Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Kissimmee, FL

Are you considering a move to Kissimmee but wondering if it’s the right choice for you? With its warm weather, friendly community, and world-famous theme parks, Kissimmee may seem like a dream come true. However, like any city, it has its advantages and disadvantages.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of 10 pros and cons to consider when deciding whether Kissimmee is a good place to live. From the beautiful weather to the potential risks of hurricanes and flooding, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of what it’s like to live in this Central Florida city. So, whether you’re looking for an apartment or new home in Kissimmee or simply curious about life in the area, keep reading to learn more.

Pros of living in Kissimmee

One of the biggest pros of living in Kissimmee is the weather. Kissimmee enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 62 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can enjoy outdoor activities and events all year long without having to worry about snow or extremely cold temperatures. With sunshine nearly every day of the year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings that Kissimmee has to offer.

Another great reason to move to Kissimmee is the diversity and friendliness of the community. The city has a mix of residents from different backgrounds and cultures, which makes it a welcoming place for people from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a close-knit neighborhood or a more urban setting, you’ll find plenty of options in Kissimmee.

Kissimmee is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks and attractions. From Walt Disney World to Gatorland to Universal Studios Florida, there’s something for everyone in Kissimmee.

You can spend a day exploring the rides and attractions at the theme parks or take a leisurely stroll through the nearby nature parks and preserves. Additionally, Kissimmee is a short drive away from many other popular destinations, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Everglades, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Compared to other major cities in Florida, Kissimmee has a lower cost of living. Housing prices are more affordable, with homes selling for a median price of $330,000. This is lower than Orlando, FL, which has a median sale price of $345,000, and the average for the state of Florida, which has a median sale price of $390,000.

You’ll find that the cost of groceries, utilities, and other expenses are generally lower as well. This makes it a great option for people who want to live in Florida without breaking the bank. Additionally, Kissimmee offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, so you can find a place that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Is Kissimmee a good place to live for outdoor enthusiasts? You bet. Kissimmee is surrounded by natural beauty, with numerous parks, lakes, and preserves located nearby. One of the most notable natural attractions is the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, a series of interconnected lakes that offer plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Additionally, the nearby Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) is known for its bass fishing and is a popular spot for both recreational and professional anglers. If you’re someone who enjoys spending time in nature, Kissimmee is the perfect place to be.

Your next home is just a tap away

Kissimmee, like much of Florida, has a high level of humidity throughout the year. This can make the hot temperatures feel even more oppressive and uncomfortable, and it can also lead to issues with mold and mildew in homes and buildings. Those who are sensitive to humidity or have respiratory issues may find it challenging to adjust to the climate in Kissimmee.

Due to its location in Florida, Kissimmee is susceptible to hurricanes and other natural disasters. As a result, home and flood insurance rates in the area can be higher than in other parts of the country. This can add to the overall cost of living in Kissimmee, and it may be a consideration for those who are purchasing a home in the area.

Along with the risk of hurricanes, Kissimmee is also susceptible to flooding due to its location near several bodies of water. This can be a concern for those who live in low-lying areas or near rivers and lakes. While there are measures in place to help mitigate the risk of flooding, such as levees and drainage systems, it’s still a potential hazard to be aware of.

While the tourism industry is a significant contributor to the local economy, it can also lead to crowds and congestion in certain areas. The theme parks and attractions in the area can draw large crowds, particularly during peak travel times. This can make it challenging for locals who want to enjoy these attractions without dealing with the crowds. Additionally, some may find that the constant influx of tourists can detract from the sense of community in the area.

While Kissimmee does have a thriving job market in certain industries, such as tourism and healthcare, it may not offer the same range of job opportunities as larger cities. This can make it challenging for those who are looking for work in other fields, or for those who are seeking more specialized positions. Additionally, the job market in Kissimmee can be competitive, particularly for entry-level positions.

Is Kissimmee a good place to live? Final thoughts

Kissimmee is an excellent place to live for many reasons so it’s no wonder that so many people are choosing to call this city home.

However, there are some potential cons to living in Kissimmee. By being aware of these potential drawbacks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can enjoy all that Kissimmee has to offer while minimizing any potential challenges. If you’re considering a move to Florida, be sure to add Kissimmee to your list of places to check out.

If you are represented by an agent, this is not a solicitation of your business. This article is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional advice from a medical provider, licensed attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional. Consumers should independently verify any agency or service mentioned will meet their needs. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines here.

Serving homebuyers and sellers in the Orlando area, Bill Josh is a top real estate agent at Redfin with the latest market insights and local expertise. With years of experience as a real estate agent in the greater Orlando area, Bill Josh possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the local market.

Connect with Bill

Kissimmee City Commissioners will consider whether to follow the recommendation by staff Tuesday and reject a bid from Orlando-based IHRMC Hotels & Resorts to renovate the Kissimmee Civic Center and build a limited-service hotel next door.

IHRMC was the sole bidder on the city’s request for qualifications for development partners to redevelop the 30-year-old civic center, but the selection committee representing various planning and economic development officials said their proposal wasn’t aligned with the city’s vision for the property that’s just steps away from the downtown SunRail station.

The hotelier proposed a $24 million budget for the renovation and new construction, but wanted the city to donate the building and land plus contribute $4 million to the renovation work. CEO Jan Gautam explained that the company would have to own the property to qualify for construction loans.

Orlando hotelier bids for Kissimmee Civic Center site, plans to build new Hampton Inn next door

The company is asking the city to transfer ownership of the Kissimmee Civic Center and contribute to the renovation.

There were multiple reasons cited for the recommendation. IHRMC was the sole bidder to respond to the request for qualifications (RFQ), so city staff felt there wasn’t another viable option to consider, and IHRMC’s proposal only scored an average of 53.5 out of 100 on the initial review. After company officials presented the plan in November, the staff noted more concerns.

“The selection committee believes the proposed incentive to donate the land, Civic Center facility, plus awarding $4 million and a two-year tax abatement to IHRMC is excessive,” Economic Development Director Tom Tomerlin wrote in the agenda memo.

Tomerlin recommends the commissioners terminate the RFQ and not proceed with negotiations with IHRMC. He suggests the Commission seek Tourist Development Taxes (TDT) to fund the Civic Center renovations and issue a new RFQ to secure a hotel partner. “Having a funded plan for this project may also enhance the market demand for a hotel downtown, which would likely attract additional interest in a future RFQ,” he added.

Have a tip about Central Florida development? Contact me at lkinsler@GrowthSpotter.com or (407) 420-6261. Follow GrowthSpotter on Facebook and LinkedIn.

ORLANDO, Fla. – New year, new memories to make!

The best part about living in Central Florida is the endless amount of happenings going on!

We’ve put together a month-by-month list of some of the biggest events and festivals coming to Central Florida this year. While this list is not all-encompassing, it has some of the biggest annual events on the docket.

This list will be updated with more details as they become available for some of the events happening later this year.

And don’t forget to sign up for our Central Florida Happenings newsletter for weekly reminders straight to your inbox!

Don't miss out! Keep up with Central Florida events, festivals and more.

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Brevard Renaissance Fair

Zora Festival

Central Florida Scottish Highland Games

Florida Manatee Festival

Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival

New Smyrna Beach Festival of the Arts

MegaCon Orlando

Oviedo Mall Winter Carnival

Space Coast Strawberry Fest

Mount Dora Arts Festival

Leesburg Mardi Gras

Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival

321: Food Fest and Craft Fair

Lazy Lovers Milk Mart

Florida Strawberry Festival

Bike Week

Grant Seafood Festival

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

International Food and Drink Festival

Ocala Brick City Beer & Wine Festival

Fiesta in the Park

Melbourne Blueberry Festival

Ormond Beach Celtic Festival

Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival

St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival

Welcome to Rockville

Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival

New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival

Space Coast Burger Battle

8th Anniversary Birthday Bash Milk Mart

Pridefest Kissimmee

Viera Country Fest

Fireworks At The Fountain

Orlando’s Magical Dining

St. Augustine Songwriters Festival

Sing Out Loud Festival

Fall festivals kick off

Winter Park Autumn Art Festival

Biketoberfest

Halifax Art Festival

50th Annual Great Day in the Country

Asian Lantern Festival

Dazzling Lights

Holiday festivals and light displays

Check out the Florida Foodie podcast. You can find every episode in the media player below:

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Salvation Army is changing its plans this Thanksgiving to meet the needs of people in Osceola County.

After a fire destroyed their building on Union Street in Kissimmee, the group plans to bus people to their headquarters in Orlando for a holiday meal.

Captain Ken Chapman, the area commander of the Salvation Army, says it’s worth the time and resources to make sure everyone has a place to go and a meal to share on the holiday.

“Just because someone did something against us doesn’t mean we should let those people suffer,” said Chapman.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

Police arrested Cordearo Mable after the fire on Nov. 6. Officials say he admitted to starting the fire. Chapman told News 6 that Mable had frequently used their services and was trespassed from the building earlier in the day.

The building was destroyed along with everything inside it, including office equipment, kitchen equipment, new washers and dryers, and the food pantry.

Chapman says they will send mini-buses back and forth several times from the Union Street location between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.

[RELATED: Help get results for thousands of children, seniors this holiday with Angel Tree]

In Orlando, work is already underway to prepare Thursday’s meal.

News 6 went inside the kitchen at Valencia College where 4,000 cookies were baked and packaged by volunteers Tuesday. Chef Alex Erdmann, the dean of the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, says the cookies are placed in to-go bags along with a packaged meal and cutlery. People who eat lunch at the headquarters Thursday will get pumpkin pie for dessert.

“This facility is maxed out. We’re doing 8,000 portions,” said Erdmann. “We produce it here. We ship it over to the Salvation Army Headquarters. They are going to distribute it there to the homeless and folks who can share a meal. And of course, we have our church volunteers that ship it out into the community. So, it really touches a lot of folks.

[WATCH: Salvation Army Angel Tree campaign kicks off in Orlando]

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Today's Forecast for Kissimmee, FL

Next Hours

Weather Today in Kissimmee, FL

Feels Like53°

7:19 am

5:50 pm

High / Low

--/53°

Wind

5 mph

Humidity

91%

Dew Point

52°

Pressure

30.11 in

UV Index

0 of 11

Visibility

10 mi

Moon Phase

Waxing Crescent

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