your ID. And your car. And your soul. The city’s got a secret pipeline to the cartel. They call it ‘tourist flow.’
Rob D
October 28, 2025 AT 23:52Let me break this down for you, folks. This whole ‘Kissimmee is affordable’ narrative is a socialist Disney propaganda stunt. They’re flooding the area with cheap labor from India and Mexico to drive down wages. Meanwhile, real Americans are getting priced out by people who don’t even pay income tax because they’re from ‘another country.’ And don’t get me started on the alligators. They’re not wildlife-they’re surveillance drones for the New World Order. You think they’re just chillin’ in the lake? Nah. They’re listening. Always listening.
Franklin Hooper
October 29, 2025 AT 03:56There’s a comma missing after ‘year-round’ in the second paragraph. Also, ‘homestead exemption’ is capitalized incorrectly in three places. The grammar here is… concerning. And the assertion that Kissimmee has ‘no real downtown’ ignores the existence of the Kissimmee Civic Center. It’s not a plaza. It’s not charming. But it exists. So. There.
Jess Ciro
October 30, 2025 AT 16:20They don’t want you to know this but the whole Disney thing is a distraction. The government built Kissimmee as a testing ground for population control. The humidity? Designed to make you sluggish. The traffic? To keep you distracted. The schools? Underfunded on purpose so you don’t question the system. And the alligators? They’re trained. By the CIA. You think they just show up near the water? Nah. They’re sent. You’re being watched. Even now.
saravana kumar
November 1, 2025 AT 05:05Dear sir, I have lived in Hyderabad for 47 years. In India, we have no state income tax either. But we have culture. We have temples. We have chai. In Kissimmee, you have Walmart and a lake with alligators. I am not impressed. Also, the word ‘sprawl’ is misspelled in your document. It is S-P-R-A-W-L. Not S-P-R-A-W-L. You are welcome.
Tamil selvan
November 2, 2025 AT 16:05Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful, balanced perspective on Kissimmee. I truly appreciate how you acknowledged both the opportunities and the challenges-especially the nuanced discussion around public schools and rental regulations. It’s clear you’ve done your homework, and your tone is grounded in real experience. For anyone considering a move, this is exactly the kind of honest, well-researched insight we need more of.
Mark Brantner
November 3, 2025 AT 21:28ok so i just drove through kissimmee at 3am and saw a guy in a mickey mouse hat riding a golf cart with a chainsaw. i think the city is fine. also the alligators looked like they were holding sign that said ‘vote for bob’ so yeah. 10/10 would move here if they had wifi that works. also why is everything 20% more expensive than the youtube video said???
Kate Tran
November 5, 2025 AT 05:57Visited last winter. The lakefront park was lovely. The lady at the ice cream stand gave me an extra scoop. That’s the kind of thing you remember. The traffic? Yeah, brutal. But the sunsets over Lake Toho? Worth every minute stuck behind a minivan full of kids screaming ‘I NEED A DORITO!’
amber hopman
November 6, 2025 AT 01:01I moved here two years ago from Chicago. I was terrified of the crime stats, but my neighborhood? Super quiet. The HOA even organizes block parties. The schools aren’t perfect, but my kid’s art teacher started a mural project with local teens. It’s beautiful. And yes, the humidity is a beast-but I’ve learned to love the thunderstorms. They feel like nature’s reset button.
Jim Sonntag
November 6, 2025 AT 21:42Look, I get it. Kissimmee ain’t Santorini. But it’s not a dystopia either. I’m from Nigeria. I’ve seen real chaos. This? This is just… American sprawl with better air conditioning. The alligators? They’re just trying to live. Like us. The traffic? It’s the price of freedom. And the rent? Cheaper than Lagos. I’m not saying it’s perfect. But it’s home. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Deepak Sungra
November 8, 2025 AT 02:17My cousin moved here and now he’s got three alligators living in his backyard. He says they’re ‘chill.’ I say they’re plotting. And the schools? They don’t even teach cursive anymore. What is this world coming to? I cried for three days when I heard they replaced the library with a vape shop. And the humidity? It’s not weather. It’s a curse. I’m moving to Canada. At least there, the snow kills the bugs.
Samar Omar
November 9, 2025 AT 19:18One must consider the semiotic implications of Kissimmee’s urban morphology. The absence of a ‘true’ downtown signals a postmodern erasure of communal identity-replaced by the commodified spectacle of Disney capitalism. The lakes are not natural; they are engineered liminal zones designed to induce passive consumption. The alligators? Metaphors for predatory capital. The Homestead Exemption? A neoliberal trap. To live here is to be complicit in a system that values ROI over soul. I weep for the children who will never know the scent of a real bookstore.
chioma okwara
November 11, 2025 AT 06:34you spelled ‘Kissimmee’ wrong in the title. It’s K-I-S-S-I-M-M-E-E. Not K-I-S-S-I-M-E-E. And you said ‘no state income tax’ but forgot to mention the sales tax is 7.5%. Also, the alligator thing? That’s not scary. That’s Florida. We got snakes in our shower in Lagos. You think that’s bad? Try a cockroach the size of your thumb. This post is basic.